Mindset implies the set of beliefs, attitudes and assumptions that shape how each of us looks at the world and it plays a crucial role in shaping our life experiences. Our characteristic mindset will influence (or even control) how we interpret events that happen in our lives and how we will behave in any given set of circumstances.
Fundamentally, there are 2 types of mindset – a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. A fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence are innate, and therefore cannot be altered; whereas the growth mindset supports the view that these individual faculties can be improved through focussed study, commitment, and applied effort.
Embrace Challenges with a Growth Mindset
Someone characterised by a fixed mindset is more inclined to avoid challenges, and give up easily on difficult tasks, feeling that they are just wasting their time. This is because they believe in predetermined ability levels, rather embracing the idea of untapped potential. On the other hand, a person blessed with a growth mindset tends to have an innate belief in themselves; confident that they can succeed, if they do the work. Those characterised by a growth mindset are ready to take on challenges and they don’t give up when they experience setbacks. Unlike those with a fixed mindset, they believe that success will most likely come if they stay committed and consistent.
Generally speaking, people with a growth mindset also tend to be more open-minded and flexible, often leading more positive, productive and meaningful lives. Daily challenges are usually perceived as opportunities for learning and growth. The resilience that develops through embracing failure before growth and success, usually allows people to develop more positive relationships in both their personal and professional lives. Whereas those who have a more fixed mindset, often limit the evolution of their own potential due to an innate reluctance to risk personal failure. This in turn can lead to a more negative outlook on life and may even leave them feeling frustrated and disempowered.
From Fixed to Growth: the Mindset Transformation
Some of you might be reading this and thinking “oh sh*t, looks like I’ve got a fixed mindset – what can I do?”. Don’t worry, I have some good news for you.. you can change your mindset! It may not be an overnight transition, but with a bit of focussed effort on your part, you too can be the proud owner of a growth mindset!
Evolving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset requires conscious effort to challenge one’s beliefs and assumptions about the self and to recognise and embrace opportunities for growth. With practice and persistence (ie: not giving up when it gets uncomfortable), anyone can make this mindset shift and subsequently enjoy more fulfilment and success in all areas of life. Here are a few ways which may help you turn the tide on your old fixed mindset and rebrand yourself for growth!
- Self-awareness is the first step. You need to recognise and really understand the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and have the courage to call yourself out, if you see that a fixed mindset is running the show!
- Start to notice and challenge the fixed mindset beliefs. The next time you hear your internal dialogue berating yourself with “you’ll never be good enough” type of commentary, take a moment to remind yourself of a time when you actually were quite good at something. Even if it’s not directly linked to the negative limiting belief, it will help to break the power this negative self talk has over you.
- Make it a habit to look for ways in which you can challenge yourself. It doesn’t have to be every day, but try to embrace challenges as an opportunity for growth and don’t let yourself shrink back through fear of failure. Challenges can be viewed as pathways to improvement, not as threats to your self-worth.
- Enjoy the journey when you are exploring something new and don’t be obsessed with the results. Take pleasure in the process of learning and celebrate along the way your small wins – it’s not all about the big end goal.
- Listen to and learn from feedback, even if it feels uncomfortable to be criticised. Receiving criticism is hard for everyone (me included), but if you accept it as an opportunity to learn about and improve ourselves, instead of viewing it as a personal attack, it can really serve your personal growth.
- Cultivate a learning mindset by continually seeking out fresh knowledge and new skills. Embrace a lifelong love of learning and you are giving yourself permission to explore your full potential on a daily basis. Don’t be afraid to challenge your long-held limited beliefs about what is possible for you – why not aim for the stars, even if at first you only get to the moon?
Unlock Success with a Growth Mindset
Mindset is so crucial for how much fulfilment and success we experience in our lives and I encourage all of you to nourish your new success mindset every single day and embrace a life of limitless learning and growing! Steve Siebold was spot on with his famous quote..
“You’re either growing or dying. Stagnation does not exist in the Universe”
Before I go today, I just want to share something.. If you are a midlife woman looking for change in the years ahead, or you are finding yourself at a crossroads in life struggling to decide what to do next, you might just love the FREE resource I have just created – “From Good to Great: a self-audit guide for midlife women getting ready to shine!” This brand new downloadable guide will help you get a handle on where you are now and how the future is looking. Click here to grab your free guide now.
