Growth mindset vs fixed mindset: which one do you have?

Let's break down the difference between the growth and fixed mindset once and for all! 

In the realm of personal development, few concepts carry as much weight as the growth mindset, pioneered by the renowned psychologist Carol Dweck.

It's more than just a theory; it's a philosophy that can redefine the trajectory of our lives.

Join us as we explore the essence of the growth mindset and how it empowers individuals to conquer challenges and reach new heights.

We'll be exploring

1. What is a growth mindset?
2. Growth mindset vs fixed mindset
3. Do you have a growth mindset?
4. Why should entrepreneurs care about a growth mindset? 

Let's dive into it! 

What is a growth mindset? 

In a world brimming with possibilities, where success seems to be the offspring of hard work and dedication, there exists a powerful concept that separates the champions from the spectators:

the growth mindset, discovered by Carol Dweck. 

Coined by the esteemed American psychologist Professor Carol Dweck, the growth mindset is more than just a catchy phrase;

it's a philosophy that can redefine the trajectory of your life.

Picture this: a belief system where your skills and talents are not fixed commodities bestowed upon you at birth but rather dynamic entities waiting to be nurtured and cultivated through sheer grit and determination.

Think of it as your superhero cape, empowering you to conquer challenges and scale new heights with each stride.

Professor Dweck's groundbreaking work in her book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" revealed the transformative power of this mindset.

She showed us that those who dare to believe in their potential to grow and evolve tend to outshine their counterparts who harbour limiting beliefs about their abilities.

So, what exactly sets apart the growth mindset warriors from the rest of the pack? 🤔

It's their unyielding resolve to view obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth.

They thrive on challenges, seeing them as opportunities to stretch their capabilities and expand their horizons.

Imagine facing a failure not with defeat but with a sense of curiosity and determination, knowing that each practice is a chance to learn and grow.

That's the essence of the growth mindset—it's about the effort of embracing the journey of personal development, relishing the process, and celebrating progress, no matter how small.

In essence, it's about rewiring your brain to believe that your potential is limitless and that with enough dedication and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

It's a mindset that fuels continuous learning, innovation, fosters resilience, and propels you towards your goals with unwavering momentum.

So, the next time you find yourself faced with a daunting challenge or a daunting goal, remember this:

you have the power to shape your destiny, to sculpt your future with every choice you make and every step you take.

Embrace the growth mindset, and watch as the world transforms into your playground of endless possibilities.

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

So, what is the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?

Picture this: you're handed a deck of cards at birth, and those cards determine your innate abilities, your fate—your intelligence, your talents, your potential.

There's no room for personal growth or evolution in this worldview.

Challenges are seen as landmines to be avoided at all costs, constructive feedback is taken as a personal attack, and successful people are met with envy rather than inspiration.

Think of it like this: with a Fixed Mindset, you're stuck playing a game of poker with a hand you can't change.

But with a Growth Mindset, you're dealt a hand, sure, but you also have the power to learn new tricks, shuffle the deck, and deal yourself a winning hand through effort and resilience.

In essence, the key difference lies in how we perceive our abilities and potential.

While those with a Fixed Mindset believe that intelligence and talents are static traits bestowed upon us at birth.

Those with a Growth Mindset understand that with enough dedication and effort, we can cultivate and improve upon these attributes over time.

So, the next time you find yourself faced with a challenge or setback, ask yourself: which mindset will you choose to embrace?

The one that keeps you tethered to the past, or the one that propels you towards a brighter future?

The choice is yours, my friend. Choose wisely.

Do you have a growth mindset?

Having a growth mindset means that you believe in your ability to learn, grow, and improve.

It is the understanding that intelligence and abilities are not fixed traits, but can be developed through effort, practice, and perseverance.

It may be hard to define if you have a growth or fixed mindset yourself.

No worries!

We've built a test to help you analyse how your mindset is oriented.

👉 Take the test, it only takes 2 minutes!

The growth mindset test has 12 questions focused on your beliefs about certain scenarios. Get your results in just 2 minutes!

Why should entrepreneurs care about a growth mindset?

1. A growth mindset opens new doors

When you embrace a growth mindset, you unlock the door to endless possibilities and personal development, allowing you to break free from the shackles of your past and venture into new and uncharted territories.

Entrepreneurs, listen up—this one's for you.

With a growth mindset guiding your steps, you have the power to pivot, reinvent yourself, and carve out a new path in the world of entrepreneurship.

Take Indya Wright, for example—she traded in her corporate hat for the entrepreneurial crown, launching her own public relations and production firm, Artiste House.

Now, you might be thinking, "But I don't know the first thing about entrepreneurship! How can I possibly succeed in a field that's completely foreign to me?"

Fear not, my friend, for here's where the magic of continuous learning comes into play.

Rather than viewing your lack of experience as a barrier to entry, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Take the plunge, immerse yourself in the world of startups, and arm yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this new environment.

As Indya Wright wisely puts it:

"You need to find ways to equip yourself with the skills necessary to sustain your business. You’re investing in your own success."

Whether it's through hands-on experience, online courses, or good old-fashioned trial and error, investing in your success is the first step towards building the business of your dreams.

2. It increases your ability to adapt to changes

In the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship, the ability to adapt to shifting tides is paramount. This is where the growth mindset truly shines.

Picture this: your business encounters a hurdle—a setback, a challenge, a failure. In the face of adversity, your capacity to adapt becomes the difference between sinking and soaring.

Resilience, the cornerstone of the growth mindset, equips you with the tools to navigate turbulent waters with grace and determination.

It's not about avoiding obstacles but rather about embracing them as opportunities for personal growth and learning.

Take a moment to consider the findings from one of Dweck's enlightening studies: when faced with mistakes, those with a fixed mindset exhibited little brain activity, almost as if their minds had slammed shut.

On the other hand, individuals with a growth mindset showcased vibrant brain function, actively processing and learning from their errors.

In essence, a fixed mindset can act as a roadblock to personal growth, stifling your ability to adapt and evolve. But with a growth mindset by your side, you're empowered to view mistakes not as failures but as stepping stones on the path to success.

3. Pivot, Pivot, Pivot

In the world of entrepreneurship, success often hinges on the ability to refine and enhance your product through a process of constant iteration.

Imagine your business as a work in progress—a canvas waiting to be painted, a puzzle waiting to be solved.

With each iteration, you test new ideas, gather feedback, and fine-tune your product until it shines like a beacon in the marketplace.

Now, here's where the growth mindset comes into play: it's the driving force behind this relentless pursuit of improvement.

While entrepreneurs with a fixed mindset may shrink from negative feedback, viewing it as a damning indictment of their abilities, those with a growth mindset embrace it as a catalyst for growth.

Rather than seeing failure as a reflection of their shortcomings in basic intelligence, they see it as an opportunity to evolve and innovate.

They welcome feedback with open arms, using it to identify areas for improvement and refine their product offering.

In essence, a growth mindset enables you to approach product development with a sense of curiosity and resilience. It empowers you to view each setback not as a roadblock but as a stepping stone on the path to success.

4. Staying grounded

Amidst the whirlwind of entrepreneurial pursuits, a growth mindset serves as a gentle whisper, reminding you that the journey of learning is infinite.

It's a humbling force that keeps you grounded in the face of success and challenges alike.

As you navigate the ever-shifting landscape of entrepreneurship, your growth mindset acts as a compass, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of your craft and your market.

It's a constant reminder that mastery is a journey, not a destination—that there's always more to learn, explore, and discover.

This humility, born from the recognition of your own capacity for growth, is a powerful antidote to stagnation.

In a world where needs evolve, trends shift, and paradigms change, staying humble allows you to remain agile and adaptable.

Consider this: if you become too complacent with your current knowledge and achievements, you risk missing out on valuable opportunities for growth and evolution.

By staying humble and open-minded, you create space for innovation, iteration, and ultimately, transformation.

So, fellow entrepreneurs, let the growth mindset be your guiding light as you navigate the twists and turns of your entrepreneurial journey.

Embrace the humility that comes from knowing that there's always more to learn, and watch as new doors of opportunity swing wide open before you.

After all, in the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship, humility is not a sign of weakness but a testament to your willingness to grow and evolve.