Last week the topic of having a 'Growth mindset versus a Fixed mindset' came up as a topic in my networking group. As it was my turn to speak, I thought I would read up a bit about it. Turns out, it wasn't at all what I thought it was. Many people, including me, believe that having a Growth mindset means that you're flexible, open minded and have a positive outlook on life. That is apparently not the case, and these things are not the same at all... |
People with a Growth mindset, believe that their talents and skill set can be developed through hard work, with goal strategies and with the help and input from others.
The Growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things that you can cultivate through your efforts, that anyone can change and grow. Examples of a Growth mindset are:
Responds to honest feedback rather than responding defensively, seeks to build skills, collaborates with others. Strive to get better rather than blame others. Take charge of their own success.
So do people with the growth mindset believe that anyone can be anything? That anyone with the proper motivation and help can be Einstein or Beethoven? No, but they do believe that a persons true potential is unknown, that it is impossible to foresee what can be accomplished with years of hard work, passion and training.
A growth mindset creates a passion for learning instead of a hunger for approval. With the belief that intelligence and personality can be developed rather than just being ingrained traits, it means everyone can change and grow through application and experience.
Dweck writes: "Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better? Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them? Why look for friends or partners who will just shore up your self-esteem instead of ones who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek out the tried and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you?"
Bottom line here is this: The view you adopt of yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life!
https:www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/ written by Maria Popova
https://www.mindsetworks.com/webnav/whatismindset.aspx