Why Choosing Growth Changes Everything!
Have you ever caught yourself saying “I’m just not good at that” or “That’s just the way I am”? If so, you’re not alone. Those thoughts are rooted in what psychologists call a fixed mindset. In contrast, those who say “I’m not good at it yet” or “I’ll figure it out”, are tapping into a growth mindset . The difference between the two can shape everything from your confidence to your success in life.
What is a fixed mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities, intelligence or personality traits are set in stone. If you succeed, you feel good – but if you fail, it feels like proof that you’re not capable. People with a fixed mindset often avoid challenges, shy away from feedback and give up easily when things get tough because mistakes feel like personal flaws rather opportunities to improve,
Common fixed mindset thoughts:
- “I’ll never be good at this”
- “Some people are born with talent, but I wasn’t”
- “If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t try”.
What is a growth mindset?
A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning and patience. Instead of fearing failure, people with a growth mindset use it as information. They embrace challenges, seek out feedback and see effort as the path to mastery.
Growth mindset thoughts sound like:
- “I’m still learning”
- “Every mistake teaches me something”
- “Success comes from practice, not perfection”.
Why maintaining a growth mindset matters
Adopting and consistently maintaining a growth mindset can transform not only your achievements, but also your mental well-being and resilience. Here’s why it’s so powerful:
- It Reduces Failure: Instead of seeing setbacks as evidence you’re not good enough, you start to see them as stepping-stones. Failure becomes feedback – and feedback fuels growth.
- It Builds Resilience: With a growth mindset, challenges no longer feel threatening. You become more adaptable, persistent and solution-focused, even when life throws curveballs.
- It Fuels Lifelong Learning: A growth mindset keeps your brain – and spirit – young! You stay curious, open to new skills, and willing to reinvent yourself at any age.
- It Improves Relationships and Communication: People with a growth mindset don’t get defensive when corrected or challenged. They listen, learn and evolve, which leads to healthier, more collaborative connections.
- It Boosts Confidence: Confidence doesn’t just come from getting things right – it comes from trusting that you can figure things out. A growth mindset shifts your focus from perfection to progression.
How to shift into a growth mindset
Start by noticing your inner dialogue. When a fixed mindset thought shows up, add the magic word: yet.
- “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet“
- “I’m bad at technology” to “I’m learning how use technology”
- “I failed” to “I learned what didn’t work, so now I’ll try again differently”
Final thoughts
Your mindset shapes your reality more than your circumstances ever will. You don’t need to be the smartest, the youngest or the most talented – you just need to stay open to growth. Because the moment you believe you can, you unlock the possibility that you will.
