Practising the Growth Mindset

It is necessary to understand how the “Growth Mindset”, as described by American psychologist Carol Dweck differs from a fixed mindset. Here are some examples of how a situation might prompt a fixed mindset response versus one of a growth mindset.

Client Criticism:

Fixed Mindset: Taking it personally, becoming defensive, and dismissing the feedback.

Growth Mindset: Listening actively, acknowledging the client's concerns, and using the feedback to enhance your service.

Project Failure:

Fixed Mindset: Assigning blame, moping in frustration, and resisting change.

Growth Mindset: Analysing what went wrong, collaborating on solutions, and applying lessons learned to future projects.

The Missed Promotion:

Fixed Mindset: Sulking, blaming colleagues, and self-doubt.

Growth Mindset: Seeking feedback, identifying areas for improvement, and setting new goals for career development.

End of a Relationship:

Fixed Mindset: Self-loathing, self-blame, and hopelessness

Growth Mindset: Acknowledgement of the loss, self-love and self-care

I invite you to think of some examples, and how a fixed mindset might show up in response to situations. How do you show up under such circumstances?