Shift Your Thinking: Embracing the Growth Mindset

Let’s start with a question: have you ever told yourself, “I’m just not good at this”? Maybe it was math, cooking, or parallel parking. (If it’s parallel parking, no judgment—it’s trickier than it looks.) If so, congratulations, you’ve dabbled in a fixed mindset.

Now, on the flip side, have you ever thought, “I can’t do this… yet”? That little word - yet - is the calling card of a growth mindset. It’s the difference between seeing abilities as set in stone and seeing them as works in progress. Let’s explore these two mindsets and learn how to pivot toward growth.

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The Tale of Two Mindsets

The concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets comes from Dr. Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist whose research showed that our beliefs about our abilities significantly impact how we approach life’s challenges.

- Fixed Mindset: This is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and talents are static. If you’re good at something, great—but if you’re not, tough luck. People with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, and feel threatened by others’ success.

Example Thought: “I wasn’t born good at drawing, so why bother?”

- Growth Mindset: This is the belief that your abilities can improve with effort, strategies, and support. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities to grow and failure as part of the learning process.

Example Thought: “I’m not great at drawing right now, but if I practice, I can get better.”

Why Does This Matter?

Your mindset shapes how you approach nearly everything—your career, relationships, hobbies, and even your health. Imagine you’re learning to play guitar. If you have a fixed mindset, every missed chord reinforces the belief that you’re just not “musical.” But with a growth mindset, you understand that even Jimi Hendrix didn’t wake up one day shredding solos.

Developing a Growth Mindset

So, how do you shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset? Good news: It’s not as hard as you think. Here are some practical strategies to start rethinking how you think:

1. Embrace the Power of “Yet”

When you catch yourself thinking, *“I’m terrible at this,”* add the word *“yet”* to the end. It’s a small mental tweak that reminds you that skills develop over time.

- Fixed Mindset: “I can’t code.”

- Growth Mindset: “I can’t code… yet.”

2. Learn to Love Failure

Failure gets a bad rap, but it’s a fantastic teacher. Think of failure as feedback—it’s simply information about what didn’t work. Next time you stumble, ask yourself, *“What can I learn from this?”*

3. Challenge Your Inner Critic

We all have that voice in our heads saying, *“You’re not good enough.”* Challenge it! Would you let your best friend talk to themselves that way? Probably not. Replace those negative thoughts with encouraging ones.

- Instead of: “I’ll never be good at public speaking.”

- Try: “Every time I practice public speaking, I get a little better.”

4. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities

When something feels hard, it’s easy to think, *“This isn’t for me.”* Instead, remind yourself that struggle is part of growth. It’s like going to the gym—if it’s too easy, you’re not building muscle.

- Example: If you bomb a presentation, don’t see it as a sign you’re bad at presenting. See it as a chance to refine your skills for next time.

5. Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People

Ever notice how your attitude shifts depending on who you’re around? Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and believe in growth. You’ll naturally start picking up their mindset.

6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy to focus on how far you still have to go. Instead, take time to celebrate how far you’ve come. Maybe you’re not a pro at something yet, but are you better than you were a month ago? Progress matters more than perfection.

The Science Behind It

Neuroscience backs up the growth mindset. Our brains are plastic, meaning they can change and adapt throughout our lives—a concept called neuroplasticity. When you learn something new, your brain forms new connections. The more you practice, the stronger those connections become.

Think of your brain like a hiking trail. The more you walk a path, the clearer it gets. Developing a growth mindset is about forging those paths through repeated effort and intention.

The Growth Mindset in Everyday Life

Developing a growth mindset isn’t just about career success or mastering a new skill—it’s about how you live your life. It’s about facing challenges with curiosity, embracing imperfection, and realizing that you’re capable of more than you think. Ask yourself, '“What’s one area where I’ve been stuck in a fixed mindset? How can I start shifting toward growth today?”

So the next time you feel stuck or defeated, remember: Growth takes time, effort, and a whole lot of “yet.” And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider chatting with a therapist. Sometimes, a little guidance and support is what you need to unlock your potential.