WHAT YOU THINK MATTERS: DEVELOPING A GROWTH MINDSET

“If you can build a muscle, you can build a mindset.” Jay Shetty

Our mindset is the essence of our beliefs. It informs how we see the world, how we see ourselves, how we think, feel, behave and react. What we think has real-world consequences, and developing a growth mindset will be crucial in helping you achieve your goals.

Dr Carol Dweck carried out detailed research on mindset, and she identified two types of mindsets, a fixed mindset and a growth mindset:

FIXED MINDSET

A person with a fixed mindset believes there is an innateness to ability, that it is something you just have and can’t be changed or improved. There is an overemphasis on talent and intelligence as drivers of success and undervaluing of effort and persistence.

They might think along the lines of:

That’s just who I am.

I’ll never get that job.

I’m just not good at it.

Those with a fixed mindset struggle to persevere in the face of obstacles and to broaden their thinking.

GROWTH MINDSET

One with a growth mindset believes they can continue to develop and improve, and that with effort they can change their situation or improve their ability.

They might think along the lines of:

I’m a work-in-progress, I can change.

That job is a real challenge, how can I get there?

I can learn to do that.

A person with a growth mindset remains curious, has a strong work ethic, and is able to take setbacks in their stride.

How are mindsets formed?

Mindsets are formed, according to Dweck, through praising and labelling in early childhood.

PRAISE

Dweck’s research shows that what we are praised for directly impacts our mindset. If a child’s smart or talent is praised, they are more likely to develop a fixed mindset – you either are or aren’t smart or talented. If, however, a child is praised for effort in accomplishing a task, the implication that effort has will have a direct impact on the outcome which is reinforced. Effort and strategy can be controlled and improved.

LABELS

The labels we acquire as we grow, that are applied to us by society, have a direct impact on our mindset. This is the self-fulfilling prophecy. If a woman is constantly told that women are worse leaders, or a man is told that men should not show weakness, this belief will most often be internalised and directly impact their actions to subconsciously align with that message.

The praise we are given and the labels applied to us might shape our mindset from a young age, but we have the agency and ability to positively change!

In working with a life coach, you’ll not only undertake action-based work like goal setting and action plans, you’ll also work on your mindset. By working to develop a growth mindset, you’ll be able to persevere in your action plan and be equipped with the skills to take on the challenge of achieving your goal.

Some strategies for developing a growth mindset:

- Value the bits in-between:

It’s not all about achieving the final goal. Even if you don’t fully reach your target, the skills that you learn along the way and the life experience you gain through trying are absolutely vital and will serve you whatever your next goal might be.

- Be patient:

Growth takes time. Accept that as you learn you will probably fail, and fail again, and again… And that’s a good thing! It is through failure you learn. So change your mindset – you haven’t failed at your task, you just haven’t mastered it yet.

- The stories we tell ourselves matter: Change the way you speak to yourself, use positive words and reinforcement on yourself. Consciously try to reframe how you feel or understand something moving from a negative outlook to a more positive one.

Ready to change your mindset?

Get in touch with Zohara at info@zoharalifecoach.co.uk to find out more.