Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Some people look at problems and see roadblocks while others look at the same problems and see speedbumps. What happens when you are presented with a challenge? Is your first instinct to give up and accept defeat or is your focus on solutions? Your answer to these questions provides insight into where you fall on the growth vs. fixed mindset continuum. Having a growth mindset means that you aspire to acquire knowledge. You seek information and believe that outcomes are constantly evolving.
People who have “fixed” mindsets are often raised to accept the world as it is. They are taught to follow the rules, respect authority figures, and not ask questions. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with any of these factors, however, they attribute to a pattern of learned limitations. Growth is not always enjoyable or fun; we have the term “growing pains” for a reason. People who identify with a growth mindset know that failure often precedes success. They do not let that factor deter them though because they realize it is necessary to achieve their goals and progress in life.
Have you ever wondered what drives some people to pursue information while others settle for the status quo? Ever notice that the same people raise their hands in class to ask questions or in work meetings to interject their opinion? A person’s mindset is a major underlying factor in situations like these. Our mindset influences the goals we set for ourselves and the path we take to achieve them. It is the difference in solutions vs. setbacks. Challenges vs. failures. Opportunities for growth vs. giving up on our dreams.
People with a more “fixed” mindset view situations through black and white thinking, or all or nothing thought processes. When you view the world through this lens, you only see extremes: good or bad, right or wrong, red or blue. Our culture and education system has become so fixated on dichotomies that it is difficult for us to take off the sunglasses and see all the possibilities in between. Learning is not limited to the classroom or work training. Tapping into your growth mindset requires you to become curious, leave your comfort zone, and venture into the unknown.
There are a lot of ways to nurture a growth mindset. If you enjoy reading, you can view other blogs, articles, and books on the topic you want to learn about. If you’re more of an auditory learner or have a long commute you can tune into audiobooks and podcasts. You can even subscribe to social media accounts that align with your topic of choice so that the information is planted in your daily newsfeeds! There are a lot of ways to expand your knowledge and a lot of them are free. You don’t have to feel stuck anymore, you simply have to cultivate learning into your daily routine.
“Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers or you can grow weeds.”