What if You Have a Fixed Mindset?

We hear a lot about how important it is to have a 'Growth' mindset. How valuable it is to have a wider perspective on your capabilities, and ultimately, how 'anything is possible'.

Those who feel they might have a Fixed mindset can feel a bit uncomfortable here; when the goal is to grow, grow, grow.

And that doesn't sit easily with you.

The truth is, firstly, there is value in both fixed (know where you're going, focus on strengths, be more satisfied) as well as growth (open, pushing, challenging, etc.). And secondly, we're all a mix of both, so we all have the capacity to at least see a small hint of what the other side is like.

But in articles and books which focus on the wonderful value of a growth mindset, it's rare to find any guide to help those of a more fixed mindset tendency to have a little more growth in there too.

So, how difficult is it for someone with an inherent fixed mindset to shift - and what can they do about it?

Shifting from a fixed mindset to a more growth mindset can be challenging, as it involves changing ingrained beliefs about intelligence, abilities, and personal potential.

Yet, with focus, a little effort and some commitment, it is possible to develop a more growth-oriented mindset.

Here are 3 strategies that can help someone with a fixed mindset make the shift:

1. Self-Awareness and Reflection

The first step is to become aware of your fixed mindset beliefs and how they may be limiting you. Pay attention to your thoughts and self-talk when faced with challenges, setbacks, or criticism.

Just notice if you tend to attribute failures solely to a lack of ability or talent. Reflect on the impact of these beliefs on your motivation, learning, and resilience.

And, of even more value, take a little time to do what actor Emma Watson does at the end of each day: -

Being honest with your positives will help you see your world more for its opportunities than its shortcomings.

2. Embrace Challenges and Learn from Failures

When you embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for growth, you will understand better that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the learning and growing process, rather than 'just how it is'.

When faced with a challenge, approach it by telling yourself 'I can learn and improve through my effort to have a go'.

Celebrate 🎉 the process of learning, and view mistakes as a valuable gift of feedback, to help you be even better than you are already!

3. Find a Growth-Oriented Experience

When you surround yourself with people who have a growth mindset, the environment itself will support and encourage your efforts. Take a little time to be curious about possibilities through reading or listening to interesting materials which offer a different - even contrary - viewpoint.

When you grit your teeth and try new things, it's rarely as awful as you might think and sometimes, just sometimes, you'll surprise yourself! Set a little target once a month to seek out opportunities for learning or experiencing something new. Your stretch goal is trying out something you are averse to!

Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset will require patience and persistence. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that change takes time. Celebrate small victories and progress along the way, reinforcing the new mindset and encouraging further growth.

And, above all, enjoy the new you and your new possibilities, one step at a time.

Martin Haworth lives in Gloucester, England, travelling (less) and Zooming (more) extensively as a leadership trainer and coach. Apart from all his brilliant one-to-one clients, Martin is currently famous for 'The Kind Leader Program '.