How can you develop a growth mindset in your career?

As the old adage goes, it's not about how many times you fall, but how whether you get up again. After years of hard work, someone may discover your business and think you're an overnight success. This is the false perception we can have when seeing others' outcomes without knowing their commitment.

In my opinion, developing a growth mindset requires you to be open-minded in terms of self-development. You need to view the challenges as stepping stones to progress and learn from failure. Also, be an active seeker of feedback and utilize it for improvement as you concentrate on your abilities and adaptability. Lastly, develop curiosity through discovering novel ways of thinking, and being flexible as an ever-changing environment surrounds us. Be assertive, think outside the box, and be flexible.

More so, once these triggers have been identified, we should not see them as negative stimuli but also as valuable insights into areas for personal growth and development. Instead of solely focusing on the negative emotions triggered by certain events, viewing them as opportunities for self-reflection and improvement can help foster a more positive and proactive mindset. This perspective shift can empower individuals to approach challenges with resilience and a willingness to learn from setbacks.

This also involves recognizing that our beliefs and expectations are not always accurate representations of reality. By questioning and testing our assumptions, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities for growth. Embracing a mindset that encourages curiosity and exploration allows us to break free from the constraints of our assumptions and discover our true capabilities. Additionally, challenging assumptions can lead to increased self-awareness and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Expecting yourself to stay calm, positive and grateful when receiving negative feedback is like expecting to be able to fly by flapping your arms hard enough. It’s natural and human to become defensive and worked up. Lots of Gurus will tell you that you must not, but I haven’t found one yet that is able to teach me how exactly. BUT you can train yourself to react in a constructive manner. You can train yourself to keep listening and refrain from instantly responding. Just say thanks even if you want to rip that persons head off and take however long you need to mull it over. Keep in mind that negative feedback can be the cheapest way to discover a customer pain point. If you’re able to address it you might develop a stellar product.

Celebrating your efforts and achievements is incredibly important. It's not just about throwing a party; it's a way to say, "Hey, great job! You did it!" These celebrations are like fuel for your motivation tank. They make you feel appreciated and valued for the hard work you put in. Plus, it's a chance for everyone to come together, share some joy, and create those memorable moments that make the workplace more than just a place to work. These celebrations, big or small, remind us that progress is happening, and they inspire us to keep aiming higher.

Embracing change and uncertainty can feel like navigating uncharted waters. It's about being open to new experiences and seeing challenges as chances to grow. When things get uncertain, focus on what you can control, like your attitude and how you respond. Remember, it's okay to feel unsure; that's where the magic of learning happens. Chat with friends, mentors, or colleagues about how they handle change—it's surprising how much their experiences can help. Ultimately, it's about seeing change as an opportunity to discover new paths and strengths within yourself.

Read Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck. There are a lot of things we do that we think give us power but until I read this book I didn't realize some of the bad habits and misunderstandings I had about mindset. I'm definitely making my daughter read this book.

Let's say your workplace is adopting new technology for team collaboration. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try exploring its potential. Maybe it'll make tasks easier or open up cool ways to work together. Join training sessions to get the hang of it; you're not alone in this—others are learning too. Chat with your team about how this change might impact everyone and share ideas on how to make the transition smoother. Remember, it's not just about coping; it's about finding the silver lining and making the most out of the new opportunities that change brings.