Goal Mindset Vs. Growth Mindset

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Goal mindset Vs. Growth mindset / 035, 25 Sep 2021

Having a goal mindset is very important to daily life – from getting out of bed to finishing our tasks for the day, all involve a number of mini-goals that need focus and determination to achieve. They keep us focused and efficient. A growth mindset on the other hand means focusing on more than the goals at hand, for our development as a better professional and individual. While the difference is simple, the impact can be profound on our life. Consider an athlete running a race – for most, the goal is to finish the race in the shortest time possible (goal mindset), but some athletes keep pushing themselves, comparing performances with the best in the field, dedicating their life to rigorous training and self-control (growth mindset). Having a growth mindset differentiates the great from the merely good or talented.

Growth mindset was famously conceptualised by Dr. Carol S. Dweck in her seminal 2006 book ‘Mindset – The New Psychology of Success’. She posited that success can be better achieved by people who adopt a ‘Growth mindset’, who believe that intelligence can be developed, who have a desire to learn, who love to embrace challenge, who persist despite setbacks, learn from criticism, and learn from others’ success. They are perpetually learning and improving, they have diverse – and constantly improving – goals that they work to achieve, but then move on to the next ones without wasting time basking in success.

As working professionals, we need to adopt a ‘growth mindset’ rather than just a ‘goal mindset’. In my experience, I have noticed that by following a ‘goal mindset’;

• I sometimes felt stuck, because though I achieved my goal, I didn’t focus on many other aspects
• I saw that my perspectives changed with new experience and insights – leaving some of my goals feeling obsolete
• I sometimes felt frustrated because I had set lofty goals and just wasn’t able to achieve them ??

Over time, by reading, understanding, adopting and practising a a growth mindset;

• I realised that personal and professional growth are continuous focus areas – there is always something new to improve or learn (I didn’t feel ‘Stuck’)
• My goals kept upgrading themselves along with my growth (they never felt obsolete)
• I was able to set goals that were ambitious yet could be achieved with continuous application and improvement (no frustration)

My overall approach to work and life – and my successes – have all been positively influenced by consciously adopting a growth mindset. It has helped me handle teams, mentor colleagues, address challenges, face crises, grow business and – most importantly – learn to learn constantly.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and look forward to receiving your feedback as always. Warm regards, Krishnakumar.

Image courtesy:

Sidecar (sidecarglobal.com)

Growth Mindset (7mindsets.com)

References:

?How To Develop A Strong Goal Setting Mindset (lifehack.org)

Fixed vs. Growth: The Two Basic Mindsets That Shape Our Lives – Brain Pickings

Dr. Carol S. Dweck