Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset

The new year is well underway. As we journey through it, it's always a good idea to reflect and set fresh goals. However, the journey to achieving these aspirations can be hindered by the shackles of self-limiting beliefs. Counsellors understand the power these thoughts can have on an individual's ability to reach their full potential.

Lots has been written about in recent years on the topic of having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. However, what's the difference? A growth mindset is the belief that a person's capacities and talents can be improved over time. A 'fixed mindset' on the other hand is, as the name implies, is the limiting belief that the capacity to learn and improve cannot be meaningfully developed.

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset: A Comparison

Aspect	Growth Mindset	Fixed Mindset
View on Challenges	Embraces challenges as opportunities for growth	Avoids challenges to prevent potential failure
Response to Effort	Values and celebrates effort as the path to success	Believes that effort is fruitless if you're not naturally talented
Dealing with Setbacks	Views setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve	Sees setbacks as proof of lack of ability and gives up
Feedback	Welcomes constructive criticism as a means to grow	Takes feedback personally and may resist it
Success of Others	Finds inspiration in the success of others, seeing it as a source of learning	Feels threatened by the success of others, viewing it as a challenge to their own worth
Learning and Growth	Values ongoing learning and continuous improvement	Believes abilities are fixed and there's limited room for development
Outcome Perspective	Focuses on the process and effort, seeing results as a reflection of learning	Values results as a measure of innate ability and worth

Cultivating a growth mindset involves shifting one's perspective towards challenges, effort, setbacks, and learning, fostering a belief in the potential for continuous improvement and development.

Can a positive growth mindset be cultivated?

Well, those in the know tend to think so, and suggest that one can live a more purposeful and meaningful existence by being open to everyday challenges through learning and development.  A growth mindset can be cultivated through self-awareness, embracing challenges, and learning from setbacks. By fostering a belief that abilities can be developed, individuals open themselves to continuous learning and improvement, paving the way for personal and professional growth.

If you're keen to dig a little deeper into this fascinating topic, then this is an interesting article.