Value Of A Growth Mindset

Dr. Carol S. Dweck, pioneer in the study of fixed versus growth mindsets, demonstrated that in predicting success, it doesn’t matter whether someone is gifted or not. What matters is a person’s belief that they can succeed and prevail.

The person who doesn’t succeed is often blocked by a fixed mindset

— that is, a mindset that assumes abilities and talents are given, limited and minimally subject to improvement.

This person believes they were born with certain qualities, both positive and negative.

And that they are largely fixed throughout life.

While they usually recognize the value of training and education, when it comes to raising their horizons and imagining a bold and strikingly different future, it’s often just beyond them.

A growth mindset,

on the other hand, is one in a constant state of flux and at work improving, expanding and honing all inherent talents and gifts, as well as adding to and improving those acquired along the way.

Those of us with a growth mindset can, with time, effort and practice, acquire and improve skills and abilities to accomplish things previously thought impossible.

With a real growth mindset, you don’t just believe this, you live it.

As Henry Ford is thought to have said, “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right.”

Ford recognized there’s nothing that will hold you back as much as the belief that you can’t do something. He didn’t call it a “fixed mindset,” but had that term been around back then, he certainly could have. He also might have recognized a fixed mindset as an unhappiness trigger.

Benefits Of Having A Growth Mindset

Those with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, use feedback and learn from failures and mistakes rather than dwell on them.

Someone with a growth mindset will enjoy learning new things.

They will, therefore, accept challenges, persist and be driven to achieve their goals.

This can help people be more creative because they are more likely to persistently pursue solutions.

With a focus on bettering oneself rather than protecting oneself.

Someone with a growth mindset will not feel threatened by the intelligence and success of others.

Instead, they will be more likely to admire others, learn from them and find inspiration in their successes.