When facing tough times, the key difference between just getting by and truly thriving often comes down to your mindset. It plays a big role in how you handle challenges, learn new skills, build relationships, and succeed in your career.
Psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the idea of growth and fixed mindsets in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. In her research, she explores how thinking that intelligence, talent, or personality can be developed, rather than being fixed, impacts our ability to grow and achieve success.
“The hand you are dealt is just the starting point for development.”
Carol Dweck
A Tale of Two Mindsets
Fixed mindset
People with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence, talent, and abilities are set in stone from birth. They feel like they can’t change or improve, so they focus on looking smart to avoid seeming incompetent. Instead of putting in effort to learn or grow, they prefer to rely on their natural talents. In this view, success comes from talent alone, not hard work or persistence
Those with a fixed mindset tend to:
- Avoid challenges
- Give up easily
- See effort as pointless
- Ignore constructive criticism
- Feel threatened by others’ success
Because of this mindset, they often stop progressing and don’t reach their full potential.
Growth Mindset
People with a growth mindset believe they can improve their intelligence, skills, and talents through effort and experience. They understand that hard work leads to success, not just talent. So, they invest time in learning and self-development, which helps them achieve more over time.
Those with a growth mindset are more likely to:
- Embrace challenges
- Keep going when faced with setbacks
- See effort as the key to mastery
- Learn from criticism
- Feel inspired by others’ success
This mindset allows them to reach higher levels of success because they view failures as chances to grow and improve. Dweck explains this mindset helps people unlock their full potential.
“The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
Carol Dweck
Also Read: Achieving Work-Life Balance: Why It Matters
15 ways to develop growth mindset for goal success
- Embrace Your Imperfections
Don’t shy away from your weaknesses. Face them head-on to improve and grow. - See Challenges as Opportunities
Every challenge or setback is a chance to learn and get better. - Experiment with Different Ways to Learn
There’s no single way to learn. Try out different methods until you find what works for you. - Swap “Failing” for “Learning”
Mistakes don’t mean failure—they mean you’ve learned something new. - Stop Chasing Approval from Others
Focusing on approval can hold you back from real growth. Prioritize learning over pleasing others. - Enjoy the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Appreciate the journey of learning, even if it takes longer than expected. - Find Your Purpose
A growth mindset helps you see the bigger picture and gives your efforts deeper meaning. - Redefine “Genius”
True genius isn’t just about talent—it’s about hard work and persistence. - Treat Criticism as a Gift
Constructive feedback is valuable. It helps you improve both personally and as a team. - Use “Not Yet” Instead of “I Can’t”
If you’re struggling, remind yourself you haven’t mastered it yet. This mindset also works well when encouraging others. - Learn from Others’ Mistakes
You don’t have to make every mistake yourself. Learn from those around you. We’re all human. - Set a New Goal After Each One Accomplished
Learning never ends. Keep setting new goals to stay motivated and growing. - Take Risks with Others
Don’t fear failure. Allow yourself to make mistakes—it helps you take risks more confidently in the future. - Be Realistic
Learning takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t master something right away. - Own Your Attitude
Be proud of your growth mindset. Let it carry you through tough challenges and celebrate your progress along the way.
