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After reading this article you will be well on your way to understanding the difference between the growth mindset and a fixed mindset. We will define what a mindset is. And we will provide the seven characteristics to obtaining a growth mindset. Will you master your growth mindset?
What Is a Mindset?
Per dictionary.com the definition of mindset is an attitude, disposition, or mood, an intention or inclination. Now, if we take the definition from Wikipedia, we have the mindset as a set of assumptions, methods, or notations held by one or more people or groups of people. However, a mindset can also be seen as an incident of a person’s world view or philosophy of life. Or, a mindset can also be seen as an incident of a person’s world view or philosophy of life.
In addition, some see mindset may be so firmly established that it creates a powerful incentive within these people or groups to continue to adopt or accept prior behaviors, choices, or tools.
In cognitive psychology, a mindset represents the cognitive processes activated in response to a given task.
I, myself am a person who has always excelled at learning, enjoyed further education and continue to this day to be a free thinker and learn as much as I can. But there was one point in my life when I was not only told I was not good enough, but I was believing the same. I lacked self-esteem, self-confidence and I was full of doubt. I had a fixed mindset.
This lasted for about 13 years before I figured it out. I repeat, 13 years. And even after that, it took me a few more years to figure out who I was and search for my own identity.
I tell you this because, even though you may have a fixed mindset now, you have the power to change! When I was an adult I had to relearn and find my growth mindset. It is often harder to achieve as an adult versus as a child. You too can change. But with that comes a different mindset than you have functioned with previously.
Above all, his is not something that happens overnight, but if you practice and believe in yourself and your abilities, it can become second nature to you.
Watch this video to learn more about finding your growth mindset.. 🙂 It can also be found on my Facebook Group page, or on my YouTube channel.
What Are The Two Types of Mindsets?
Now that we have defined what a mindset its let’s define the differences between the two types. There are two mindsets that can influence our ability to learn, grow, and achieve our goals. There is a growth mindset and a fixed mindset.
The Growth Mindset:
The belief that we are in control of our skills. That there are things that can be developed and improved. That we have the capacity to learn and grow. Skills are built.
With a growth mindset, you believe change is possible and necessary. You don’t view failures as the end of the world. Rather, you actually see them as opportunities for further learning. You are comfortable with being vulnerable and have the courage to take risks.
You want to challenge yourself to try something beyond your perceived limits and go for things others might not think you’re capable of achieving.
There has been a lot of research that shows that a growth mindset can help build resilience, determination, and work ethic within students, athletes, and people of all ages. Currently, there is a curriculum established and is starting to b instilled in elementary, middle schools and high schools to enhance the growth mindset.
The Fixed Mindset:
The belief that our skills are set, that we have what we have, and that we cannot change them. That we don’t really have the capacity to change and learn. Skills are born.
Those with a fixed mindset tend to believe their intelligence, qualities, and abilities are set in stone. There is an urgency to prove those qualities over and over. The main goal is to appear smart and capable and to avoid failure at all costs. When these people do fail, they view it as a direct measure of their competence and self-worth.
People with a fixed mindset are often overly sensitive to appearing wrong or being judged. They often lack confidence and have self-doubt.
- Apathy is the #1 challenge in schools today.
- Many teachers and students are disengaged and lack enthusiasm.
- 92% of adults are not happy or passionate about their jobs.
- 1 in 3 students who enter first grade will not graduate high school.
- 1 in 5 children will experience depression before adulthood.
- And each day in America, 50 young people attempt suicide.
These stats sadly are a serious problem for today’s youth and will carry over into adulthood. We need to recognize these issues before they lead to a fixed mindset.
What Are The 7 Growth Mindsets?
The 7 Mindsets are based on extensive studies that assessed the happiest and most successful people in history to learn what they all have in common. Through this research, we distilled the basis for happiness and success into 7 Mindsets, or ways one thinks about themselves, their surroundings, and the future.
The 7 Mindsets are actions and attitudes that can literally change the course of a person’s life. They represent the irrefutable, time-tested thinking at the heart of fulfillment, happiness and success on one’s own terms, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or socio-economic background.
1. Everything is Possible
This is the understanding that we are all capable of living extraordinary lives. We learn that everything that exists was once an idea until someone believed it was possible and made it a reality. Embracing this principle will allow you to envision a wonderful life, expect greatness, and effectively execute the process of making your dreams come true.
2. Passion First
Passion First teaches that we are each a unique expression of human existence and that our lives should be focused on finding our unique genius and sharing it with the world to the maximum extent possible. You will learn to make your dreams authentic, and of such critical importance that you’ll find the fuel to overcome the obstacles, you’re certain to face along the way.
3. We Are Connected
Learning about connection teaches us to understand that everyone who comes into our lives can assist us in living our dreams. By applying this mindset, you will learn to constantly explore synergies with others, embrace diversity, and relish competition that will help you maximize your potential with and through others.
4. 100% Accountable
Being accountable demonstrates that you are not a victim of your past, your future is not predetermined, and your life is what you choose it to be from this moment forward. With a focus on recognizing fears and excuses, this mindset allows you to break down barriers, free your mind, and focus your energy to take critical steps toward accomplishing your goals.
5. An Attitude of Gratitude
This mindset growth technique proves that you can choose the positives or the negatives in your life as the foundation on which to build your future. Choose the positives, and you’re on your way toward extraordinary success; choose the negatives, and you will likely start (or continue) a downward spiral.
6. Live to Give
Live to Give teaches that abundance in one’s life is a cycle. To receive love, respect, and financial security, one must first learn to give those things. This mindset also teaches that the greatest gift you can ever give is to find and leverage your unique genius to maximize your positive impact on the world, knowing that good things will be returned to you in kind.
7. The Time is Now
This mindset shows that all your power exists at the moment. You cannot change the past and the future hasn’t happened, so the only thing to do is take purposeful action now in order to create the ultimate life of your dreams.
Your Growth Mindset – Ways to Master Yours
- Acknowledge and embrace your imperfections
- View challenges as opportunities
- Take ownership of your attitude
- Take risks
- Set goals
- Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others
- Develop grit
- Place effort before talent
- Stop seeking approval
- Receive criticism as a positive thing
As you can see, there are many people out there with a fixed mindset. You might pick up on this after spending a little bit of time with them, Keep in mind, a fixed mindset is usually developed from a poor and less than a nurturing environment. If you live in a world of negativity, you will most likely have a fixed mindset. But it does not have to be this way. And there are opportunities to change this. But, you have to be the one who changes this mindset.
Head on over to my subscribe page, find the sidebar or pop-up and sign up for my email list. When you sign up you will get a password to enter the free resource library. There you will find a mindset growth checklist that will let you know where you are on the scale of either a growth mindset or a fixed mindset. The first step is to acknowledge what mindset you have and then move on from there. Remember, Think Me First!
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