Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset - Which One Do YOU Have?

There is a lot of discussion in today’s enlightened era about mindset. Our mindset creates how we view our world and dictates our emotional intelligence. What is the attitude that we bring to our work and relationships? Are we naturally optimistic or pessimistic?
It is our mindset that creates our future and determines whether or not we achieve our goals.

There are two different mindsets: The Fixed Mindset and the Growth Mindset. A person with a fixed mindset views their talents and abilities as fixed – unchangeable. A mistake means that these attributes are somehow flawed. People with a fixed mindset go through life avoiding failure and challenge. If an error is made they are quick to hide it or blame others rather than learn from the experience. If something is ‘too hard’ they won’t try. Anything less than perfect is viewed as a personal flaw. Therefore, a fixed mindset limits people and holds them back.

People with a growth mindset, however, see themselves as a work in progress. They believe that they can continually enhance their intelligence, abilities and competence through effort and practice. They view challenges as learning opportunities. Failure is merely an opportunity to learn and grow. Therefore people with a growth mindset actively seek challenges even at the risk of appearing less than perfect.

A growth mindset is about learning how to compete against oneself. Having a growth mindset leads to much higher rates of achievement and happiness.

The good news is that it is never to late to transform a fixed mindset into a growth mindset. Modifying a fixed mindset starts with learning how to pay attention to that fixed mindset self-talk. That inner voice may say something like “I’ll be humiliated if I fail.” “I just don’t have the talent.” or “It’s not too late to make excuses to regain you dignity.” Treat perfection as a path, not a destination. Grow and learn to seek excellence in its place. Focus on lessons over failures. Most importantly, just like strengthening muscles at the gym learn to like what growth feels like.

You have a choice in how you interpret your setbacks, challenges and criticisms. You can view them as signs that you are not (fill in the blank) enough or you can see them as a indications that you can stretch yourself, learn new things, grow. You can change a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. The choice is up to you.

Valery Satterwhite is a Success Mindset Coach. View her website at www.SuccessMindsetCoach.com or contact Valery@earthlink.net.