Develop a Growth Mindset
Is it possible to develop a growth mindset?
Absolutely! If you feel like your current mindset might be holding you back, you can absolutely make some strides to develop and grow. The fact is, even if we have a growth mindset, sometimes we get bogged down with insecurities and failures, which then allows negative self-talk and a defeatist attitude to take hold.
Habits are hard to break, especially those we have cultivated for many years. A smoker might try a dozen times before finally quitting. It might take several attempts and a multitude of lifestyle changes for another to lose weight. And if you are sitting firm in a fixed mindset, why even try? Right?
Let’s take a gander at a few ways to develop a growth mindset and let go of the self-limiting perspective of a fixed mindset. But first, let’s briefly review the difference between a growth and a fixed mindset.
Growth Mindset
If this is your mindset, you believe anything is possible! You can learn anything, try anything and achieve anything if you are persistent and put in enough effort. You’ve got the basic skills of life and the sky is the limit.
Your basic skills are simply a starting point to reaching any goal you set forth. Your belief is that intelligence can be nurtured and developed, but it’s up to you.
Fixed Mindset
Although those with a fixed mindset want to appear intelligent, they also believe they are as smart as they will ever be and need to use their current skillset to attain success. Their “fixed” intelligence cannot be modified as far as they are concerned.
What’s more, there is a fear of appearing subpar or unintelligent to their peers because redemption from such shame is impossible.
So, here’s a few ways to develop a growth mindset and let go of the self-limiting perspective of a fixed mindset.
Download: Develop Your Mindset for Success
Work Your Weaknesses
One of the most powerful tools you’ll find is in how you view your weaknesses. Of course, you’ve got to acknowledge the weakness, but then reframe this as a positive instead of a disadvantage. From this viewpoint, a weakness is nothing more than an opportunity. An opportunity to grow and learn something new.
Choose one a time and master it. For example, if you’re trying to lose 20 pounds and you find yourself on lunch break in a drive-thru window making poor choices, pack your lunch and avoid that whole fiasco for a while.
Almost any skill or behavior can be modified, improved or mastered by constant and mindful repetition. This is the essential basis of a growth mindset – we are (and become) what we do, most often.
Be Strategic
When you’re attempting to create a new habit or learn a new skill, your best approach is going to be using the method where you are most receptive. Some folks are visual learners.
Some prefer reading and research while others are more responsive when hands-on. Be strategic in your approach so your results are more likely to stick. Do what works for you!
Remember: Learning is a Process
If you’re focus is entirely on the end result, it’s easier to throw in the towel, throw your hands up and give up before you even really get started. Make sure you point your focus toward the journey and not simply the destination. It helps hugely if you can find joy in the process.
Don’t be afraid to give yourself a nice pat on the back or a reward for the baby steps too! Not only is it motivating to continue, it makes the struggles a little easier to bear.
In conclusion, if you feel you have more of a fixed mindset, don’t despair, with a little effort, you can develop a growth mindset, which will help you attain your goals.
Mindset Resource
Download: Develop Your Mindset for Success
Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. If you’d like support during your transformation, book a 1-on-1 conversation with me here and we’ll talk about how coaching can boost your results!