How can I cultivate a growth mindset and overcome the fear of failure?

As a project or program manager, you are constantly faced with managing complex projects, teams, and stakeholders. One of the most critical skills for success in this role is having a growth mindset, which is the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

As a professional seeking to develop a growth mindset and overcome the fear of failure, you might have questions such as:

- How can I develop a growth mindset and overcome the fear of failure as a project or program manager?

- What are some practical strategies for embracing failure and using it as a learning opportunity?

- How can I seek and incorporate feedback into my growth and development process?

- How can I challenge my fear of failure and take the necessary risks to achieve my goals?

- How can I build a supportive community of mentors and colleagues to help me stay motivated and accountable to my goals?

A study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that "A positive correlation has been found between growth mindset and self-efficacy for health behaviors (Orvidas et al., 2018) and perceived control (Doron et al., 2009), such that individuals who possess a growth mindset are more likely to take control of their health. Cognitive neuroscience approaches have explored the mechanisms involved in mindset patterns, errors, and adjustments (Puusepp, 2021). Resilience has also been related to improved attention to errors; individuals with a growth mindset find it easier to bounce back from failures than individuals with a fixed mindset (Schroder et al., 2017b)."

A growth mindset allows you to embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and persist in facing obstacles. However, cultivating a growth mindset can be difficult when facing the fear of failure, which can hold you back and prevent you from taking risks and trying new things.

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First, it is essential to understand that a growth mindset is not something you are born with but rather a skill that can be developed. The first step to cultivating a growth mindset is recognizing and embracing the power of yet. This means recognizing that just because you may not be good at something doesn't mean you will never be. This simple shift in mindset can powerfully impact your ability to learn and grow. When you encounter a challenge or obstacle, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" and "How can I improve?"

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Another important aspect of cultivating a growth mindset is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Failure is not something to be feared but a natural part of the learning process. When you fail, you push yourself outside your comfort zone and try something new. Embracing failure means reframing it as a learning opportunity rather than a personal flaw. When you encounter a failure, ask yourself, "What did I learn from this?" and "How can I use this experience to improve in the future?"

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In addition to embracing failure, seeking feedback and incorporating it into your learning and growth process is essential. Feedback can be difficult to receive, especially critical or negative. However, feedback is a valuable tool for learning and growth. When you receive feedback, try to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this feedback?" and "How can I use this feedback to improve?"

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One real expert who has written extensively on this topic is Dr. Carol Dweck, author of "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. " In her book, Dweck explores the power of a growth mindset and how it can help us achieve more tremendous success in our personal and professional lives.

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Dr. Carol Dweck's book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" explores the power of a growth mindset in achieving success. In the book, Dweck argues that our mindset - how we think about ourselves and our abilities - plays a critical role in determining our success.

According to Dweck, there are two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are innate and cannot be changed, while those with a growth mindset believe their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication.

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Dweck argues that people with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed because they are willing to take on challenges, learn from their failures, and persist in facing obstacles. They view setbacks as opportunities for growth and are not deterred by the fear of failure or criticism.

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In contrast, people with a fixed mindset are more likely to avoid challenges, give up in the face of obstacles, and view setbacks as evidence of inadequacy. They are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and lack the resilience to succeed.

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Dweck's book offers practical strategies for developing a growth mindset, such as:

• Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth.
• Learn from your failures and use them as a stepping stone toward success.
• Persist in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
• Adopt a "not yet" attitude and focus on the progress you have made rather than the mistakes you have made.
• Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your ability to grow and develop.

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Overall, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" is a powerful book that offers insights into the power of a growth mindset and how it can help us succeed in our personal and professional lives.

An excellent framework for cultivating a growth mindset and overcoming the fear of failure is the "G.R.O.W." model (Originally developed in the 1980s by business coaches Graham Alexander, Alan Fine, and Sir John Whitmore):

- Goal: Define your goals and identify the skills and mindset necessary to achieve them.

- Reality: Assess your current strengths and weaknesses and identify any obstacles or challenges preventing you from achieving your goals.

- Options: Explore different strategies and options for overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.

- Will: Commit to taking action and holding yourself accountable for your goals.

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To overcome the fear of failure, it is crucial to recognize that failure is not the end of the world. Failure is often a necessary step on the path to success. When you encounter a fear of failure, ask yourself, "What is the worst that could happen?" and "How likely is that outcome?" Often, the fear of failure is based on irrational or exaggerated thoughts. By challenging these thoughts and recognizing that failure is not as catastrophic as it may seem, you can overcome your fear and take the necessary risks to achieve your goals.

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Surrounding yourself with a supportive community that encourages growth and development is essential. This can be through mentors, colleagues, or friends who share your values and beliefs. When you are part of a supportive community, you have a network of people who can provide feedback, encouragement, and support when encountering challenges or obstacles. Additionally, being part of a community can help you stay accountable to your goals and stay motivated to continue learning and growing.

If you're looking for a supportive community, I encourage you to check out the Productivity Intelligence Group. It's a great place to meet and ask top project management experts questions and share your knowledge as well!?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/8428223

Cultivating a growth mindset and overcoming the fear of failure are critical skills for project and program management success. By recognizing the power of yet, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, seeking feedback, challenging the fear of failure, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community, you can cultivate a growth mindset and achieve your goals.

To learn more, check out the Productivity Smarts podcast: