The Power of a Growth Mindset

Written by Katie Jackson-Griffin, LCPC

You have probably experienced those days where you just feel stuck. Motivated is not a word you would use to describe yourself in these instances. When feeling stuck, you don’t see how you can do much better. Nothing has changed and this is just the way life is. You start to slip into negative self-talk such as, “I can never do this right,” “I must just be a lazy person,” or “I’m just not smart enough to do this.” Having a growth mindset seems completely unrealistic, but all you want is to find a way to feel motivation again.

Sound familiar?  

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

This type of thinking is called having a fixed mindset, meaning that aspects of a person’s character, such as talent, intelligence, drive, and capability are believed to be unchangeable. Often, people with a fixed mindset lack the belief that they have the ability to grow and change as new challenges arise. Fixed mindset self-talk uses certain language that highlights that there can’t be change. For example, critical labeling can be common, like in the example above. When you say that you are “lazy,” not much room is left for change. You experience the thought as a fixed, absolute belief. This can be very detrimental for self-esteem and when trying to find motivation. Shaming yourself will only keep you stuck for longer.

Additionally, a fixed mindset makes a person believe that approval and success are the ultimate (and only) goals. This can further intensify anxiety and frustration, as the outcome of hard work isn’t always controllable. Doing “all the right things” doesn’t always mean that you will achieve the goal.

So, what does it mean to have a growth mindset?

Unlike a fixed mindset, a growth mindset allows a person to see challenges and setbacks as ways to improve and grow. Failure is not a character flaw, but rather an opportunity to find new ways to navigate life’s roadblocks. People who have a growth mindset are often able to adjust to changes more easily, have a positive outlook in their professional and personal lives, and have a greater ability cope with challenges. Instead of thoughts such as “I’m lazy” or “I’m a failure,” you move toward statements like, “I am having a hard time getting motivated” or “I am frustrated that I was not able to achieve this goal.” This change in language can be very powerful! It allows you to recognize that you can work towards solutions such as improving your motivation or soothing your frustration.

Additionally, a growth mindset focuses on continuous learning rather than just success. Thus, you have the opportunity to recognize that there are positive outcomes even if you don’t reach the original goal. For example, you may have built your stamina, learned a new skill, or discovered something else you enjoy along the way.

If you recognize that you have a fixed mindset, don’t fret…A growth mindset can be learned! Rarely does a person have a 100% fixed or growth mindset. Often, it’s a combination of the two types. If you are someone who falls towards having a fixed mindset, consider trying out some of the following tactics to develop more of a growth mindset.

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Cultivate a Growth Mindset

These tactics can be used as mantras as well as guidelines to help build more of a growth mindset.

• Prioritize improvement over perfection
• Think of mistakes as opportunities to learn something new
• If something doesn’t work, try it a different way
• Ditch all-or-nothing words from your vocabulary like “can’t” and “never”
• View your imperfections as changeable, not rigid
• Set a new goal each time you achieve a goal (don’t forget to celebrate yourself a little first!)

Developing a growth mindset is going to take practice! You may experience some resistance or uncertainty about whether these changes can make an impact. That is okay! Trying something new is difficult and you can do hard things. Cultivating a growth mindset can have positive impacts on many areas of your life. The hard work will be worth it!

If You Still Need Support, Restorative Counseling Can Help!

The entire team at Restorative Counseling believes in taking an individualized approach to helping you develop and improve your growth mindset. Our clinicians can support you as you apply these tactics and build resiliency. To get started, schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians today.