Understanding the two core mindsets is the first step to unlocking your potential and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
A person with a fixed mindset believes that their core qualities, like intelligence or talent, are static, unchangeable traits. In this view, success is a reflection of innate ability.
The Result: Individuals with a fixed mindset often feel a constant pressure to prove themselves. They may avoid challenges for fear of failure, as failure can be interpreted as a sign that they lack the necessary talent. They may also be less likely to take on feedback, as it can feel like a personal criticism of their core abilities.
The Growth Mindset
In contrast, a person with a growth mindset believes that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. They see their brain and talents as a starting point that can be cultivated over time.
The Result: According to Dr. Carol S. Dweck's research, individuals with a growth mindset tend to embrace challenges, seeing them as opportunities for growth. They understand that failure is not a sign of unintelligence but a natural part of the learning process. They are more likely to persist through setbacks and are more open to feedback as a tool for improvement.
The Key Insight: You Can Choose Your Mindset
The most powerful finding from Dweck's work is that our mindset is not permanent. We can learn to cultivate a growth mindset. This can begin with simple shifts in our internal narrative.
Instead of thinking, "I am not good at this," a growth-oriented approach would be, "I am not good at this yet." Instead of saying, "I failed," you might say, "I learned."
It’s also useful to note that mindset can be domain-specific. A person might have a growth mindset about their athletic ability, believing they can improve with practice, while holding a fixed mindset about their artistic talent, believing it is something you either have or you don't. Recognising where you hold different mindsets is a key part of the journey.
By understanding these two core beliefs, we are empowered to choose the one that better serves our journey. As Dweck’s research suggests, the view you adopt for yourself can profoundly affect the way you lead your life.
The journey from a fixed to a growth mindset is not an overnight switch; it takes practice. It’s about choosing, in small moments, to see a challenge as a lesson, not a judgment. This single shift is one of the most powerful "StepChanges" you can make, creating a foundation for resilience and a lifetime of learning.