In this post, we’ll unpack all you need to know about the Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset, defining exactly what they are, the differences, the power of having a Growth Mindset, how to shift from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset and more.
What Is A Fixed Mindset?
A Fixed Mindset (FM) is the belief that our personality and success is inborn and cannot be cultivated with time, effort and practice.
Characteristics of people with a FM include:
- Talents, abilities and intelligence are fixed.
- Run from mistakes with a desire to look smart.
- Avoid challenges.
- Give up easily in the face of failures and setbacks.
- Threatened by the success of others.
- Ignore critical feedback even though it may be highly relevant and useful.
- Avoid new experiences because of a fear of failure.
- Look for people who reinforce their self esteem.
- Focus on the outcome since they consider results as their identity.
- Leads to cheating and deception.
What Is A Growth Mindset?
A Growth Mindset (GM) is the belief that our personality and success isn’t inborn and can be cultivated with time, effort and practice.
Characteristics of people with a GM include:
- Talents, abilities and intelligence can be developed through time, effort and practice.
- Engage deeply and process mistakes with a desire to correct them.
- Embrace challenges.
- Persevere in the face of failures and setbacks.
- Inspired by the success of others.
- Accept and use critical feedback as a way to learn.
- Embrace new experiences with a desire to master new skills.
- Look for people who challenge them to grow.
- Focus on the process and learning.
- Leads to collaboration and innovation.
The Power Of Having A GM
Studies show that people with a Growth Mindset consistently outperform people with a Fixed Mindset.
We are either growing or we’re dying ― it’s a basic fundamental Law Of The Universe. Growth is also one of the 6 Human Needs. Growth is not possible without having a Growth Mindset.
When we shift from a FM to a GM, we shift our perspective. We see the world through a different lens, one that allows us to thrive in times of challenge. One that allows us to see “problems” as opportunities for learning and growth.
While a Fixed Mindset contracts us, a Growth Mindset expands us. The most successful people in any area of life have an insatiable desire to be, do and have more. They are always looking for ways to improve and stretch themselves and constantly striving to reach new heights. It is a GM that allows us to achieve our full potential.
Adopting a Growth Mindset also improves relationships. Unlike a Fixed Mindset that says relationships are either ‘meant to be’ or not meant to be, a GM says that you, your partner and the relationship itself are capable of growth and change.
The Growth Mindset also applies to ― and can be developed in ― organisations. Adopting a GM within an organisation leads to innovation and increased productivity. People who work in GM organisations have significantly more trust in their company and a significantly greater sense empowerment, ownership and commitment. People who work in FM organisations express a significantly greater interest in leaving.
How To Shift From A Fixed To A Growth Mindset
Mindset is a matter of belief. Therefore, we can shift from a FM to a GM by adopting new beliefs that empower and support us in achieving our goals and the life we desire.
Here are 4 ways you can cultivate a Growth Mindset:
- Change Your Belief ― Create a new compelling belief that your personality and success can be honed and developed with time, effort and practice.
- Visualise Success ― What we think, we become. The more you see yourself achieving your goals, the more confident and motivated you’ll be in achieving them and the more you will achieve them, creating a positive self-reinforcing cycle.
- See Problems As Opportunities ― There are no such thing as problems ― there are only opportunities. Reframing problems as opportunities provides us with ways to learn and grow.
- Become Curious ― Quality questions create a quality life. When we approach life from a place of curiosity, we ask questions that put us in a position to learn and grow.
When we shift from a Fixed Mindset and to a Growth Mindset we transform the way to perceive, experience and interact with the world around us and arm ourselves with the ability to become Masters of our Destiny instead of Slaves to our Fate.
Summary (TL;DR)
A Fixed Mindset is the belief that our personality is innate and therefore cannot be changed and developed. A Growth Mindset is the belief that our personality is malleable and therefore can be changed and developed.
A FM and a GM is the difference between failure and success. It is the difference between whether we don’t or do have the opportunity to strive to achieve our full potential.
By shifting from a FM to a GM, we empower ourselves with the beliefs, skills and tools necessary for us to achieve our goals and the life we desire.
A growth mindset not only emphasizes the belief that “I can do better next time” but also honestly works toward learning about and setting up the rules, skills, and models for future success. Also, in my opinion, a growth mindset requires that we “tag” the journey–make it more important than the goal. That is just having a tool or process for adding a physiological state of high positivity as we conclude each of the small tasks we do that add marginal gains to the goal. The idea is how we do anything is how we do everything. The brain will start endorsing those tasks with little willpower or motivation, because it knows the reward is there.