How a Growth Mindset trumps a Fixed Mindset
Standford University psychologist Carol S. Dweek, PhD identifies mindset as a fundamental difference maker in our lives.
On the one hand, a fixed mindset assumes that everything is pre-determined, limited, and unchangeable. This base assumption produces negative self-talk. For instance, I could never do that, I don’t have what it takes, I would never be good at that, I’m not creative enough. And in most cases, you live right into your limiting beliefs.
On the other hand, Dweek describes the growth mindset. People with a growth mindset tend to believe that they can always learn something new, improve their creativity, and move past mistakes. Their inner dialogue sounds more like, I can do this, I am learning from this, I will try again.
Resilience and lifelong learning typify those with a growth mindset. Granted, no one is 100% one or the other, but we do have dominant tendencies that make a substantial difference. Those with a growth mindset push back and re-script their negative messaging into the self-talk of hope, possibility, and courage.
Mindset matters.
