The Power of Your Mindset

The key to success and fulfilment isn’t what you do; it’s how you think about it. Your beliefs play a pivotal role in what you want and whether you achieve it. Dweck has found that it is your mindset that plays a significant role in determining your level of achievement and success. So, what exactly is a mindset? In this article, we explore how an individual’s mindset can be the difference between them achieving their dreams or falling short.?

What are mindsets?

In study after study, Dweck has found that it is your mindset that plays a significant role in determining your level of achievement and success. So, what exactly is a mindset? A mindset is a belief about something. You might have some stinking thoughts about why you can’t do something or why you don’t have as much talent as someone else. Or you might hold beliefs about success being simply a matter of practising harder and working more hours each day. These are mindsets. They are beliefs about how things work—about how much effort leads to how much success, for example—and they play an important role in our lives because they determine our behaviour and attitudes. When we believe that intelligence is fixed (the entity theory), we may give up when faced with a challenge; when we believe that intelligence can be developed (the incremental theory), we try to learn from mistakes and experience rather than give up. We also tend to think that people who are successful were born smart and worked hard, but those who failed did not work hard enough. That’s why many students walk into my classroom believing that there is no point in trying if they aren’t already good at math: I am just not good at math. I was never good at math! I will never be any good at math! It doesn’t matter how hard I try, I will always suck at math! This mindset is self-defeating and destructive. People who believe that their intelligence is fixed, according to Dweck, will spend their time avoiding challenges because failure would threaten their self-image as smart or talented. On the other hand, those with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. The growth mindset allows us to embrace challenges without fear of failure, because we know that through failure comes learning and development.

Why are mindsets important?

A mindset is a belief that you have about something. Some mindsets are positive, others are negative, and still, others are neutral. Whatever your mindset may be, it influences your outlook on life and how you interact with different situations. People typically fall into one of two categories: fixed or growth. In many areas of life, having a growth mindset can help you achieve success and happiness in ways that surpass those who have a fixed mindset. So what exactly is a growth vs fixed mindset? And why does it matter so much? Let’s take a look at these two types of mindsets and find out.

What are the two types of mindsets available to us?

In her research, Dweck found that individuals either possess a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Those with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are static and set in stone, while those with a growth mindset think their talents and skills can be improved through dedication and hard work. A person’s level of talent doesn’t guarantee success, but it may very well ensure failure. If you have a fixed mindset, you will likely stop working as soon as you encounter an obstacle; if you have a growth mindset, however, you will push yourself to overcome your obstacles—and not just once or twice. Rather than seeing challenges as insurmountable roadblocks, people with a growth mindset see them as opportunities to learn and grow. According to Dweck, people with a growth mindset tend to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, view effort as something that pays off over time and view mistakes, not as signs of stupidity but rather as lessons learned. The bottom line: by adopting a growth mindset instead of a fixed one, you will be more likely to achieve your goals.

How do I learn my mindset?

The first step to being able to monitor your mindset is by identifying what it is. Dweck has created a simple and effective way for you to do so. When trying to decide whether you have a fixed or growth mindset, ask yourself if you would describe yourself with any of these four statements. I’m not good at math; I don’t have much talent for art; I can’t lose weight no matter how hard I try; No one in my family has ever gone to college. It just isn’t done. If you identify with any of these statements, chances are that you think more about what is holding you back than what could help move you forward. This means that you likely have a fixed mindset. However, if you answered none of these questions with yes, then you likely have a growth mindset. Now that we know which category we fall into, let’s take a look at each type further. Fixed Mindset: Those who hold onto their beliefs even when faced with evidence against them believe they were born smart or talented. They see failure as an indication that they simply aren’t intelligent enough or gifted enough. They may also feel threatened by others who seem smarter or more talented than themselves. Growth Mindset: On the other hand, those with a growth mindset believe intelligence and talent are things that can be developed through hard work and perseverance. They see failure as an opportunity to learn from mistakes rather than something to be ashamed of. And so they welcome challenges because they know that facing them will make them stronger and better prepared for future success. How does our mindset affect us? As mentioned earlier, our mindsets play a significant role in determining our level of achievement and success.

How can I apply this knowledge about mindsets to my life and work?

Do you believe that everyone can succeed? Do you encourage your children when they fail, or do you tell them it’s okay, we all have bad days? Do you believe that anyone can lose weight if they really want to, or do you feel that some people are just not cut out for it? Do you think someone is smart or a genius because he/she did well on one particular test? Or do you believe in hard work, persistence, and dedication to achieve a goal? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I suggest that you change your mindset. You need to understand that what you believe about yourself and others plays a crucial role in determining whether you will be successful. If you believe success comes from being smart rather than working hard, then chances are high that nothing will come easily for you. On the other hand, if you believe that success depends on hard work and perseverance, then you will likely find ways to accomplish whatever it is that you set out to do. Change your beliefs today! 'Believe in yourself! Believe in others. Believe anything is possible! And watch how quickly your life changes for the better.

Do we always succeed because of our mindset?

While a mindset is important, it is not everything. For example, successful people are taught from a young age to set high goals and achieve them. They are also more likely to be born into stable families that afford them greater economic opportunities. On top of that, there are also genetic factors at play as well that give some people an edge when it comes to success. Therefore, do not just rely on your mindset, but make sure you work hard as well, so you can achieve your goals and be successful. With that being said, having a growth mindset will increase your chances of achieving success. So how can you build one? Firstly, do what most successful people have done: Surround yourself with others who share your outlook and values, such as family members or business associates. Second, read books by growth-minded authors like Carol Dweck or Anthony Robbins to better understand their strategies for overcoming obstacles in life. Thirdly and finally, believe in yourself, because what you think about yourself creates reality!