Apr 14, 2021
Developing A Growth Mindset
Embrace a growth mindset to learn new skills and see failure as a springboard for success.
What is a growth mindset?
A growth mindset means valuing learning over outcomes; It’s about recognizing the power of perseverance and knowing that setbacks have a lot to teach you. It’s the opposite of having a ‘fixed’ mindset, which values natural talent over hard work and perseverance.
| Growth Mindset | Fixed Mindset |
| ✔ Learning along the way is an important part of a project. | ✔ The outcome is always the most important part of a project. |
| ✔ Natural talent is just a starting point. I can develop new skills and abilities with practice. | ✔ I’m good at something or not; Skills and abilities are the result of natural talent |
| ✔ Failing is part of the process; it gives me the opportunity to learn. | ✔ Failure is not fulfilling my potential and is a reflection of my lack of ability. |
| ✔ Putting in effort makes me smarter! | ✔ If I was smart, I wouldn’t have to try. |
What are the benefits of a growth mindset?
Opportunities to improve
People with a growth mindset understand that with hard work and perseverance, every goal is within reach. They are more likely to embrace challenges with an open mind, try new experiences and ultimately grow more as a result of this way of thinking.
‘Anything you’re willing to practice, you can do’ - Bob Ross
Increased resilience
Becoming growth-orientated helps you develop resilience in the face of adversity. Instead of giving up or feeling ashamed when you fail, you’ll recognize that failure is an opportunity to learn, re-evaluate, and consider new approaches for reaching your goals.
‘The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time’ - Thomas Edison
Self-acceptance
When you operate from a fixed mindset, it’s easy to become self-critical, blaming mistakes on a lack of talent or intelligence. A growth mindset can help you understand that you’re capable of learning and might just get it right next time. Accept where you are today and celebrate the fact that you have an opportunity to learn and improve!
Learn to embrace your flaws and celebrate the traits that make you unique with Halo’s guided Self Acceptance moment.
‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better’ - Maya Angelou
How to build a growth mindset
Challenge your thoughts
Embracing a growth mindset takes time and conscious effort. Notice fixed-mindset thoughts such as ‘I’m so bad at this’, and reframe them growth-orientated phrases such as ‘I’m still learning how to do this’.
When self-critical thoughts arise, rather than pushing them down or feeling ashamed, ask yourself how you could take steps to improve. For example, rather than shaming yourself for missing a deadline, ask yourself what you could do differently next time.
Find out how critical thoughts can be linked into Imposter Syndrome.
Embrace obstacles
Running into obstacles in your big project at work? What a great opportunity to try something new! Instead of seeing a roadblock, try approaching challenges from a new perspective. Ask for help, explore a different strategy or hit the books and discover a new technique to face the challenge.
Celebrate the process
Adopting a growth mindset is all about recognizing the efforts you make along the way, and not just the final outcome. Celebrate small wins along the way to your goals, and take the time to acknowledge the value of the learnings you gained along the way.
Learn more about journaling for positivity.
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