First, some history: In her book, Mindset, psychologist Carol S. Dweck introduced the idea that people have two different types of mindsets—a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. She writes: “For 30 years, my research has shown that the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.” So what does this mean in practicality? According to Dweck’s book: “It can determine whether you become the person you want to be and whether you accomplish the things you value.” Read on to learn more about what a growth mindset is and the benefits of this type of thinking, plus tips for how to cultivate a growth mindset yourself.
What is a fixed mindset?
According to Dweck’s book, “Believing that your qualities are carved in stone—the fixed mindset—creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over.” Why so? “If you have only a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, and a certain moral character—well, then you’d better prove that you have a healthy dose of them.”
What is a growth mindset?
“In this mindset,” Dweck says, “the hand you’re dealt is just the starting point for development. This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies, and help from others.” In short, Dweck says: “Although people may differ in every which way—in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments—everyone can change and grow through application and experience.” Psychologist and author Dr. Lauren Cook explains the concept further: “A growth mindset is when we optimistically hold hope for our potential. We believe that we can continually develop, learn, and enhance our skills.” This matters “because it can give purpose and meaning to life, even in the toughest moments,” says mindset coach and creator of Project Limitless, Nick Pags. “It’s easy to be down and negative during tough times, but a growth mindset offers the opportunity to use all life’s happenings as a way to feel freer, more joyous, more abundant, and more fulfilled than you ever have.” The best part: As Dweck’s research proves, having a growth mindset actually works. “It’s so effective because nothing offers better lessons than life itself. When we make peace with those lessons, we find less problems through new perspectives,” Pags elaborates. So what does having a growth mindset look like in action? “We often engage more when we hold a growth mindset because there is an inherent purpose in the work we are doing,” Dr. Cook explains. “We believe that we are moving forward with each step and our effort is not in vain.” 100 Growth Mindset Quotes
Benefits of a growth mindset
There are tons of benefits of having a growth mindset. These benefits include:
How to cultivate a growth mindset
30+ Ways to Change Your Life
Growth mindset roadblocks
With all the growth mindset benefits, why do some people stay stuck in a fixed mindset? “The most common roadblock people face in attempting to live in a growth mindset is themselves,” Pags explains. “You have convinced yourself for a slew of reasons that it’s not for you, so it will not be.” It all comes down to the truths you tell yourself: “What you believe to be true for you will be true for you,” he says, “so be careful with the things you regularly tell yourself.” Sometimes, a fear of what others will think can also hold you back from adopting a growth mindset. “Your need to look good for others can keep you from even having a chance of living in a growth mindset If the people closest to you would make fun of you or scoff at your attempt to live with this powerful mindset, you’ll keep yourself from even trying so you don’t risk looking silly,” Pags says. If this worry is holding you back, Pags says to yourself this: “Are you willing to let others’ opinions be the leading factor in the choices you make in your life?” Next, check out 100 quotes about change.
