Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset
How does a fixed mindset compare to a growth mindset? A fixed mindset is like a brick wall. It blocks your progress and traps you in a cycle of self-doubt and stagnation.
When you have a fixed mindset:
- You believe your abilities and intelligence are set in stone.
- You avoid challenges to prevent failure.
- You feel threatened by others’ success.
- You give up easily when faced with obstacles.
- You see effort as a sign of inadequacy, not a path to mastery.
This mindset creates a persistent sense of frustration and fear of failure, which stifles personal growth and fulfillment.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, is like a ladder. It helps you climb higher, overcome obstacles, and continuously reach new heights.
When you embrace a growth mindset:
- You believe abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
- You view challenges as opportunities to grow.
- You find inspiration in others’ success.
- You persist even when progress is slow or difficult.
- You see effort as an investment in self-improvement.
This mindset fosters resilience, curiosity, and a sense of accomplishment.
How to Foster Your Growth Mindset
- Reframe challenges as opportunities.
~ Instead of avoiding difficulties, embrace them as a chance to learn and improve. Ask yourself, “What can I gain from this experience?” - Celebrate effort, not just outcomes.
~ Focus on the process and recognize hard work and persistence as achievements in themselves. Remember, progress is more important than perfection. - Seek feedback and learn from it.
~ Actively ask for input from others and treat criticism as a tool for growth. Use feedback to refine your skills and broaden your perspective.
Every step you take toward a growth mindset is a step toward unlocking your full potential. The ladder of growth may seem steep, but each rung you climb makes you stronger, wiser, and unstoppable!
Great and insightful article, thanks Laura! I believe that our mindset is unevenly positioned between these two extreme types of mindset in the different areas of our life (health, family, relational, professional, financial, etc.) and that the disciplined use of the MKE practices help us to progressively bend our mindset toward the growth mindset in each of these areas…
Words of wisdom there Luc!
With all the amazing exercises, MKE just blows a fixed mindset out of our psyche. Thank you for pointing out the change you can have with a Growth Mindset.