Discover the power of a growth mindset. Let me share something fascinating with you – the power of a growth mindset and how it can benefit us big time. For years, psychologist and professor Carol Dweck worked on some research and discovered something awesome: students’ mindsets affect their motivation and achievement.
When they believed they could develop their intelligence (growth mindset), they outperformed those with a fixed mindset.
Professor Dweck explains: perhaps the most common misconception is simply equating the growth mindset with effort. Certainly, effort is key to any achievement, but it’s not the only thing.
A growth mindset isn’t just about effort.
Sure, effort is vital, but it’s not the only thing. We need to try new strategies and seek help when stuck. An effort is a means to learning and improving, not just an end in itself.
Unfortunately, sometimes people misuse the growth mindset concept. They praise effort without focusing on actual learning, which doesn’t help anyone. We need to embrace challenges and setbacks, not just feel good about putting in the effort.
Recently, someone asked her what keeps her up at night. It’s the fear that the mindset concepts, which grew up to counter the failed self-esteem movement, will be used to perpetuate that movement.
In other words, if you want to make people feel good, even if they’re not learning, just praise their effort! Want to hide learning gaps from them? Just tell them, “Everyone is smart!”
By being aware of our fixed-mindset triggers, we can move closer to a genuine growth mindset.
She also came across something called a “false growth mindset.” Some of us claim to have it, but our actions don’t align. It’s a journey, not a mere label.
So, here’s her advice: let’s acknowledge that:
- We’re all a mixture of fixed and growth mindsets
- We will probably always be
- If we want to move closer to a growth mindset in our thoughts and practices, we need to stay in touch with our fixed-mindset thoughts and deeds.
If we “ban” the fixed mindset, we will surely create false growth mindsets.
Instead of banning the fixed mindset, let’s legitimize it.
So, what are your triggers?
Watch for that reaction when you face challenges or setbacks.
Which self-limiting beliefs are operating behind that fixed mindset?
Identify, embrace and accept your thoughts, emotions, and feelings, and work through them to challenge and overcome them on your growth-mindset journey.
Guess what? We are all on this journey, learning and growing every step of the way. Let’s unlock the true potential of a growth mindset together with Shifta!
Shifta provides reflecting exercises that help you identify the underlying emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that hold you back, allowing you to shift to make positive changes when you need them most.
