A Fixed Mindset And A Growth Mindset

08/21

A Fixed Mindset And A Growth Mindset

Dr. Carol S. Dweck, professor of psychology at Stanford University, a pioneer in the studies of fixed versus growth mindsets has demonstrated that in predicting success, it doesn't matter whether someone is gifted or not. What matters most is a person’s belief that they can succeed and prevail.

People with a fixed mindset believe that they are just that and can't change anything. This makes it difficult for them to face challenges or to face seemingly big things that they can't handle on their own, making them feel hopeless and helpless in the face of challenges.

In contrast, people with a growth mindset believe that as long as they try and change, they can make progress. With this attitude, even if their IQ is lower, they still become more successful than people with a fixed mindset. People with a growth mindset are willing to accept challenges, seeing challenges as opportunities for them to learn new things. When facing difficulties or failures, the attitude of people with a growth mindset is: “This way is not good, so I will try another way.” For them, failure is just the information to be processed, not the final result.

However, even if your mindset is currently fixed or growth, you should try to change or develop your mindset further. Here are the tips to help you move towards an increasingly growth mindset:

Don’t Stay Helpless:

We all have times of being frustrated because of failures, rejection, unappreciation,... Walt Disney - the father of Disney animation studios was kicked out of Kansas City Star because of lack of imagination and innovation. Oprah Winfrey - the famous American talk show host was fired by Baltimore TV because she put too much emotion in the show. Henry Ford - the founder of Ford Motor bankrupted 2 car companies before succeeding with Ford,... Think about it, if they were people with a fixed mindset, they would have been frustrated, lost hope and then given it all up.

Be Passionate:

In life, there will be people who are better than you, but even if you have less talent, you can still make up for it with your passion. Passion keeps us constantly pursuing progress, makes us try every day to do something better. American billionaire Warren Buffet recommends you to find your passion by using the 5/25 rule: Write down a list of your top 25 goals. Cross off the other 20 goals you have listed that hold less importance. Circle the five most important goals that truly speak to you. These are your most urgent goals and highest priorities to focus on.

Take Action:

People with a growth mindset also have certain concerns before each major decision. However, they understand that fear or anxiety are feelings that paralyze the human spirit. And they take action. They know that there will never be a perfect moment, so they will not hesitate to miss the opportunity. Thanks to that, all worries and fears are transformed into positive energy when taking action.

Then Go The Extra Mile:

People with a growth mindset always live their lives to the fullest, even if it's the worst day of their lives. Martial arts legend Bruce Lee once said, “If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them."

Be Flexible:

Anyone in life will face difficulties or unexpected circumstances. When there is a change, when it is not as expected, when the reality is far from the prediction, people with a growth mindset will flexibly deal with it and keep moving forward. And they never complain. People with a growth mindset see opportunities to challenge themselves and help them improve in all circumstances.

Positive thinking may not change our circumstances, but it will certainly make us more peaceful and happy. In times of uncertainty and unpredictable situations, hope that we all will keep calm, stay strong and positive in any circumstances of life.

*Source: Nguyenphivan.com