“Life is about being and becoming, not having, and getting.”
-Stephanie Seabrook Hedgepath
I recently finished an interesting book by Carol Dweck called, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.” In this book, the author discussed in depth two mindset terms called: fixed mindset and growth mindset. This book definitely got me thinking about my own mindset, and areas where a fixed mindset tends to be more dominant versus when and where I can usually stay within a growth mindset.
The following are some things I learned from Carol Dweck’s book regarding fixed and growth mindsets.
Fixed mindset traits may include:
- Black and white thinking patterns
- Negative thoughts
- Innate traits you’re born with (you’re either born smart or born dumb)
- Ignoring criticism and feedback from others
- Being externally motivated
- Feeling like a failure when life doesn’t go your way
- Feeling limited
- Avoiding challenges
- Pessimism
- Being performance-based
What would you add to this list?
Possible growth mindset traits may include:
- Flexible thinking patterns
- Positive thoughts
- Being effort based
- Accepting of criticism and feedback from others as a way to improve yourself
- Being internally motivated
- Learning from your own failures as well as other people’s failures
- Feeling free
- Embracing challenges and persevering
- Optimism
- Being learning based
What would you add to this list?
So, do you tend to be more fixed minded or growth-minded in your own life?
Here are some ways to move from a fixed mindset into a growth mindset:
- Notice and observe when and where each mindset shows up in your life
- Seek therapy to work on what’s going on at a deeper level for you
- Focus on self-care and being the best version of yourself from the inside out
- Acknowledge and name your fixed mindset
- Challenge yourself in life
- Find a mentor who has a growth mindset who you can learn from
- Set achievable goals for yourself
- Focus on things in your life that you’re passionate about and deeply care for
- Come from a place of gratitude and feeling thankful for all you have in life
- Create new habits and celebrate your successes, both big and small
What else would you add here?
On this journey to change your mindset in positive ways, be sure to watch out for times when you’re comparing your start here to someone else’s middle or endpoint. Remember, we all have to start somewhere, and you’re taking an important first step in your own journey. Also, know that this important internal mindset change will most likely positively impact not only your but your family, your relationships with others, your career and so many other places in your life too. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
