Growth and Fixed Mindset

Always aspire to have a Growth Mindset rather than a Fixed Mindset. To understand the difference and impact each have on you and your development, A Stanford University psychologist named Carol Dweck had this to say:

"A “fixed mindset” assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can’t change in any meaningful way, and success is the affirmation of that inherent intelligence, an assessment of how those givens measure up against an equally fixed standard; striving for success and avoiding failure at all costs become a way of maintaining the sense of being smart or skilled. 

.....A “growth mindset,” on the other hand, thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities"

She went further to explain that over the years she has seen many people that exhibit the fixed mindset trait having a constant goal of proving themselves—in the classroom, in their careers, and in their relationships. They see every situation as a call for a confirmation of their intelligence, personality, or character. Every situation is evaluated: Will I succeed or fail? Will I look smart or dumb? Will I be accepted or rejected? Will I feel like a winner or a loser? . . .

While those with growth mindset are guided on the belief that 'your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts'. Although people may differ in every which way — in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments — everyone can change and grow through application and experience.

My favorite part of her research was where she said:

 "Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better? Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them? Why look for friends or partners who will just shore up your self-esteem instead of ones who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek out the tried and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you? The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives."

MIG