Dr. Carol S. Dweck, a psychology professor at Stanford University, pioneer in the study of fixed versus growth mindsets, demonstrated that in predicting success, it doesn't matter whether someone is gifted or not. What matters is a person’s belief that they can succeed and prevail.
Benefits Of Having A Growth Mindset
Those with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, use feedback and learn from failures and mistakes rather than dwell on them. Someone with a growth mindset will enjoy learning new things. They will, therefore, accept challenges, persist and be driven to achieve their goals. This can help people be more creative because they are more likely to persistently pursue solutions.
With a focus on bettering oneself rather than protecting oneself, someone with a growth mindset will not feel threatened by the intelligence and success of others. Instead, they will be more likely to admire others, learn from them and find inspiration in their successes.
Practical steps to develop a growth mindset:
1. First, you must believe you can do it
Use a daily mantra or a similar device. Convince yourself you're capable of all the change you need. It might take some work to instill this in yourself, but by reminding yourself of the payoff - growth and accomplishment - you can do it.
2. Avoid blaming circumstances or others for your shortcomings.
You have to recognize you're responsible for your own future and for making the most of your innate talents and abilities. So the next time you hear yourself blaming something or someone, take a step back, own up to your responsibility, identify the lesson and move on.
3. Those seeking change must also be curious. Marvel at how much you don't know. Get used to this feeling. Not knowing is not a reason for fear or shame, but for excitement. Follow up on it by asking questions and seeking more information.
4. Allow yourself to fail. As uncomfortable as that may be, it's essential that you try and fail, and try and fail again. Every failure is a stepping stone on the path to success.
5. Leave your comfort zone and become at home operating outside it. For many of us, the comfort zone is a refuge, a place to go to be free from challenges. However, “free from challenges” also means “free from growth.” Push yourself and grow.
6. Reward yourself with the results achieved. Sure, it’s often results that count, but don’t forget to reward yourself for your efforts. Well-earned self-praise for a valiant attempt can sustain you over the long haul. When the going gets tough, process is critical.
7. Be aware of the green-eyed monster, envy. When faced with another person’s success, think, “I'll use their success as a model for what I want to achieve,” not, “Boy, do I wish I had achieved what they have.” Use admiration as a tool to guide you along the road to success.
8. Lastly, don't let the protection of your ego get between you and the changes that could make. A growth mindset will push you into areas where you feel less comfortable, less accomplished and more afraid. If you want to shine and excel, you have to be prepared to challenge your ego, limiting beliefs and assumed limitations.
*Source: forbes.com