Do you know if you have a fixed or growth mindset? Do you know what I’m talking about?
Identifying how your mind is currently set is the first step to understanding it. Once you know what your mindset is, you can work on making the most of it, pushing yourself to reach your full potential. Here I share what each is and how you can identify each mindset.
Fixed.
A fixed mindset is when people believe their qualities are fixed traits and therefore cannot change. This type of person often documents their intelligence and talents rather than working to develop and improve them. They tend to believe that talent alone leads to success and effort is not required. When someone has a fixed mindset, they want to seem intelligent. This type of person believes they are born with a fixed level of intelligence that cannot be modified. Their greatest fear is appearing dumb as they don’t have the belief they can redeem themselves. If you have a fixed mindset, you will find yourself saying things like the following phrases:
- I am not good at this.
- It’s good enough.
- It’s too hard.
- I give up.
- I cannot do this.
Having a fixed mindset can be traced back to your childhood and how you were praised. If the praise you received as a child was more around your strengths, i.e. You’re smart, you’re good at football, wow, that’s fantastic homework, you are more likely to have a fixed mindset.
“Someone with a fixed mindset is more likely to oppose change or change career direction. They are not keen on taking risks, especially when it relates to the unknown.” Mary Cushen
Growth.
In contrast, a growth mindset is when people have an underlying belief that their learning and intelligence can grow with time and experience. When people believe they can get smarter, they realise that their effort affects their success, so they put in extra time, leading to higher achievement.
People with this mindset believe their intelligence and abilities can develop with learning, persistence and effort. They see themselves as the starting point to something more significant. They hold on to the idea that everyone can become smarter if they wish to (and take action) but also believe that not everyone is the same.
If you have a growth mindset, you will find yourself saying things like the following phrases:
- Is this really my best work?
- How can I improve this?
- It may take some time and effort.
- Mistakes help me learn.
- I’ll try a different strategy.
Above all, someone with a growth mindset will be open to change. They are consistently looking to develop and challenge the norm. ⠀⠀
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“Learning from their mistakes, the beholder has no limitations to what they could achieve.” Mary Cushen
Need some support and guidance with your business?
It can be hard to see why your business is not performing as you had hoped because we are too close and emotionally attached to see the tiny holes. Mindset could be one of those holes.
In contrast, ideal client or strategies could be holding you back. Having someone to take a look at your business from the outside provides a clear view of your business. As a result, they have no opinion of you or your business so they can offer advice on your business based on what they can see and what you tell them. Sometimes the answer is right in front of us; however, we are too close to see it.
As a business consultant, supporting business owners with their business success is my passion. Getting to know them and understand what they get out of bed for every day is a privilege.
Unlock your full potential. Contact me today to see how I could support you.
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash