Did you know that acccording to Stanford University Professor Carol Dweck, who wrote the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”, a person can be one of two very distinct mindset patterns. Either you’re walking around with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.
Hmmm… now you know that I am thinking, right? I mean which one am I and is that the reason that I feel stuck sometimes. Admit it, you are thinking the same thing, right? We can all agree that our belief system is critical for success – you have to believe in yourself in order to succeed, right?
Do you have the traits of a person with a fixed mindset? Do you believe that traits are static, unable to be changed and that you’re born with a certain level of intelligence, natural talents and abilities? Do you believe that you can’t improve on those qualities? Do you avoid doing anything that is a challenge because you believe that you are not naturally good at it, so why bother? Guess what, you have a fixed mindset.
Now, what about the traits of a person with a growth mindset. Do you believe that you can learn a skill or trait? Do you believe that intelligence can always be improved? Can your talents be learned and refined? Do you invite challenges, obstacles and feedback because you love growth? You guessed it – you have a growth mindset and will reach a different level of success then those with a fixed mindset.
If you fit the bill of a “fixed mindset”, then here are a few ways for you to foster a “growth mindset”
- Know the difference. Seems simple, but just knowing the difference between the fixed and growth mindset will enable you to make a shift in your belief about the world and your capabilities.
- Monitor your inner dialogue. We all have a running inner dialogue that never rests. Be sure you become aware of what those voices are saying to you and about you.
- Recognize you do have a choice. You have a choice in how you approach the world and your belief systems. When you realize you can change, you begin to see areas where you can make the necessary tweaks to get on the path to success.
- Talk back to your fixed mindset regularly. Sometimes you just need to give your fixed mindset a piece of your mind. By talking back to your fixed mindset with statements like “This can be learned” or “I can change this” or “I know this challenge or obstacle will prove useful and I can learn from it” you will help reprogram how you approach yourself, your relationships, your business and how you engage with the world.
Share with us which mindset you are – fixed or growth.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 