What is a ‘growth mindset’?

 

What is a ‘growth mindset’?

And why this mindset is more important than ever

A ‘growth mindset’ is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be improved through effort, learning, and perseverance. The term was popularised by Carol Dweck, an American psychologist who studies human motivation.

Adopting a growth mindset is excellent for your wellbeing. It helps you stay motivated, persist in the face of setbacks, learn from your mistakes, and get inspired by others.

For example, if you struggle with public speaking, a growth mindset encourages you to see each presentation as an opportunity to practise rather than proof that you’re not a ‘natural’ speaker.

A ‘fixed mindset’, on the other hand, perceives that talent and abilities are fixed. This mindset might lead someone to say, “I’ll never be good at maths,” rather than seeking help or trying different learning strategies. Fixed mindsets often lead to avoiding challenges, ignoring feedback, and giving up easily.

Chances are, you have a growth mindset about some areas of your life, and a fixed mindset about others. This is normal! Awareness of the psychology behind mindset can help you realise when you’re tilting towards a fixed mindset, so you can make changes.

For example, if you’ve hit a plateau at work, try asking:

  • What can I learn from this experience?
  • How can I seek feedback to improve?
  • What strategies haven’t I tried yet?

Being aware of your mindset is especially important during times of uncertainty and change. Whether you’re navigating a career shift or learning a new hobby, adopting a growth mindset can set you up for success.

Sources:

BBC, The ‘growth mindset’ all workers need to cultivate

Carol Dweck: A summary of growth and fixed 

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