Growth Mindset > Fixed Mindset

With the freedom of summer wearing off, back-to-school in full swing, and fall activities filling up our schedules, mindset is everything. 

Have you been talking kindly to yourself lately? How have you been handling your mistakes? Has your mindset been positive or negative? 

It is too easy to get down on ourselves when our schedules are the busiest. Much of our self-talk might start with phrases like:

• “I should have…”

• “I can’t…” 

• “Why did I…”

• “Doing __ was stupid of me…”

• “That was a mistake because…”

If you have caught yourself saying any of these phrases recently, you might be stuck in a fixed mindset. 
According to We Mind Growth, someone with a fixed mindset has these core beliefs:

• Our intelligence is unchangeable

• We can’t improve our abilities

• Success is based on talent, not effort 

• Failure means you should give up 

• Being “good” = being perfect 

• The success of others is threatening 

• Constructive feedback is a personal attack 

After reading this list, maybe you have found that you actually believe some of these things without having realized it. If so–what are some next steps you can take?

The beautiful thing about mindset is that it can be changed and improved.  

A growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset. Becoming aware of what a growth mindset looks like can help you know what changes can be made in the way you think. When we work to switch our mindsets, our outlook on life is reshaped. Trials might be seen as welcomed learning experiences, and our failures might start to motivate us instead of tearing us down. 

Someone with a growth mindset has these core beliefs: 

• We can improve our intelligence and abilities 

• Success is based on effort, not talent

• Failure produces resilience 

• Forgive yourself for imperfection 

• Solutions can be found through trial and error and adapting 

• The success of others is encouraging 

• Constructive feedback is valuable 

As you go about your classes, work tasks, or navigate relationships, check your mindset through it all.

Are you speaking positively to yourself? Do you find yourself more aligned with a fixed or growth mindset?

As you become more familiar with how to have a growth mindset, you might just find yourself saying more phrases like:

• “Through that I learned…”

• “Next time I can…”

• “I am able to do this…”

• “That was a helpful experience because…”

• “I can forgive myself for…”

• “I can improve…”