A Growth Mindset. What It Means, and Ways to Use it to Change Your Life.

The Definition of Growth Mindset.

A growth mindset means that there is an understanding that something can be learned and expanded upon. People who have a growth mindset accept that there can always be something to understand and improve on. 

It’s said that people who have a growth mindset are happier and more successful because they live life learning and trying to improve on skills. 

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Carol Dweck and her Work on Mindset

Carol Dweck is a Physiologist and is known for her research and work on mindset. She is a professor at Stanford University and has done most of her studies there. She has also taught at Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of Illinois. 

Carol Dweck wrote a famous book in 2006 called ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. 

She’s also researched a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset and found considerable benefits in those who had an attitude of growth vs. fixed. 

A Growth Mindset Can Change Your Life

One study I found fascinating was that students that were showing and taught about growth mindset for an extended period of time had higher grades and did well in school. It’s believed that children who are trained and have a growth mindset are more likely to live a better life than those who do not. In this national study, some students were taught with a growth mindset and somewhere not. 

Learning and using a growth mindset for extended periods will allow your growth mindset to become even more powerful. It’s said that it’s like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. 

How to Benefit from a Growth Mindset

You reduce your negative thinking. 

You see more opportunities. 

You are open to different paths to achieve your goals. 

You are happier. 

You are less stressed. 

You know what you can and can’t control. 

You know you can keep learning.

You know you can keep growing. 

You know failure is an opportunity to grow. 

You can think of good strategies to reach a goal. 

You know that growth comes outside of your comfort zone. 

You are open and grow by focusing on personal development. 

What is a Fixed Mindset?

A fixed mindset is someone who believes that things are the way they are and there is no improving them. Some might interpret a fixed mindset as “I’m just not smart.” or someone who thinks that because they don’t accel at something right now that it’s not their strong suit. 

A fixed mindset doesn’t allow for growth and learning. Therefore usually stopping someone from trying to get better and evolve. A fixed mindset could also be looking at someone and thinking that their success lies in a talent that was given and not earned. 

An outlook of the glass half full or lack of something is also an example of a fixed mindset. 

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Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset Examples

Let’s look at some examples of things people with a significant growth mindset would think or say. 

“I’ll get it next time.” 

“It’s never too late to learn something new.” 

“I appreciate constructive criticism.”

“What would you suggest I do next time?”

“There is always something new to be learned.” 

“Never stop learning.” 

“There is always opportunity behind every door that closes.” 

3 Characteristics of a Growth Mindset

Someone who has or someone who wants a growth mindset usually has one or more of these characteristics. 

Motivation is a characteristic of someone who has a growth mindset. Their motivation comes from always thinking that things can be learned or improved upon. 

Patience – Patience for the results they are after because they know they will come when the time is right. They are not giving up when things don’t happen right away. 

Perseverance. People with a growth mindset are happy to try new things and find a different way to get the results they want. People like this are open to new paths and are always ok with growing and learning. 

Things you Can do to Develop a Growth Mindset

Journaling

Journaling is a great way to develop a growth mindset by practicing simple journaling activities like gratitude, affirmations, and goal planning. Implementing these three journaling practices will help you create a growth mindset and is a good strategy for continuing a self-help journey. 

Each day write out three things you’re grateful for, write out an I am affirmation and your desires. When you’re done that, write out what you need to do today. This practice will only take you 5 minutes and can change your life. I have tons more info on this mindset practice you can find here. 

Meditation

Meditation is a great way to clear your mind and be open to new things and new experiences. Mediation allows you to connect with your inner self and find the path that you should be on in your life. 

There are so many benefits to mediation, and it is gaining in popularity because of the impact that meditating for a few minutes each day can do for you. 

Reading

Reading is a great tool to open your mind and learn new things. When you are learning new things, you are open to a growth mindset and forever learning and changing how you think. Make sure you are reading a non-fiction book every day.

Exercising

We’ve all heard of the fantastic benefits of exercising and moving our bodies. Getting our heart rate up and building muscle will keep you mentally healthy and physically. A growth mindset isn’t always about mental growth; it’s also about physical development in becoming healthier and happier. 

Try to move your body in some way every day for at least 20 minutes. You will feel happier, and your mind will be more precise and focused. 

Growth Mindset – Ways to Use it in Your Everyday Life

You want to think in a way where you know that every day takes you putting in the hard work. You want to develop a mindset that allows you to learn new skills, persist in reaching your goal, and learn new things. 

Kids should learn that you can always change your mindset and be resilient in your way of thinking. 

By having a growth mindset, you will have higher self-esteem, and you will seek out new efforts to learn, accept failures as new challenges and learn from your failures.