Beyond mindsets: How state of mind is an alternative to fixed and growth mindset thinking

In my coaching practice, I often come across the terms "growth mindset" and "fixed mindset," concepts popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. These frameworks have impacted the way we approach learning, challenges, and our overall potential for success. I find this approach is useful as a wake-up call, prompting coachees to examine how these mindsets either hinder or help them realise their full potential.

According to Dweck, a growth mindset is characterised by the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from failure. On the other hand, a fixed mindset stems from the belief that our abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable.

However, I have been reflecting on this well-known framework and whether a fixed mindset is really fixed beliefs and whether to have a growth mindset we must apply effort and persevere? And on reflection I am not sure that this is true.

An alternative perspective is understanding how our "state of mind" plays a crucial role in how we learn, grow and access our innate potential. State of mind refers to our current mental and emotional state, which is in constant flux based on the thoughts and feelings we experience at any given moment.

When we delve deeper into our experience, we realise that it is not a binary division but a vast, variable, and expansive spectrum. For example in a low state of mind, when we identify with limiting thoughts or beliefs about ourselves, we experience thoughts of insecurity and fear of our circumstances which inhibit or limit us from trying new things. However, in another moment, we can find ourselves "in the zone" in a better state of mind, with fewer thoughts occupying our minds. Then we feel confident and capable of responding to our challenging circumstances. This state feels effortless as its our natural growth mindset. By becoming aware of our state of mind, we can observe how our thoughts in the moment shape our experience of it and so see how they hinder or help us access our potential. This realisation offers profound insights into our innate capacity for growth and transformation.

I rather like to think of it as the "hot and cold" game of life. When we're "hot" in the game, we are aware of our state of mind in the present moment. Conversely, when we're "cold," we're unaware of it. Our only task is to check in and determine whether we're hot or cold in any moment. We have the power to observe our thinking moment to moment, zoom out to recognise the illusion of self-imposed limitations, and tap into our innate capacity for growth. This perspective helps deepen our understanding of mindsets, highlighting the fact that our experiences are not set, fixed or predetermined, but rather a fluid, transient and ever-changing.

By understanding the transient nature of our state of mind, we realise that overcoming our circumstances doesn't require effort. We recognise that our thoughts about our abilities, talents, and potential are not set in stone but are constantly changing and ever evolving. Consider how we learned to walk and talk, this was innate, definitely not fixed, and though required some practice, largely happened to us all as a natural process. The realisation of our natural, innate capacity of learning in all humans relieves us of "its on us" thinking that the fixed and growth mindset asks for. It opens doors to new possibilities, fuels our motivation to let go of limiting thoughts and cultivates resilience in the face of challenges.

Through an understanding of our state of mind, we can challenge the grip of a fixed mindset and, even more wonderfully, release the effort implied in a growth mindset. We acknowledge that limiting beliefs and self-imposed barriers are constructs of our thinking—mere thoughts in the moment and not objective truths. This newfound awareness empowers us to question our assumptions, paving the way for personal growth, self-discovery, and the unlocking of our untapped innate potential.

To apply this understanding in your own life, here are a couple of actions you can take:

1. Cultivate "in the moment" self-awareness: Play the hot/cold game and pay attention to your state of mind. Notice the thoughts and emotions that arise inside you as you perceive outside circumstances and challenges. This awareness will help you recognise the state of mind you are operating from and how this is creating your experience of life's challenges.
2. See the limiting beliefs as thoughts you are identifying with: When you catch yourself buying into self limiting thoughts or self-imposed barriers, question their validity as objective truth or if it is because your current state of mind is busy caught up in these thoughts. Then wait, settle down and observe how these thoughts shift and change as your state of mind quiets down.

Remember, knowing your state of mind is a powerful barometer for navigating life. Embrace the fluidity of your experiences, not taking them as truths and in turn the potential for growth and transformation that lies within.

Aroha

Judith