Are you not getting on in life? Now it needs a rethink! The so-called growth mindset helps you to achieve every goal. That’s behind it.
Growth mindset: what exactly does that mean?
The term Growth mindset was coined by the researcher Carol Dweck. She looked at why some people are successful and others less so. In this sense, success has nothing to do with money – much more with the fact that we achieve what we want. During her numerous studies, the scientist found that successful people have a completely different mindset. The so-called growth mindset! On the other hand, people who are not quite making headway in their life have a fixed mindset.
And here are the differences between the two mindsets:
Fixed mindset
- You believe in well-defined talents. Skills and intelligence are limited.
- You are convinced that these steady talents determine your success in life.
- You avoid problems and conflicts.
- You give up quickly when things get uncomfortable.
- You stick to the well-known and rarely question traditions.
- The result is more important to you than the experience.
For example, people who have developed a fixed mindset say:
“I don’t do sports, I’m just not a sports guy.”
“I’ve always been bad at anything to do with technology, I don’t even have to try.”
“I would love to paint, but I just have no talent for it.”
Growth mindset
- You believe that everything can be learned.
- You are convinced that skills and talents can be expanded at any time.
- New and unknown things attract you because you can expand your knowledge.
- You accept difficulties in order to develop yourself further.
- Experience is more important to you than the result.
For example, people who have developed a growth mindset say:
“I don’t know how it works yet, but I’ll learn.”
“If I just stick with it, I will eventually succeed.”
“I can’t cook yet, so I want to learn it now.”
The disadvantages of the fixed mindset
With a fixed mindset, you limit yourself in life. You don’t take on new opportunities because you are convinced that you are unsuitable. At the same time, comparisons with others can also lead to inferiority complexes or envy. After all, people with a fixed mindset believe that certain successes are unattainable because they do not have the necessary talents. And that makes you sad and frustrated!
On the other hand, do you believe that in life can actually learn anything and no door is properly locked, you live a completely different life. Then you are one of those who have developed a growth mindset. An obstacle or difficulty no longer means that you are simply incapable and untalented. It becomes an opportunity to learn something new. In short, this will help you Growth mindset for growth and personal development. The fixed mindset, on the other hand, means standing still. It can cost you a chance or two that would have brought you closer to your dreams.
Growth Mindset or Fixed Mindset? Do the test!
Are you unsure whether you belong to the Fixed Mindset or Growth Mindset team? Now a little test can help! Take two minutes and go through the following five questions. Note how often you have chosen answers A and C – the answer will come later!
1. Your boss asks you to take on a new job for which you do not have the necessary know-how. How do you react
a) I inform my boss that I am not the best match for this job and suggest someone else.
b) First of all, I accept and deal with learning the new skills that I need for this.
c) I accept and ask my colleagues if they will teach me what I have to be able to do.
d) I inform my boss about the big hurdle and am disappointed that everything doesn’t just stay the way I know it to be.
2. A friend is learning a new hobby that is totally alien to you. What do you think?
a) I am curious and wonder if I shouldn’t start studying too.
b) I’m a little skeptical and wonder what got into her.
3. In an interview you will be asked the following: Do you think you have what it takes to be a manager? What would your answer be?
a) I can’t say that yet, but I don’t think that this corresponds to my talents.
b) I can’t say that yet, but everything can be learned, just like leadership skills.
4. You notice that you are simply not making any progress with a goal you have set yourself (for example, doing more sport). Which thoughts are familiar to you?
a) I’m just not the type for it, maybe I should just leave it.
b) I have not yet learned how to be more disciplined.
c) I better look for a hobby that corresponds to my strengths.
d) I should be more patient and give myself more time.
5. There is definitely a skill that you admire in others but have not yet tackled yourself (for example painting, cooking, technical know-how). Why? What thought do you know
a) I could never learn that.
b) I haven’t had time for it yet.
c) I just can’t do that.
d) I’m learning something else right now.
And now for the resolution!
Did you choose A and C the most? Then you are still a little caught in the fixed mindset. You think your talents and abilities are limited and defined and therefore do not trust yourself too much. A life in a golden cage!
If, on the other hand, you chose answers B and D, your thinking is more oriented towards a growth mindset. This means that you are convinced of your own ability to learn and that you believe that in principle everything can be learned (and thus also achieved).
Acquiring a growth mindset: can you change your thinking?
If you noticed from the previous exercise that you belong more to the Fixed Mindset team, don’t worry – you can change your typical thinking. The growth mindset develops when we no longer limit ourselves. As an adult, it just takes a little time and patience to transform stuck thinking patterns.
The following tips can help you:
- Rejoice more for others. Often envy comes from believing that we ourselves cannot have something desirable. This is also an expression of the fixed mindset.
- Learn to learn. In the growth mindset, the topic of learning is of paramount importance. In everyday life, keep looking for little new learning tasks that remind you that everything can be learned. For example: handicrafts, sewing or writing. Here’s how you can learn to learn.
- Take on challenges. When things get difficult, many give up – this is where the fixed mindset strikes again. See challenges as challenges. You can only get better if you face the difficulties!
- Focus on the process, not the result. Be proud of yourself if you have made an effort on a project, have learned new things and have been able to gain experience. Acknowledge your learning success – regardless of whether it is rewarded with a great grade or good feedback! This gets you a lot more than just focusing on the end performance.
- Do not rely on your talents. Banish thoughts like “I just don’t like that” or “I’ve never been able to do that”. Instead, ask yourself, “Do I still want to learn this?”
Now you know what is behind the term growth mindset. You can also find further topics relating to the job and personality area in the BRIGITTE Academy. Have a look!
Sources used: Claro, Susana & Paunesku, David & Dweck, Carol. (2016). Growth mindset tempers the effects of poverty on academic achievement. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Yeager, DS, & Dweck, CS (2020). What can be learned from growth mindset controversies? American Psychologist, 75 (9), 1269-1284