How a Growth Mindset Can Bring You Success

Psychologist Carol Dweck has long been interested in the way motivation affects intelligence. She began exploring how students’ attitudes about failure affected their future success. She found that some students were able to rebound while others became paralyzed by setbacks.  

Her research led to her understanding of fixed versus growth mindset. Those with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence is static—based on innate abilities. Those with a growth mindset believe that intelligence is variable—affected by hard work, determination, and training.

With a fixed mindset, individuals are prone to give up when they experience failure—assuming they cannot do any better. However, those with a growth mindset see this as an opportunity to keep striving for success. They embrace the power of “yet.”  

Instead of thinking “I can’t do this” they think “I can’t do this yet.” The beauty of that three-letter word is that it invites the possibility of growth and future achievement. Over the years teachers have seen great results in student performance by teaching a growth mindset. 

However, the impact of a growth mindset is not limited to academic settings. Growth mindset can improve functioning in everything from the workplace to our relationships (which rely on emotional intelligence). So, how do we instill a growth mindset in ourselves and those we lead?

First, Dweck encourages us to praise effort rather than intelligence. Whether leading a team at work or raising your children, encourage them to make mistakes and learn from them. Doing so encourages them to keep growing, rather than remaining satisfied with current success. 

Second, reframe how you talk to yourself and others. Sometimes this is as simple as adding “yet” to the end of our thoughts—“I’m not good at this yet.” “I don’t know how to do this yet.” “I haven’t achieved this goal yet.” or “I can’t figure this out yet.”

Other times our language may need to point towards persistence. This might include statements such as “What can I learn from this?” “With practice this will get easier.” “What or who can I learn from to get better?” and “I’ll try a different way.”

Next, embrace the process and enjoy the challenge rather than focusing on the end result. This may mean you need to stop seeking approval from others and instead take risks with those around you. It could also look like setting new goals whenever you achieve a previous goal.

By following these steps you can take ownership of your mindset—switching from a fixed to a growth mindset. Science has shown that when we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel and act. And that will enable you to experience success at both work and home.