“Achieving expertise is not some fixed prior ability, but purposeful engagement.”
Robert Sternberg
It’s not always the people who start out the smartest who end up the smartest. The view you adopt of yourself has the power to affect the way you lead your life. It sets the precedent for the kind of person you become and the things you accomplish in life. And based on that, there are 2 kinds of people:
- The fixed mindset bunch who believe that their basic qualities are carved in stone.
- The growth mindset bunch who believe that qualities can be cultivated through efforts, strategies and external help.
Those with a fixed mindset have an urgency to prove themselves over and over again, simply believing that one has to live with the hand they’re dealt. They are consumed with one goal – in careers, relationships, school/college – to look smart and not look dumb. Every situation calls for a confirmation of their intelligence, personality, or character.
On the other hand, those with a growth mindset believe that the hand they’re dealt is the starting point of development. They believe that despite differing in temperament, talents, aptitudes and interests, everyone can change and grow through application and experience. They believe that a person’s true potential is unknown (and unknowable) and it’s impossible to foresee what can be accomplished with years of passion, toil, and training.
Those with a fixed mindset often label themselves (as a failure, loser, idiot) and give up in distressing situations. However, those with a growth mindset are ready to take risks, confront challenges and keep working on their weaknesses despite being disturbed. So today, let’s learn a few ways we can achieve a growth mindset.
Learn your triggers
The first step is to acknowledge that we are all a mixture of fixed and growth mindsets. The next step is to embrace that. And once we have done that, it’s time to identify the triggers where our fixed mindset can show up and create havoc. For instance, it could be when you’re struggling with something and you keep hitting dead ends. Or it when you encounter someone who’s a lot better than you in the very area you pride yourself on. Take some time and think about a recent time where this mindset was triggered. And then think about what it said to you (whether you’re a failure, a loser, unlovable, etc.). As you come to understand your triggers and get to know your persona, don’t judge it. Just observe it.
Educated your fixed mindset
The more you become aware of your fixed-mindset triggers, the more you can be on the lookout for the arrival of your fixed mindset persona. At that time, be ready to greet it when it shows up to warn you and stop you from stepping outside your comfort zone. Thank it for its input, but then tell it why you want to take this step. In case of setbacks, it is definitely going to show up again. Don’t suppress or banish it that time. Rather, let it do its thing and when it settles down, talk to it about how you plan to learn from the setback and go forward
Plans that you’ll carry out
Think of something you need to do, something you want to learn, or a problem you have to confront. Once you have it in mind, make a concrete plan by asking when, where and how questions. Then, think about it in vivid detail. These concrete plans – where you can visualize the when, where and how – are those that have higher chances of being carried out and followed through, thereby improving your chances of success. So the idea is not only to make a growth-mindset plan, but also to visualize, in a concrete way, how you’re going to carry it out.
Feeling bad, but doing good
Shortcomings are going to make one feel bad about themselves and their situations. But one can still take the growth mindset step i.e. doing constructive things rather than wallowing in pity. And continuing to push themselves to do the constructive thing despite not wanting to do it. It would be nice if this didn’t happen, but it’s irrelevant. It might be easier to mobilize for action if one felt better, but it doesn’t matter. The plan is the plan.
Maintaining the change
For your growth mindset to bear fruit, you need to keep setting goals—goals for growth. The first step is to print a copy of a graphic summary of the two mindsets (a good one is created by Nigel Holmes) and tape it to a place where you can see it everyday. Use it to remind yourself of the differences between the fixed and growth mindsets. Next, think of opportunities for learning and growth everyday and form a concrete plan. As you encounter inevitable obstacles and setbacks, form a new plan and ask yourself how you will act on it. Regardless of how bad you may feel, chat with your fixed-mindset persona and then do it! And when you succeed, don’t forget to ask yourself: What do I have to do to maintain and continue the growth?
Achieving a growth mindset is about learning to work with self-doubt and discomfort. By understanding your triggers, educating your fixed-mindset voice, and taking consistent, concrete action, you move closer to your full potential. Growth is not a destination but a daily practice of persistence, reflection, and courage to keep evolving, no matter how uncertain the path feels.
Photo Credits:
First image: Whale Design
Second image: marekuliasz
References
Dweck, C. S. (2006a). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
Sakshi
About the author
Sakshi is a clinical psychologist with a deep passion for understanding human behavior, a strong drive for research, and a keen eye for psychological intricacies. Committed to continuous learning, she seeks to explore every facet of psychology, from theory to practice, to better support and empower individuals. With a curiosity that fuels her pursuit of knowledge, she strives to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications, making psychology more accessible and impactful.
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