You may have already heard about a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset. Carol Dweck is widely known for her work in this field. Through her research, she identified two mindsets: fixed and growth. A fixed mindset is “believing your qualities are carved in stone,” while a growth mindset is “the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts”.
Most people switch between the two mindsets, based on the situation. For example, you might have a fixed or growth perspective about your maths ability. Maybe you think that you are terrible at maths and you believe that you either get maths or you don’t. If you fostered a growth mindset you would believe that you do not understand maths yet, but with practice you will get there.
Do you always play it safe? Worry about failing? Become defensive when receiving constructive feedback? Would you rather boost your opportunities and expand your possibilities?
Adopting a growth mindset has changed my life. By continually stepping out of my comfort zone, I've been able to embrace new possibilities, connect with people who have changed my life, and experience transformational change. Learn how adopting a growth mindset can have a positive impact on your career and personal life.
Learning outcomes
- Discuss the difference between growth mind-set and fixed mind-set
- Identify the beliefs and traits of those with growth and fixed mindsets.
- Establish your own current mind-set
- Identify when you’re showing up with a fixed mindset, and how this might be holding you back at work and in life
- Identify effective growth mindset strategies