Mindset - An 'Aha' Moment !

Just finished reading another interesting book — Mindset by Carol Dweck!

While reading the book, had a true 'aha' moment. Reflecting on my own personal growth, realized that every time made progress in my career, it was due to the Growth Mindset. Let me explain.

Early in my career, during my second job at a consulting firm in India, was thrown into a critical project that was behind schedule. Had absolutely no experience on that specific niche proprietary platform. Spent the first two weeks diving deep into the inner workings of proprietary platform and in the next three months, made significant contributions to the project and progressed it far along. As a result, the management recognized my abilities and provided me with more opportunities. Within a one year period, was rotated between three different projects, which gave me exposure to different proprietary platforms. The key takeaway here - every time have adopted a Growth Mindset, with no expectations on any immediate rewards (like promotions or titles), have found myself being presented with new, challenging, and exciting opportunities !

Fast forward, and in the early 2000 was working in a financial firm (that no longer exists). After making good progress for the first few years in the firm, at some point felt stagnated and frustrated. It was not until the firm finally collapsed in late 2000, had a harsh realization that the lack of progress was due to the fact had slipped into a Fixed Mindset ! Along the way, this pattern repeated itself two more times. A word of caution here - we should constantly be on vigil, every single moment, to not let our accomplishments and capabilities blind us and slip into the Fixed Mindset !

Here are my key takeaways from the book:

# Mindset shapes how we approach life and tackle daily challenges

# There are two types of Mindsets:

* Fixed Mindset:

- Belief that one is born with intelligence, talent, and abilities

- Fear of failure and hence avoiding challenges

- Belief that abilities define self-worth, leading to a constant need to prove oneself

* Growth Mindset:

- Belief that intelligence, talent, and abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance

- Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow

- Focus on self-improvement rather than validation from others

# Leadership and Mindset:

- Leaders with a Fixed Mindset surround themselves with people who validate them, avoiding dissent or innovation, while those with a Growth Mindset encourage creativity, learn from mistakes, and foster collaboration

# Relationships and Mindset:

- Folks with a Fixed Mindset view conflicts as personal attacks, seeing relationship struggles as proof of incompatibility, while those with a Growth Mindset see relationships as evolving, believing they can improve with effort and communication

# Praise and Mindset:

- Praising intelligence or talent fosters a Fixed Mindset, while praising effort, persistence, and strategies nurtures a Growth Mindset

This book was a powerful reminder that our mindset shapes not only our careers but also our relationships, leadership styles, and overall growth. The best part - We have the ability to shift from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset at any time - all it takes is effort and intention!

Here is the link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322