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When faced with challenges, how do you typically respond? Do you persevere through difficulties or do you tend to give up easily? How do you handle constructive criticism - do you dismiss it or do you strive to grow from it? Do you believe that you lack skills in dating or that you will never achieve the desired promotion?
There is a common belief among many people that their talents and abilities are set in stone and cannot be changed. This perspective is known as a fixed mindset (Dweck, 2006).
Having a fixed mindset influences our behavior. When we think that we cannot improve, or cannot get what we want, we don't put effort into trying to improve or to get what we want. As a result of our behavior (not putting in the effort) we end up not getting what we want and not getting better.
You can have a growth mindset in some areas of your life and a fixed mindset in other areas. Developing a growth mindset in all areas of your life will help you stay focused on growing and learning. This will have a positive effect on your behavior, your mood, your well-being, and your relationships.The good news is that developing a growth mindset is a skill that can be learned and developed.
How to develop a growth mindset? (Based on Dweck, 2006)
Step 1: Awareness
The next time you face a challenge, look out for thoughts such as "I just can't do it," "I am not good at..." "It won't workout" "I am never going to get a promotion."
Step 2: Action
Reframe: "I can't do it YET, but with time and effort, I will be able to."
Stick to the facts: (Reivich & Shatté, 2002) “This is not true because…” “A more likely explanation is… and I can…”
Get Curious: "I wonder why I am being so hard on myself..." "What is it about this that scares me so much?"
Example: I want to get a promotion.
Fixed mindset:
Thought: I am never going to get a promotion!
Behavior: Not doing anything. Why bother?
Outcome: Probably not getting a promotion Probably feeling sorry for myself
Growth mindset:
Thought: I should do something in order to get this promotion. I wonder what I can do to make myself shine and to make my bosses value me more.
Behavior: Putting in the effort. Maybe volunteering for new assignments, maybe offering to help my colleagues, maybe coming up with new ideas...
Outcome: Maybe getting a promotion or maybe not Regardless: Feeling good about myself. Putting in the effort helps me make new friends in my workplace, I get motivated and inspired by the new assignments and by my new ideas...
The skillset is based on the following research:
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House
Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2002). The resilience factor: 7 essential skills for overcoming life's inevitable obstacles. Broadway Books.