How Mindset Affects Success

Are you limiting yourself with a fixed mindset?

“Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better?” — Carol Dweck

Is your mind growth-oriented?

A growth mindset is indicative of a lifelong learner. Every moment offers valuable ideas and insights. Every person has something to teach. An open mind is receptive to both.

The alternative is a fixed mindset.

A fixed mindset is anchored in fear and uncertainty. The need to prove one’s worth is ever present. Appearance outweighs improvement. Failure, rejection and loss must be avoided at all costs.

Don’t be that person.

The terms “growth mindset” and “fixed mindset” were coined by Carol Dweck in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Mindset is a powerful determinant in your thoughts and actions. A growth mindset focuses on getting better, while a fixed mindset focuses on proving existing knowledge and ability.

Contrast how both mindsets view success, failure and effort:

• Learning leads to success. (growth)

• Being more gifted leads to success. (fixed)

• Failure teaches you. (growth)

• Failure defines you. (fixed)

• Everyone can improve with effort. (growth)

• Effort is required if you lack talent. (fixed)

People with a growth mindset...

• Enjoy being challenged

• View failure as an opportunity to learn

• Avoid blame and focus on improvement

• Learn from positive or negative criticism

• Gain inspiration from the success of others

People with a fixed mindset...

• Dislike challenges

• Avoid admitting failure

• Assign blame and deny mistakes

• Ignore or get offended by criticism

• Feel threatened when others succeed

A growth mindset sees achievement as a matter of time and effort. A fixed mindset sees achievement as limited by innate talent. A change in mindset can radically alter what success looks like for you.

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🤔 Food for Thought:

How do you view success, failure and effort?

Is your mindset growth-oriented or fixed?

How can you focus more on improvement and less on proving yourself?

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⚙️ One Small Step:

The next time a child or loved one achieves something, focus less on praising their intelligence or talent and more on their effort, persistence and improvement. You encourage more of what you praise.