In today’s working environment, it’s not enough to work hard and accomplish tasks to demonstrate competence. As the advent of artificial intelligence redefines the workplace, employees must work smart to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. This is where cultivating a growth mindset comes in.
A growth mindset and a passion for learning are often relegated to the confines of education in schools and universities. However, one could still cultivate a growth mindset through training and development in the workforce, whether for career advancement, personal satisfaction, or both. Learning online courses can be a pivotal part of this journey, providing flexible and accessible opportunities for growth.
After reading this post, you’ll gain insights into what a growth mindset is. You’ll learn why cultivating it is essential, its benefits, and strategies to develop it.
What is a growth mindset?
At first glance, “growth mindset” seems like a buzzword. It’s an essential trait recruiters look for when they look at promising candidates. Bosses have long advocated for it. It is vaguely used in company mission statements. Most of the time, it’s undefined and misunderstood.
A growth mindset is the belief that a person’s capacities—talents, habits, potentials—can be developed and improved over time.
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck developed the growth mindset concept after decades of research. According to Dweck, people with a growth mindset believe skills and qualities can be improved through effort and perseverance. They can learn from their mistakes, identify opportunities, and make room for improvement. Setbacks don’t deter these individuals but rather thrive in them to grow.
She also asserted that having a growth mindset isn’t about the end goal but rather what you may learn or benefit from the journey. Success is derived from what you do and not who you are.
Fixed mindset vs growth mindset
To explain the growth mindset more clearly, Dweck contrasted the idea with a fixed mindset. While a person with a growth mindset is more open to learning, a fixed mindset is rooted in the belief that the capacity to learn and improve is limited. After a certain point, they can plateau and cannot be developed further.
A growth mindset is important for people who want to advance in their careers and make a big difference in their area. When professionals adopt a lifelong learning mindset, they can keep improving their skills, deal with new obstacles, and stay focused on their goals.
People may choose to get higher degrees, like the best doctorate of education, to show they are committed to learning new things and growing professionally. This challenging program allows professionals to get helpful information, develop research skills, and gain network opportunities. It gives them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their jobs and make a difference in their field.
If he has a growth mindset, he’ll look at the setback as an opportunity to reevaluate his situation and reflect on his mistakes. He would most likely apply for readmission or enter probation and consult with professors to rectify his mistakes.
Should he have a fixed mindset, he would give up and decide not to pursue the travails of being a scholar. He would be inclined to believe this is only his potential and he can no longer improve further.
Why cultivating a growth mindset is essential to success
The right mindset can help you overcome obstacles when learning something new or developing a new skill. This is applicable when you’re a fresh graduate learning the ropes of the business or when you transition to a new career.
Changing how you think will change your learning style. If you continuously refine your skills and build a strong sense of self-discipline, you can maximize your full potential.
How does a growth mindset benefit you?
When you believe in yourself and have surpassed self-doubts, you reap the benefits of having the right growth mindset. A growth mindset helps you to:
Reduce stress
According to studies, students with a growth mindset generally have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This may have to do with their resilience. They approach things calmly when the tough get going. They don’t see setbacks as a death sentence but rather as temporary obstacles to learning. This improves well-being—an aspect of success.
Manage your emotions
The right mindset will guide you through the currents of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. According to research, this is called self-regulation. Pieces of evidence point out an association between the two as both focus on persistence and personal growth to achieve goals.
Improve self-esteem
People with a growth mindset are focused on continuous learning and development. The determination is their drive to succeed and learn. According to Counselling Directory, adopting the values associated with a growth mindset can help reduce anxiety and build confidence and self-esteem. The motivation makes people realize that constant improvement is possible and can be achieved with the right support in place.
More receptive to feedback
People with a growth mindset tend to ask for feedback to evaluate their performance. They can use the advice to learn more about themselves and assess how they can use it when they acquire new skills.
How to cultivate a growth mindset
A strong growth mindset can create a foundation for lifelong learning. Here’s how you can start to become the best version of yourself:
Switching mindsets
How do you think and adapt to different situations? Identify whether you have a fixed or growth mindset. For example, if you view feedback or criticism as a “personal attack,” it is most likely you have a fixed mindset. If you have a growth mindset, you acknowledge the value you get from it.
It is possible to change your mindset if you want to work around it. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations to learn something new. Be willing to take on new challenges. Don’t worry about the results and acknowledge you haven’t mastered the skill “yet.”
Gauge your improvements
Think of an experience when you did poorly. Let’s say you flunked a math test. Then, you patiently studied how to solve the equation. You got better test results. What did you previously find difficult? Why does it feel easier? How did you achieve change?
This will make you think about the time and effort you’ve spent to improve. This will motivate you to develop skills or try new hobbies.
Look at others for inspiration
Think about how someone has defied all odds to succeed. You may look up to successful entrepreneurs and famous people for inspiration. Milton Hershey, the founder of the chocolate brand Hershey, attempted to run three separate candy-related ventures but failed. In one last attempt, he established the Lancaster Caramel Company and started seeing results.
Colonel Sanders faced thousands of rejections of his recipe when he founded KFC. Steven Spielberg, one of Hollywood’s acclaimed directors, had difficulty finding a university. James Dyson spent his life savings over 15 years and had over 51,00 prototypes before earning recognition.
It’s safe to assume all these people had a shared growth mindset.
Set realistic and SMART goals
Without a plan, you’ll get lost. Set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals to pace yourself day by day. Make your goals manageable and keep yourself accountable and on track.
Start with good habits. Pick up a book and start small. This will pave the way to start small and work your way up. Join educational groups that share your passion. Surround yourself with like-minded people.
Learn something new, make mistakes
As Nike’s tagline would urge athletes, “Just do it.” Try a new activity and learn something you’re not good at. Enroll in an online class to acquire new skill sets.
You also need to take it easy since you’re taking baby steps.
You need to make errors and then learn from those missteps. As mentioned, think of them as part of the learning process.
You have the power to change yourself
A growth mindset for lifelong learning takes time to happen. Take little, measurable, and achievable steps linked to growth. Take control of your life. Your growth mindset will determine how far you go, your opportunities, the people you meet, and the life you lead. Start changing your mindset to upskill and learn in a world that continues to evolve.
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