Mindset Shift

Key concept: Developing a growth mindset

Almost every key concept discussed — like motivation from the last article in this series — triggers an affirmative head nod, an agreement that, yes, of course, this is important. Acknowledgment isn’t the goal; the objective is to generate an ultra awareness of these concepts that motivates us to practice, train and embody them. In other words, to actually do them, not just agree that you know them.

The book “The Knowing-Doing Gap” says that the gap between knowing something and taking action is a more difficult gulf to traverse than the gap between ignorance and knowledge. The problem isn’t simply about what we don’t know; it’s what we know and do nothing about. So understanding the traits of a fixed or growth mindset can be the difference between a flailing or sustainable career.

A fixed mindset is the belief that a person’s abilities, intelligence and talents are inherent traits that cannot be developed or changed. 

People with this mindset tend to:

Creating immobilizing obstacles, like fear of failure, self-doubt fueled by negative thoughts and unrealistic expectations, contributes to increased stress and burnout. 

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence, abilities and talents can be developed through dedicated effort, learning and persistence. People who embody a growth mindset:

This approach leads to personal growth and fosters resilience, motivation and continuous learning. No one is completely one or the other, and where we fall on the spectrum is shaped by a combination of psychological, social and environmental factors, such as our beliefs and experiences, our views on intelligence, the feedback of teachers, parents and peers, family background and education, personality traits, neuroscience and motivation. It’s a lot. A growth mindset is a skill, and any skill can be learned and developed. To develop it, focus on:

While the process may sound simple, it’s not easy. However, with dedication and the right mindset, it’s a journey worth taking.

Regular self-reflection is a key part of this journey. It allows you to track your progress, identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategies accordingly. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth. And most important of all: Shift your perspective on effort. Effort is the path to mastery, not something futile or burdensome.

Consistently apply these strategies, put in the reps and stack the days when your growth mindset is more significant than your fixed inclinations. You will see the concept’s magic and achieve more substantial work and life satisfaction.

How can we build this growth mindset muscle?

• Recognize fixed mindset traps. Stay curious and examine why you think what you think.

• Embrace challenges, viewing them as puzzles to solve rather than obstacles. Consistently step outside your comfort zone and stretch your abilities.

• Adopt the word “yet.” Instead of, “I can’t do that,” say, “I can’t do that — yet.”

• Learn from feedback and advice — be open, and don’t take criticism personally.

• Persist through setbacks — things seldom go according to plan. Develop resilience and understand that failure is part of the learning process and a necessary step toward mastery.

• Celebrate effort. Focus on the process, not the outcome.

• Cultivate curiosity and lifelong learning. What we don’t know today is our most significant opportunity for the future. Never stop seeking and learning.

• Surround yourself with growth-minded people. As author Jim Rohn explains, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so make sure they encourage and challenge you to grow.