Growth vs Fixed-Mindset - Adopting a Growth-Mindset
Over the past 2 years, I’ve been shifting from a fixed-mindset to a growth-mindset and I feel much more happy now as a result. I lead a more intentional life. Here’s why I think a growth-mindset is better than a fixed one.
What’s the difference between the two?
A person with a fixed mindset believes that there is a limit to their skills and potential.
Someone with a growth-mindset believes that there is no limit to their potential. They are always striving towards improvement.
A person with a fixed-mindset will say things like:
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
“I suck at X. I’ll never get better no matter how hard I try.“
Fundamentally, people with fixed-mindsets look extrinsically to others for validation of their skills and themselves. They rely on what others tell them rather then what they themselves personally believe. This is especially common during childhood. I, much like other kids, would take everything that my parents or any adult says as fact. For example:
“My parents said that I’m bad at playing the guitar and that I’m wasting my time trying. They’re older than me and have more life experience. What do I know? They’re probably right. I give up.“
Why adopt a growth-mindset?
There are so many advantages of having a growth-mindset over a fixed one. With a growth-mindset, you give yourself more power over your life instead of giving power to others.
How to develop a growth-mindset?
Here’s the easiest way to start cultivating a growth-mindset. Stop and ask yourself this question: “why?“.
“Why can’t I be good at playing the guitar? What is actually stopping me from improving.”
Is it because you are following what someone else told you when you were younger? Is it what society dictates? Here’s the thing, you (should) know yourself better than anyone else. You know your capabilities more than anyone else. Why should you listen to someone who doesn’t know capabilities and potential?
There are three main reasons why people discourage others from doing things:
They suck at doing X, so, by extension, X is impossible for everybody else. Because they can’t do it well.
No-one they know can do X, therefore, doing X is impossible.
Simply, jealousy!
Understanding these 3 reasons make it easier to understand why fixed-minded people behave the way they do. So, with all this in mind, you can now realize that none of these reasons are physically preventing you from doing the thing you want to do.
Some traits of a fixed-minded person
Resistant to change. E.g. “We had it hard so everyone else should have it hard too. Why should they have it easy?“ or “In our time, we didn’t have XYZ like you guys have now so don’t have the right to complain.“
Avoids challenges and gives up easily. When the going gets tough, the weak give up and fold like a cheap suit.
Believes effort is futile. “I’ll never be good at learning languages no matter how hard I try. I don’t have the learning gene“ (complete BS).
Believe making mistakes and failing are the end of the world. “I answered a question wrong in front of everyone. Everyone will think I’m stupid“ (they won’t, they’ll literally forget about it in an hour).
Some traits of a growth-minded person
Embraces change and seeks self-improvement
Actively seeks and adapts to challenges.
Believes the effort is worth it.
Embraces mistakes and failures, recognizes that they are part of the process and learns from them.
Some ways to shift to a growth mindset
Rephrase what you tell yourself. Instead of saying “I can’t do X“, think “what is stopping me from doing X”. Most commonly, the answer is fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of what others think etc. Realize that your fear is misguided and that there is literally nothing holding you back from doing the thing you are putting off.
Practise, trust the process and put in the effort. The other reason why you are not improving in the thing you suck at is that you’re not being consistent and you’re not putting in the time to practise. You may have given up before you’ve fully committed yourself just because someone discouraged you. All you need to do is put in the effort and the time consistently. If you do this, it is inevitable that you will improve and end up really good at the thing. And realize that this takes time. Yes, natural talent can get you ahead initially, but hard work and consistency is what will make you improve and take you far. But again, this takes time. Don’t buy into hustle culture and instant gratification. Improvement takes time!
Daily improvement is the goal!
Aiming to be only 1% better everyday makes you improve exponentially!
- Treat things as experiments. If you fail, learn from it. Most things are not permanent and can be reversed.
- Realize that you know you capabilities better than anyone else. Take about 30 minutes and do an honest evaluation of yourself. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Your tendencies. Then work on both your strengths and weaknesses. I realized that I am capable of a lot of things and that desire to try and succeed has become addicting. I don’t need someone to tell me what I can and can’t do because I know myself best and know how I can maximize my potential. You can realize and maximize your potential too!
Have a fantastic night and take care!
For further reading:
Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset: How To Shift To A Path Of Learning And Growth
