How to develop a growth mindset?

What is a growth mindset?

There are two types of mindsets you can have: one that embraces challenges and sees them as an opportunity to learn from them, and one that avoids them for fear of failure. People who avoid challenges or problems are described as having a static mindset. Those who see problems as opportunities to learn from them have a growth mindset.

The term "growth mindset" was first mentioned by Standford University teacher Dr. Carol Dweck. According to Dweck, success does not come from having a certain IQ, talent or level of education, but from having the right mindset. People with a growth mindset understand that they can develop their abilities, talents and skills. And that achieving success requires curiosity, dedication and hard work.

What is the difference between a growth mindset and a static mindset?

Static mindset (fixed mindset)

People with a static mindset avoid feedback for fear of failure and take criticism personally. They see setbacks as a reason to give up and the success of others feels like a threat.

They also exhibit different brain activity than those with a growth mindset. People with a static mindset show more brain activity when they receive feedback on their performance on a test, compared to when they are given the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. They don't believe they can improve their performance, so they don't want to try.

Growth mindset

People with a growth mindset listen to constructive feedback. They do not take criticism personally because they understand that they are not the ones being judged, but that their work is being judged. They celebrate the success of others because it gives them inspiration and motivation, and see obstacles as a challenge rather than a reason to give up.

How do you develop a growth mindset?

Do you recognize yourself in the characteristics of a fixed mindset? The following steps will help you develop a growth mindset:

1. Become aware of the voices in your head

We have different little voices in our heads talking to us all day long. And some of these do not work in our favor. Become aware of when these critical voices show up. What are they saying? And is this true?

There's a good chance these voices are there to protect you. Perhaps in the past you were expected to perform well in school, were not allowed to make mistakes, or your siblings were more intelligent than you. A static thinking style may then have been a way to "survive. Becoming aware of your way of thinking is the first step in changing these static, negative thoughts.

2. Increase your confidence

The more you trust that you can improve your own skills, the more you create an environment for growth for yourself. Neuroscience confirms that you can train your brain (just like every other muscle in your body). If you exercise regularly, the neurons in your brain can form new, strong connections.

Read more about self-confidence: 7 effective ways to boost your self-confidence

3. 'Not yet'

To develop a growth mindset, Dr. Carol Dweck recommends celebrating trying. In doing so, she emphasizes the power of "not yet. What if you say 'not yet' to yourself in the face of a setback. 'Not yet' encourages an effort to try again. 'Not yet' encourages the possibility for growth in the future.

So say "not yet" instead of "never" to yourself the next time you failed a test, didn't get the job you applied for or couldn't complete a workout.

4. Practice

Developing a growth mindset is ultimately not just about adopting a new way of thinking. Even if you are aware of your non-helpful thoughts, it is sometimes tempting to fall back into a static mindset. That is why it is important to keep reminding yourself that mistakes are allowed, perfection is not a badge of honor and that the success of others does not mean that you cannot be successful.

Developing a growth mindset is something you must constantly work on. Reminding yourself that it is possible to develop your own skills, talents and abilities is a great first step.