What are the differences between a fixed and growth mindset, and should we care?YES! Knowing which mindset you fit into and becoming aware of how to change your belief system around it can be the key to all the success and happiness you desire!
Someone with a Fixed Mindset:
- Believes we are born with fixed amounts of intelligence and ability, and nothing can be done to change it e.g. "I am either born with the ability, or I am not!"
- Suffers from "all-or-nothing" thinking e.g. one mistake means I am a failure.
- Believes that self-esteem and self worth needs to be based on other people's approval.
- Thinks that if we are good at something, success should come easy, so if something is difficult then it isn't worth trying.
- Usually have difficulty coping with criticism and set-backs, and will almost always avoid trying anything new or risky.
You can probably already start to see where this belief could limit your ability to grow and achieve? And the great news is, even if you have lived under this mindset your entire life, you can change it almost instantly by just being aware of your own thoughts and changing your inner conversation.
Someone with a Growth Mindset:
- Is open and willing to admit and learn from mistakes e.g. mistakes mean "I need to work harder" as opposed to "I am a failure."
- Believes that intelligence and abilities can all be gained, developed and improved with practice.
- Knows that past mistakes are not indicative of future results.
- Gains self esteem from inner self-knowledge and a sense of dignity and willingness to work hard, and NOT reliant upon the approval of others.
- Is open to learning from mistakes and feedback, and uses challenges as opportunities to develop and get better.
- Enjoys new things, difficult tasks that challenge them, and taking risks.
Which mindset do you think would serve yourself and especially your children better? Every day you can start changing your thinking and realize that you really can succeed at anything if you are willing and passionate enough to put in the work.
So, the results from the mindset quiz from last week:
If you answered Yes 0-3 times: Congratulations! You are already living your life with a strong growth mindset and are taking on life's challenges with determination and fun.
If you answered Yes 4-7 times: You are already exhibiting some growth mindset behavior without even thinking about it. Now that you are aware, imagine how much more you can get out of life just by focusing more on what you are telling yourself about your own abilities.
If you answered Yes 8-10 times: You can relax with the knowledge that a lot of your struggles do not have to continue if you are simply willing to open your mind to the possibility that you may not be born lucky or unlucky. Try this for the next 90 days - Every time you catch yourself feeling like you aren't good at something or were born without the skill or talent, instead tell yourself "I just haven't put enough work in yet" and then get to work at getting better. If you don't find yourself enjoying life more after 90 days, then go back to the old way of thinking - there is nothing for you to lose!
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