The Growth Mindset Advantage: How to Embrace Challenges, Learn from Mistakes, and Achieve Success

Your mindset determines your life. Do you believe this?

One of my clients who is going through a significant personal challenge put it this way. “I now realize that everything I am going through has caused me to feel like an outcast and has brought me to a negative state of mind. My goal is to create a new mindset.” She understood that in order to get yourself to a more positive place, she had to evaluate and control the thoughts running through her mind.

It’s one of the most discussed topics in our Success Life community, as the attitude and mindset you bring to your leadership and life – especially in times of challenge - makes an incredible difference in your outlook and mental wellbeing.

Studies have shown that 70-80% of our thoughts have a negative bias. This is a natural part of human psychology and can help us recognize and avoid potential dangers. However, it also means that you and I may naturally spend a considerable amount of time focusing on negative aspects.

What Type of Mindset Do You Have

If you’ve ever read the book Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck, you know she delves into two primary types of mindsets: fixed and growth. These two perspectives profoundly influence how you approach your life and challenges.

A fixed mindset believes your talents and traits are set in stone – that you are who you are, and that’s the end of it. This mindset often stems from a fear of failure, leading you to think you can't improve or get any better. It’s closely tied to your ego and self-worth.

On the other hand, a growth mindset is quite the opposite. It acknowledges that while you have certain innate talents and traits, you can enhance and improve them. With a growth mindset, you embrace learning, seek out new strategies, and welcome help from others. This mindset sees possibilities whereas the fixed mindset sees limitations.

We all have a mix of both mindsets. You might lean more toward one than the other, but the good news is that you can always cultivate a growth mindset, no matter where you currently stand. So, how do you do that?

First, you need to recognize when you’re operating from a fixed mindset. This mindset is often attached to self-limiting beliefs. These are the thoughts that tell you, “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never be good at that.” These beliefs make you want to quit when things get tough. For instance, when you hit a wall while working on a challenging task and your first instinct is to give up, that’s your fixed mindset at work. But remember, you can change this mindset.

A Powerful Way to Shift Your Mindset

One effective way to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset is through affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that can help you overcome self-sabotaging, negative thoughts. I helped my client reset her mind by learning how to become aware of her negative thoughts, and then shift them.

One way to do this is by identifying a negative thought or statement that is running through your mind and using an opposite and positive statement to counter it. My blog post, 22 Affirmations for Cultivating a Growth Mindset lists several of these uplifting mantras.

When you notice that fixed mindset creeping in, use these affirmations to shift your mindset:

1. I will challenge myself.

2. I will try new things.

3. I give my best in everything I do.

4. I embrace learning.

5. I set goals and monitor progress.

6. I view setbacks as opportunities. (This one is tough, but it's possible!)

7. I think and speak positively.

8. I give things my full attention and effort.

9. I focus on progress, not perfection.

10. I am grateful for feedback, positive or negative.

11. I use the word “yet.” (Instead of saying, “I haven’t figured this out,” say, “I haven’t figured this out yet.”)

12. I choose a positive attitude.

13. I take time for reflection.

14. I give myself and others the benefit of the doubt.

15. I look for new ways and strategies.

16. I take risks.

17. I confront challenges.

18. I work hard.

19. I persevere.

20. I keep working on things I care about and don’t quit.

21. I celebrate my successes.

22. I keep the big picture in mind.

Which of these affirmations resonate with you? I suggest picking a few that speak to you the most. Write them down and keep them handy. You might want to have them on your phone, in your journal, or posted somewhere you can see them daily. When you feel that fixed mindset taking over, pull out these affirmations. They serve as a powerful pep talk, helping you to realign your thoughts and embrace a growth mindset.

As you recite these affirmations, you’ll start to feel a shift in your mind and body. You’ll begin to believe in the possibility of change and improvement. This practice can help you latch onto a growth mindset, which is crucial for moving forward, learning, and growing.

Remember, choosing a growth mindset is a continuous journey. It’s not about reaching a destination but about cultivating an attitude of learning and resilience. It takes practice and perseverance, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace the process and celebrate your progress along the way.

So, take some time to incorporate these affirmations into your daily routine. Start with a couple and build from there. As you do, you’ll find yourself better equipped to manage challenges, seize growth opportunities, and create a life filled with purpose and joy.

Let’s choose growth together and unlock our full potential.