A growth mindset is a belief system that adheres to the idea that people can develop and increase their abilities, intelligence, and skills through hard work, effort, and persistent learning. “It contrasts with a fixed mindset, which holds that one’s talents and abilities are static and unchangeable”, clarifies Cristina Martin, an online therapist at Psychology Therapy. Those with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities for growth, persist through setbacks, value effort and hard work, and have a genuine love for learning and self-improvement. They are open to feedback, inspired by others’ success, adaptable in their approaches, and maintain confidence in their capacity for development. This mindset encourages goal-setting, and celebrating progress, and increases resilience and adaptability in various aspects of life. Martin shares some practical tips to cultivate a growth mindset:
Embrace challenges
“Instead of avoiding challenges, see them as opportunities for growth”, suggests the therapist. When individuals take on challenges, they often encounter situations where their existing knowledge or skills are insufficient. This can lead to a shift in their beliefs about abilities. Instead of assuming that their skills are fixed, they begin to recognize that they can improve through effort and learning.
Martin also indicates that viewing challenges as opportunities can be learned from parents and role models. Haimovitz and Dweck (2016) proved this precisely. They uncovered the importance of parents encouraging their children to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
Effort and persistence are key
If you want to develop a growth mindset, “don’t give up easily”, highlights Martin. Embracing challenges requires a willingness to invest effort and persist through difficulties. This consistent effort reinforces the idea that their actions can lead to improvement.
Embrace learning
A growth mindset thrives on a love for learning. Stay curious and open-minded. Martin assures that this sense of fulfilment reinforces the desire to seek out more challenges and continue the process of growth.
Be inspired by others’ success
Instead of feeling envious of peers’ accomplishments, use their examples as sources of inspiration. Recognize that their success is often the result of hard work, dedication, and a growth mindset. Observing others who have successfully embraced challenges and demonstrated growth further encourages individuals to do the same. Role models who have achieved success through effort and perseverance serve as powerful examples of the benefits of a growth mindset.
Learn from criticism
Any type of feedback can be valuable. Martin suggests not taking it personally. “Instead, use it as a way to grow your skills”. Criticism often highlights specific areas that need attention. Whether it’s in a professional context, personal relationships, or skill development, constructive criticism can pinpoint areas where people can enhance their abilities. You can not only improve your skills by seeking to address these areas, but also reinforce the belief that you can develop and grow.
Cultivate self-belief
Believe in your abilities and the potential for growth. Martin suggests “replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations that reinforce your capabilities or practice visualisation techniques where you imagine yourself succeeding in various situations”.
This concept is not a new one. Studies on self-efficacy, and particularly the work of Albert Bandura uncovered that those with high self-efficacy take on challenges with higher confidence and persistence.
Set goals
Setting clear and meaningful goals provides direction and purpose and helps you identify what you want to achieve and why it matters. This clarity increases a growth mindset by giving you a target to work towards.
Furthermore, “achieving your goals provides a sense of accomplishment that improves your self-confidence. This positive feedback loop strengthens your belief in your ability to set and attain future goals, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of self-development” says the expert.
Celebrate small wins
Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. “Recognizing your achievements boosts motivation and reinforces the growth mindset”, says Martin.
In line with this idea, in their study, Staw and Szwajkowski (1975) suggest that setting achievable goals and celebrating progress along the way can motivate individuals to continue working toward more challenging objectives.
References
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W H Freeman/Times Books/ Henry Holt & Co.
Haimovitz, K., & Dweck, C. S. (2016). What predicts children’s fixed and growth intelligence mind-sets? Not their parents’ views of intelligence but their parents’ views of failure. Psychological Science, 27(6), 859–869. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797616639727
Staw, B.M., & Szwajkowski, E. (1975). The scarcity-munificence component of organisational environments and the commission of illegal acts / 230. Administrative Science Quarterly, 20, 345.
