Growth vs Fixed Mindset: Which are you?

Our mindset plays a significant role in how we see ourselves and others. It shapes whether we believe we can learn and grow or not. This is why understanding our mindset is essential in our development as adults. Carol Dwek coined two terms to describe two mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

The way we view problems, competitions, failure, and so much more is determined by which mindset we adopt. We are going to explore both a little today to help us adopt the right one as we continue on in this new year.

Fixed mindset vs growth mindset

1. The way we view talent and effort.

People with a fixed mindset believe they are naturally gifted at things, that they are born with talent. If we can't do something, it is what it is, and we are incapable of learning. People with a growth mindset believe they can learn anything; they are more likely to develop if they try hard enough. They take control of situations, whereas, in a fixed mindset, individuals believe they have no control.

1. The way we view problems

Fixed mindsets reject problems, especially if they feel like they are not equipped to deal with them. Whereas growth mindsets welcome problems, if they are not equipped, they will find a way to be (think of that friend that is always quick to google everything) and believe the more problems they solve, the more they learn.

1. Who we view as competition

People with a fixed mindset are constantly seeking the approval of others. They need to validate themselves by continually telling people what they know. People with a growth mindset are not concerned with doing better than others but rather feel satisfied pushing themselves. They are excited by seeing how far they can push their limits through practice and occasional failure. They look within and analyse themselves, whereas people with a fixed mindset analyse and judge others because they want to do better than them.

1. How we view failure

Because they believe they are a finished product, fixed mindset people see failure as a personal attack; they say "I am a failure", failure becomes their identity. Any past success has been wiped away by this one failure. People with a growth mindset can detach failure from them and recognise that it's a learning opportunity. Michael Jorden didn't make every shot, but he saw every failed shot as an opportunity to learn, so he would practice his missed shots to ensure he didn't miss them again. He would analyse his mistakes, practice and take advice from others.

To sumiraie the diffeerencees.

A growth mindset is about rewarding the process, effort, learning, and recognising the importance of seeking help from others, trying new strategies, and capitalising on setbacks to move forward effectively. Dr Carol Dweck speaks about how switching our vocabulary from "I failed" or "I can't do it" to "not yet" and "I can't do it yet" plays a vital role in developing the growth mindset, with research showing that it improves performance amongst students.

Rebert Kiyosaki covered this in his book rich dad poor dad. He describes his rich dad as having a growth mindset and his poor dad as having a fixed mindset. Poor dad would say “I can't afford it”, whereas rich dad would say, “how can I afford it”. Instead of accepting defeat and feeling like he is a slave to his circumstances, he puts his brain to work by exercising his mind. The same way our body becomes stronger when we exercise, our mind becomes stronger when we put it to work.

Fixed mindset people believe that abilities are innate. They don't believe in the capacity to grow, so making mistakes makes them feel inadequate and incapable. They are less receptive to feedback because they see it as an attack on who they are rather than learning from it. They see failure as permanent and are less likely to take on challenging tasks and put in less effort. They are focused on how they look and how people perceive them. They use comparison to console themself by finding people who perform worse than them.

What are the advantages of a growth mindset?

1. Creates collaboration, not a competition between people

2. Deals with comparison and puts the focus back on the individual

3. Individuals would be committed to growth and open to feedback

4. Creates a culture of openness and honesty

Developing the growth mindset

Babies are born with a growth mindset, but the adults (parents, teachers) in our lives set a mindset example that influences what mindset we continue to develop. We can all develop a growth mindset. It can be challenging, but it is not impossible. I would argue that having a growth mindset is also recognising that we are a mixture of growth and fixed mindset. We all have our fixed-mindset triggers, whether when we face challenges, receive criticism, or feel poorly compared with others. It is essential to recognise these triggers and address them as they arise and this will help us as we develop our growth mindset.

I really hope you were enjoyed learning about the fixed and growth mindset with me this week.

Peace and love

Heike Faith :)