A Mindset Geared for Growth

When you look at the book Mindset, written by Dr. Carol S. Dweck, it doesn't immediately evoke a sense of excitement. But as you absorb what are written on the book's cover, you start to appreciate the promise of a profound reading experience.

Right under the title, it says 'The New Psychology of Success'. But what follows, 'How we can learn to fulfill our potential', is perhaps what would elicit a desire to delve right into what this new psychology can offer.

Bill Gates wrote about this book in his Gates Notes :

"Through clever research studies and engaging writing, Dweck illuminates how our beliefs about our capabilities exert tremendous influence on how we learn and which paths we take in life."

Reading through the book proves to be a delight. There are a lot of "Aha!" moments when one realizes that the book may very well be talking about one's self and the struggle to move from a fixed mindset to a one of growth.

It is said that "fixed mindset" and "growth mindset" does not draw a demarcation line between people. Instead, the line is drawn from within the person because moving from one to the other is a battle that most of us may have fought.

The Growth Mindset?

The growth mindset is a powerful mindset that can help us achieve great things. It is the belief that our abilities are within our control, and that we can grow as much as we want to. This mindset has been proven to lead to greater understanding and better retention of information. It is also important to have an optimistic outlook on life so that we are not discouraged by setbacks or failures. Having a growth mindset creates a positive attitude and sets us up for success. So, next time you find yourself struggling with a new task, remember to adopt the growth mindset and you will be on your way to success.?

The Fixed Mindset?

The fixed mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that we are who we are and that our abilities are set in stone. People with a fixed mindset tend to be less likely to reach their goals because they're not confident that they can improve. To change your mindset and start seeing your potential for growth, it is important to understand the difference between the two mindsets.?

A fixed mindset is a harmful mental attitude that can lead to negative outcomes. It is a mindset in which you believe that your abilities and successes are due to your own hard work and not luck or fate. This type of thinking can prevent you from achieving your goals, because you're afraid of failure. To shift to a positive mindset, start by acknowledging the obstacles in front of you and then figure out how to overcome them. Be determined, keep your head up, and stay focused on your goal. With a positive mindset, you'll be able to take on any challenge with ease and overcome any obstacle that may come your way.?

Some time ago, I came across this video that gave me a good appreciation of the growth mindset in very simple terms.

If you watched the video and followed the instructions on how to draw, by now I think you are convinced that indeed, we can prove that we can draw even though initially we believe we can't. In a simple sense, that is what moving from a fixed to a growth mindset is all about.

So now that you know the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, it's time to start seeing your potential for growth!?

*Cover image by John Hain from Pixabay .

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