Develop a Growth Mindset

When you think of successful, skilled, or brilliant people, do you wonder how do they get there? Did they work hard for those traits? Were they simply fortunate or gifted?

Do you believe these traits are the consequence of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes? Or do you believe that talent, intelligence, and success are all genetically determined and that some people are just naturally gifted in specific areas while others aren’t?

These two different viewpoints are known as fixed and growth mindsets.

“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. 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.” ― Carol S. Dweck,

It is important for everyone, not just professionals, to adopt a growth mindset. The power is within you to climb mountains, weather storms, and ride waves! Let’s ditch the fixed mindset and start developing a growth mindset!

10 ways to develop a growth mindset

To better understand what a growth mindset is, let’s dig a little deeper. In this article, we have compiled 10 techniques to help you unlock your growth mindset. Here we go!

Reflect

It is important to acknowledge, reflect, and embrace your failures. The first step toward cultivating a growth mindset is to become aware of your areas for improvement. Brushing your flaws under the rug will only stifle your ability to succeed.

Find your reason

Cultivating a growth mindset with a strong purpose will lead to the realization that there are always other methods to attain your goals. Take some time to think about what you want to do with your life.

Accept challenges

Shattering the negative view of difficulty is an important part of creating a growth mindset. Accept challenges and see them as valuable learning opportunities that you would not otherwise have. “The greatest error you can make in life is to be constantly afraid of making a mistake,”- Elbert Hubbard.

Encourage grit

Grit is the ability to persevere in the face of adversity to achieve a worthwhile end goal. Keep your grit. It gives you the motivation to keep going and keep your promises.

Integrate “yet”

Adding the word yet to your vocabulary conveys the idea that you can overcome any obstacles. It only takes a little time and effort. Growth mindset exercises, such as yet, help to transform a fixed perspective into a growth mindset.

Jot down goals

People with a growth mentality understand that once one objective is accomplished, they may move on to the next. Create a list of specific, attainable goals based on your passion and purpose. Also, make sure you give yourself enough time to thoroughly overcome them.

Change your mindset

Negative, pessimistic, and no-can-do attitudes are common in fixed mindsets. Now is the time to get rid of those notions. Positive, optimistic thinking can instantaneously change your mood, inspiring not only you but everyone around you.

Ask for feedback

A growth mindset seeks out input from peers, friends, and leadership regularly. It’s an opportunity to discover lessons, learn from mistakes, and invest time in skills that will benefit you in the long run.

Practice mindfulness

Mental and physical workouts are also part of the development mindset formula. Meditation, walking, or simply stretching can help you focus on the current now, meditate on your surroundings, and clear your thoughts.

Appreciate your journey

Seeing the value in your path is a key part of developing a development mindset. When you’re too focused on the result, you’ll miss out on important learning opportunities that will help you advance professionally. A growth mindset recognizes the beauty of overcoming obstacles.

Now that you’ve learned about growth and fixed mindsets, which camp do you think you belong to?

If you agree with the growth mindset notion, that’s fantastic! You’ve come a long way in terms of refining your skills. However, because most of us are a mix of the two, spend some time focusing on areas where your mindset may be more fixed.

If you believe you have a fixed mindset, the next question you should ask yourself is, “Is this something I want to change?”

Conclusion

A growth mindset loves difficulties, perseveres in the face of setbacks, accepts responsibility for their words and actions, and recognizes hard work is the way to mastery.

By putting in the extra effort to develop a growth mindset, you can make your mental processes work for you, increasing your chances of getting the results you desire and living the life you want.