6 Myths associated with a Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset is a term and a concept that has gained tremendous popularity. The term was coined by Stanford University Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck and featured in her 2006 best-selling book Mindset: The new Psychology of Success. In a previous post, I have delved on the question whether the Growth Mindset can be switched ON.

In this article, I look at how the celebrated concept has over the years given birth to numerous misconceptions and myths.

Myth One: The False Growth Mindset

People have come to equate growth mindset with sheer effort—that if you just try hard enough, you’re bound to improve. And after numerous attempts, if you are not able to achieve something, then you are not cut out for it. This is incorrect.

A true growth mindset recognizes that there are many ways you can improve and develop. You can ask for help. You can try a different approach. You can take a break and come back to it.

Myth Two: Every person has either a fully Fixed or a Growth Mindset

Another big myth is that any individual is either a Fixed Mindset person or a Growth Mindset one. People usually have a fixed mindset in some areas while a Growth Mindset in others.

Myth Three: A business can have a mindset

As we all know the ‘Organisation’ is a nameless faceless entity and is nothing but a collection of people. A group of people can largely hold similar mindsets, but we shouldn’t confuse this with “the business” having a fixed or growth mindset. A business in and of itself cannot think – only the people within it can.

Myth Four: Having a growth mindset means always being positive.

Another popular myth about a Growth Mindset is to equate it with positivity & a ‘can-do!’. Being oriented towards growth and development is not about having a ‘can-do!’ attitude at all times. We need to acknowledge our limitations, challenges and obstacles and not live in denial.

Myth Five: A growth mindset automatically creates good outcomes.

The truth is, growth and learning are often messy and not always linear. Some risks don’t work out. Pursuing innovation sometimes leads to no results.

Myth Six: Anyone can do anything.

A potential misconception associated with the growth mindset is that we can grow and develop limitlessly – that anyone can be anything. The truth is, we humans do have limits. We don’t all carry equal potential across the board. Yes, we can grow and develop, but it’s also important to acknowledge that we have our limitations.

Do let me know if you think there are more myths around the Growth Mindset.

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