Blog 9: The Power of a Growth Mindset: How to Develop and Embrace a Positive Approach to Learning and Growth

The Power of a Growth Mindset: How to Develop and Embrace a Positive Approach to Learning and Growth

The growth mindset versus the fixed mindset is a concept developed by Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist. The growth mindset refers to the belief that one's abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and effort, while the fixed mindset refers to the belief that one's abilities and intelligence are fixed traits that cannot be changed.

I myself had a training on this in 2021 that has always stayed with me. It really got me into a positive flow and so I definitely still think back to it from time to time. In fact, I am so enthusiastic about it that I gave a training session about it for my colleagues.

One key difference between the two mindsets is how individuals respond to challenges and setbacks. Those with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, while those with a fixed mindset may see them as threats to their intelligence or ability. This can lead to a difference in behavior, with those with a growth mindset more likely to persevere and work through challenges, while those with a fixed mindset may give up more easily.

One example of the growth mindset in action is a student who struggles with a particular subject in school. A student with a growth mindset might approach this challenge by seeking additional help or resources, such as tutoring or additional practice problems, in order to improve their understanding and skills. On the other hand, a student with a fixed mindset might avoid the subject altogether or believe that they are simply not "good" at it and will never be able to improve.

Another example is an employee who is faced with a new task or project at work. An employee with a growth mindset might embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, while an employee with a fixed mindset might resist taking on the task because they believe they do not have the necessary skills or abilities.

Adopting a growth mindset can have a number of benefits. It can lead to increased motivation and engagement, as individuals are more likely to take on challenges and see them as opportunities for growth. It can also lead to greater resilience, as individuals are better able to handle setbacks and failures.

On the other hand, a fixed mindset can limit one's potential and lead to a lack of motivation and engagement. It can also lead to a fear of failure, as individuals may avoid challenges in order to protect their perceived abilities.

It is important to note that individuals can have a mixture of both growth and fixed mindsets, and that these mindsets can also change over time. Developing a growth mindset can be a process, but it is possible with practice and effort. Some strategies for developing a growth mindset include seeking out new challenges, looking for learning opportunities, and reframing failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

In conclusion, the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset is a concept that highlights the differences in how individuals view their abilities and intelligence. Those with a growth mindset believe that they can develop and improve, Like Charlie. While those with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities are fixed. Adopting a growth mindset can lead to increased motivation and resilience, while a fixed mindset can limit one's potential and lead to a fear of failure. It is possible to develop a growth mindset with practice and effort.

sources used:

• “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”, book by Carol Dweck
• Growth Mindset Training, attended in 2021, by Lepaya Learning Team

Jurren van der Gun
Like Charlie