According to a theory by Carol S. Dweck, author and professor, there are two mindsets : Growth Mindset versus Fixed Mindset. They are characterized exactly how they sound: people with a Fixed Mindset believe that whatever they do, they will always be the ‘same.’ They subscribe to concrete descriptors: “I am Smart. I am Funny. I am Healthy. I am Pretty. Etc.,” And, because they have built a mindset and an allegiance around these states of being, anything that may jeopardize that, like a grand challenge that seems too daunting, can always lead to failure. The fixed mindset sets up the grounds for failure: “If i don’t know the answer then I AM NOT Smart. If I don’t get compliments, than I AM NOT Pretty.” There is no place to grow, only space to not match up to the predefined characteristic, therefore, failure is inevitable.
Those with a Growth Mindset, no matter what they do, are always open to learn something new. Their thought process is one that is consistently questioning, always willing to try things for the sake of the process, the sake of the challenge. A Growth Mindset person sees all ‘failures’ as learning points, and thinks “what can I do better next time?” Thomas Edison, the man who invented the lightbulb, had a growth mindset. Before he discovered the correct filament that made the light shine, he tried nearly a thousand filaments that did not. These were not setbacks, but fodder for his further exploration. When he finally succeeded in his invention, a critic asked him, “how does it feel to have failed 1000 times?” Thomas Edison responded, “I did not fail 1000 times, I discovered 1000 things that did not work.” This is the Growth Mindset. In her book, Ms. Dweck shows time and time again how the Growth Mindset leads to success, and the Fixed Mindset leads to failure.
What fixed beliefs or characteristics may be limiting your growth? Give yourself the gift today of trying something new, without expectation, for the sake of the process, for the fun of it. Enjoy your learning process.