Why is having a new growth mindset important
Especially in these uncertain times, it’s important to have a mindset of growing yourself professionally.
The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset. Those with a fixed mindset believe that they are either good at something or not, and they can’t do anything about it.
They also feel threatened by things they don’t know how to do – this is because of the fear of failure, which leads to anxiety. This stops them from learning new skills.
The worst part is that a fixed mindset can prevent you from getting a new job if you don’t believe that you will be able to learn the new skills required for it. Or you will be stuck in the same position and holding yourself back in so many ways.
What is a fixed mindset:
- Has a fear of failure
- Has a need for perfection but feels like they cannot change themselves or improve
- Stands in their own way
- Sabotages their growth
- Has to have all the information before taking a risk and is very risk-averse
- Not tapping into your full potential both spiritually and professionally
What is a fixed mindset example?
An example of having a fixed mindset is that someone was “born” a great chess player. Whereas somebody with a growth mindset would say “anyone can learn to be a great chess player.”
It bleeds into the nature-nurture argument and is very interesting.
What are 4 characteristics of a growth mindset?
- Looking at obstacles and failures as opportunities to learn
- Someone who is realistic about their prospects and knows their limitations – but does not view themself as stationary
- Adaptable to change
- Change is very constant and it’s important to keep up with it
Can a fixed to growth mindset be changed?
How to navigate change and which lenses we look through are so important when it comes to mindset – if you are more geared to having a growth mindset you will find yourself faced with challenges – but you are going to be looking for the opportunities.
This is the difficult thing about changing your mentality – it is part of you. Just like with any other large change in your life it will take time and commitment. It is always possible, however.
A great example of a growth mindset would be an IT company at the start of the pandemic. Where previously they would offer their services to companies – A lot of IT companies started offering personal services such as computer installations with a good connection, cameras, video sharing software etc.
This adaptation on the norm has become even more important – and is only impossible with a growth mindset.
6 actionable steps to get a growth mindset
There are many ways of getting and maintaining a growth mindset:
- Schedule reflection every day and analyze your progress, what have you done today to improve your situation
- Start a gratitude journal to remember to be grateful for the things you want to reflect on
- Start to say yes to things that you were too afraid of saying yes to before
- Start noticing what you do well at, rather than what you think is wrong with you.
- Focus on the process rather than the result (ie how you got there) – ie focus on what skills you have learned in order to get where you are now asking for help when you need it, and have a growth team in order to gain many perspectives on your situation – this can be family or friends or support groups
- Practice skills and notice where you still need to improve, rather than waiting once on the skill to be excellent – ie if you’re learning a new language you can become fluent at it even though there will always be room for improvement get into an environment that is positive and encouraging, where there is no room for negative or toxic people. Never let other people’s opinions hold you back
What is outcome-focused?
An outcome is a result that you want to achieve, an impact or end result. In terms of services it is the priority that service users themselves identify as important.
Outcome focused services are those that aim to achieve the priorities that service users themselves identify as important.
The difference between having a fixed and growth mindset:
A fixed mindset has a fear of failure, a need for perfection but feels like they cannot change themselves or improve and stands in their own way.
A growth mindset looks at obstacles and failures as opportunities to learn, is realistic about their prospects and knows their limitations – but does not view themself as stationary.
It can be difficult to change your mentality, however, it is possible.
Think about an issue you’re having right now – how are you viewing the problem. Are you seeing it as a mountain of a problem that is unsolvable or are you taking the time to analyze the problem and how you can grow from it?
We all need a little help in life. Sometimes, we just need someone to show us the way. I am dedicated to helping others transform their lives. Click here to get started.
Best,
Dr. Asha Prasad
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