Developing a growth mindset becomes increasingly important the older we get.
If you're unfamiliar with the term, a growth mindset is the core belief that you can learn and grow from challenges and setbacks. It's the opposite of a fixed mindset, which is the belief that your abilities and intelligence are fixed and cannot be changed. This may seem elementary or obvious to some, but many of us will get locked into a fixed mindset without realizing it. Most of us have invested a lot of time and energy to get where we are now. So, we lean on the skills and knowledge we already have over the idea of learning something new. This is understandable. Learning a new skill can be difficult and time-consuming. However, thinking this way is restricting.
Having a fixed mindset limits you from exploring opportunities that present themselves.
Developing a growth mindset opens up opportunities by simply allowing you the space to explore something new. It doesn’t matter if the project you get into is a success, even failure can tell you something valuable, and you will “Grow” from the experience. This is an essential tool for building resilience, especially as we get older. Practicing a growth mindset can help you bounce back from adversity and see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. It doesn’t matter how big or small the challenge might be.
Even small challenges are growth opportunities that can have a compounding effect.
Every task is a learning opportunity when you adopt a growth mindset—trying out a new recipe? That can be daunting for some, but every burnt dinner gets you closer to understanding how to be a better cook. Exploring a new program on the computer can feel like being lost in a swamp in the dark, but every fumbling mistake gets you closer to figuring it out, and the next program you try will be much easier. Contrary to popular belief, you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Having a growth mindset is easy if you remember these 4 fundamental principles.
Embrace Challenges
Embracing challenges is one of the critical elements of developing a growth mindset. If you're learning a new skill, rather than avoiding difficult tasks or giving up when encountering roadblocks, approach the challenge with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Remind yourself that putting in the hard work now will pay dividends in the future, so get started. In the immortal words of Yoda, “Do or do not, there is no try.”
Learn from Setbacks
Another element of a growth mindset is learning from setbacks. Setbacks and failures will happen; they are a natural part of life. When it happens, it's easy to get discouraged and give up. However, instead of seeing a setback as a sign that you're not good enough, try to see it as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, what can I learn from the experience, and how can I use that knowledge to improve in the future?
Focus on What You Can Control
It’s easy to accept that invitation to the pity party, but we need to throw it out. Having a growth mindset involves focusing on what you can control. Focusing on things out of your control, such as other people's opinions or external circumstances, leads to feelings of helplessness and powerlessness. But when you focus on things in your control, such as your thoughts and actions, you're more likely to feel empowered and capable. Try to focus on the steps you can take to make progress rather than worrying about external factors that might be out of your control.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Easier said than done, but maybe the most important rule of all. A positive attitude keeps you in the driver’s seat of your journey. When you are in a positive frame of mind, you will make better decisions, be more open to ideas, and be more able to learn from your experiences. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when things get tough. If you encounter a challenging situation, try to reframe it positively. Instead of thinking, "I can't do this," try thinking, "This is a chance for me to learn and grow."
Developing a growth mindset is essential for building resilience as we move through the years.
By embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, focusing on what you can control, and keeping a positive attitude, you can become more resilient and better able to bounce back from adversity.