The attitudes and beliefs we have about ourselves are often referred to as a mindset and they can shape our view of the world.
Psychologist Carol Dweck first described two types of mindset that can have a big impact on how we live our lives: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.
With a fixed mindset, we assume that basic qualities like our intelligence and talents are fixed traits that we have no control over. We’ll say things like, “you either have it, or you don’t” and will stop trying when faced with a challenge.
With a growth mindset, we believe that new abilities can be developed through practise. We just have to keep trying and learn from our mistakes. On average, people who adopt a growth mindset, get better grades, do better in the face of challenges and are generally more successful.
Embrace challenges as an opportunity to learn, grow and gain experience
Reframe failure
Acknowledge and embrace your weakness as an opportunity to learn and grow
Learn to give and receive constructive feedback
Be clear on WHY you’re doing what you’re doing, and remind yourself of that when the going gets tough
Look to others for inspiration
Update your language!
INSTEAD OF…
SAY THIS
Remember that with a growth mindset anything is possible!
Cultivating a growth mindset isn’t always easy - it means doing new and difficult things, not being afraid to fail and giving ourselves confidence to learn and grow. When we do so we realise that anything is possible!