In recent years the phrase “Growth Mindset” has become a buzz word among large companies and organizations. You can find it in mission statements, job postings, and company memos-but what exactly is a growth mindset?
Someone who is in a growth mindset believes that the abilities they currently possess can be improved upon and developed through dedication and hard work.
Often times there are people or companies who believe (either consciously or unconsciously) that their natural gifts or talents exclude them from the need to continue growing and learning.
This is what is known as a fixed mindset in that the belief is held that talent and other abilities are innate and unchangeable.
So then, what’s the problem with that?
When we allow ourselves to believe that our natural talent will carry us as far as we want to go we are robbing ourselves of the opportunity that humility brings us to grow and learn. A fixed mindset isn’t always rooted in pride however, it can also come from a place of insecurity and hopelessness. If you are living in a fixed mindset and something does not come easily to you, you’re at a higher risk of allowing discouragement to deter your efforts all together.
Here are some examples of things that someone with a fixed mindset will think or say:
“I’m either good at it or I’m not.”
“Someone else can probably do it better than I can anyways.”
“I’d rather stick to what I know”
“I would rather be confident than challenged.”
Do you see a common thread here? When we live in a fixed mindset we are actively limiting ourselves and our capabilities. Discouragement steps in and tells us that we may as well not try if it doesn’t come easily to us. The problem is the belief here that talent is bestowed at birth and those not marked by it’s attributes are cursed to never find it. How depressing is that?!
Something not coming easily to you doesn’t mean that it’s not yours for the taking-it just means you have to reach a little farther to grab it. A growth mindset sees nothing as out of reach with hard work and dedication.
Some examples of a growth mindset:
“Failure is an opportunity for me to grow.”
“My effort and attitude determine my abilities.”
“Feedback is constructive.”
“The success of others inspires me to find it for myself.”
Do you see the over arching theme here? A growth mindset is an optimistic outlook on the skills you are capable of attaining over time. People who are firmly planted in this way of thinking don’t see a challenge and run away from it, they are are excited at the opportunity to grow through adversity. There is also passion for learning that comes with this way of thinking that will benefit you for your whole life both personally and professionally.
So then, I ask you, are you in a fixed or growth mindset?
As a leader, are you willing to continue to learn and grow and accept constructive criticism?
As a team member, are you eager to tackle new tasks you typically wouldn’t have been inclined towards?
As a student, are you willing to put your head down and tackle the subjects you were never good at?
The good thing about your answers-should you find yourself to be stuck in a fixed mindset-is that your way of thinking is never a life sentence.
You don’t have to stay where you are, isn’t that exciting?
So I challenge you this week to place yourself in a growth mindset and see what you’re capable of when you allow yourself the opportunity to never stop learning and chasing after the things you want.
Lead Well,
