Benefits of Developing a Growth Mindset

Your mindset often dictates the way your day goes. For example,  having an optimistic outlook often means that you are more focused and proactive. Conversely, a negative mindset can be limiting. It may cause you to doubt your abilities and increase the chances of mistakes and oversights. 

As such, learning to develop the right mindset, such as a growth mindset, can help you achieve your goals. 

Growth Mindset Definition

According to Top Hat Glossary, a growth mindset "describes people who believe that their success depends on time and effort. People with a growth mindset feel their skills and intelligence can be improved with effort and persistence."

The was first coined by Carol Dweck, an American Psychologist. In her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, she explored the merits of a growth mindset.  

What is a growth mindset?

Growth mindset is an attitude where you remain open to growth in every aspect of your life. For example, if you're looking to reach professional goals, you can adopt a growth mindset when seeking out learning or mentorship. A growth mindset will also help you refine your knowledge and pass exams if you're studying. 

It is often described as the opposite of a fixed mindset.

Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset

Growth mindset puts the emphasis on hard work, perseverance, and determination enable us to succeed, A fixed mindset is the opposite. People with a fixed mindset may posit that their success is defined by established traits that they are born with. This can make them reluctant to learn new skills and be closed to opportunities to learn. 

As a result, it's easy to see why many people find fixed mindsets to be incredibly limiting. They do not encourage growth, instead allowing you to get caught in a cycle of self-doubt.

Growth Mindset Examples

A growth mindset will mean something different to each and every person. Depending on the goals they are working toward something different. However, there will be some similarities across the board regarding thoughts and behaviours. For example, those who have adopted a growth mindset will: 

• Have clear, defined goals in mind and an understanding of what it takes to achieve them.
• Seek out as many growth opportunities as possible, whether this means enrolling in classes or working alongside a professional mentor.
• Ask for feedback from peers and senior team members, focusing on both their weaknesses and strengths.
• Work to break free from limiting behaviours and thoughts while also developing new skills. 
• Be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to challenges and problems. 

Growth Mindset Quotes

If you're looking to adopt a growth mindset, the following quotes may be useful challenging your current, fixed mindset. 

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of being." - John Wooden

"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success." - Napoleon Hill

“I am always doing what I cannot do yet. In order to learn how to do it.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." – Henry Ford.

"Look for the good in every situation, seek the valuable lesson in every setback, look for the solution to every problem. Think and talk about your goals." – Brian Tracy

“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein

“Never never never give up” - Winston Churchill

How to develop a growth mindset

There are many benefits associated with developing a growth mindset.  However, this is sometimes easier said than done. Especially if you have been dealing with a limited or fixed perspective for some time. After all, it means you have to unlearn a lot of the information you've taught yourself and start anew.

As long as you put the work in,you will develop and benefit from a growth mindset.

Five steps to develop a growth mindset

Step One: Understand your current mindset/perspective

The first step towards developing a growth mindset is working to understand your current perspective and mindset. 

Step Two: Be open to learning more

The easiest way in which you can develop an effective growth mindset is to understand exactly what this mindset entails. This way, you'll have something of a framework to follow moving forward. Growth mindset is primarily centred around a positive outlook and determination. This approach can help you to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. 

Thankfully, there are many resources available to those looking to change their mindset for the better. Stefan Lindegaard is a leading voice in how the growth mindset can be integrated at an organisational level.

You can watch his video on expanding your growth mindset here: 

Step Three: Understand your limitations

The only way to work through your limitations is to understand them. After all, if we are not aware of why (or how) we are making mistakes, it's hard to avoid repeating them. 

As a result, you should think carefully about your own limiting behaviours or past failures. The purpose of this exercise is to get to the root of the issue. Once you've identified the cause(s) of this, you can plan how to gently tackle this.

For example, if you've found that you need to work on your communication skills you can work on this by: 

• Trying out different styles of communication until you find the best fit.
• Studying or learning more about the art of communication.
• Work on your verbal and non-verbal conversation skills. 

Step Four: Ask for feedback

Asking for feedback is an excellent example of a growth mindset in action. 

Here is a Forbes report on why asking for feedback is an empowering act.

As such, you should not wait until your annual review to seek out feedback. If you're unable to arrange a 1-1 with your employer, ask your colleagues or even clients for feedback. You can also request a written report. Constructive criticism can help us bring focus on what needs to be developed.

Step Five: Seek out learning opportunities

It is a well-known fact that the more we learn, the more we grow. Develop a growth mindset by opening yourself up to new learning opportunities. Learning is life-long. For example, you could: 

• Listen to keynote speakers or Ted Talks related to personal and professional growth.
• Sign up for training opportunities and classes, both online and in-person. 
• Be prepared to step outside of your comfort and try something new. 
• Read, read, and then read some more! 
• Stay up-to-date with industry news and developments.

Time for growth

Growth mindset will enable you to view your life and actions from a new perspective.  Helping you build upon your confidence, as you are no longer doubting your abilities. 

Many of those who work on developing a growth mindset find it to be truly life changing. Success is the ability to persevere no matter how slowly you are progressing.

A growth mindset encourages you to be open to new opportunities.