Mindset is a set of beliefs that influences how one thinks, feels, and behaves in any given situation. This article explains the two types of mindsets and how with a change of perspective one can develop a mindset that could help lead a fulfilling life.

Typically, there are two types of mindsets:

1. Growth mindset – which sees challenges as opportunities for growth.
2. Fixed mindset – which is not ready to accept the challenge.

Let’s understand the difference between the two

Fixed mindset people often shy away from taking on challenges and trying new things in life, which restricts their growth as they fear getting embarrassed in front of others. In contrast, Growth mindset people find challenges to be exciting and engaging, with a belief that they will learn something valuable from trying new things. They take efforts to master the challenge, and then are able to move on to a greater accomplishment.

Developing a growth mindset could contribute to a more meaningful life as the range of experiences will be considerably broader. However, shifting from a “fixed mindset” to a “growth mindset” may seem daunting, but worth a try!

Can we shift from Fixed to Growth? The Answer is – Yes. Maybe with a bit of professional help at times. However, one could do it on one’s own if you follow some of the tips given below.

Few Handy tips:

• Accept your flaws
• No one is born perfect, we all have our imperfections. In order to move one should accept the flaws, and work over them rather than try to justify them.
• Take a challenging situation as an opportunity

Each challenge invites us into a new world of adventure. Keep trying different tactics to coach yourself, explore a new path, develop a new skill, and engage with people not only of the same likes but also who are pursuing other interests. It helps to open many more doors. Any adventure becomes exciting when you put your heart and soul into it. If you carry the same adventurous attitude during a crisis at work, you can discover abilities you didn’t know you even possessed.

• Be mindful of your thoughts and words

Thoughts lead to words which leads to action. Censor yourself and become your own guide. To build a growth mindset, replace:

1. low thoughts with energetic ones
2. Negative thoughts with Positive one

• hatred with compassion

1. criticism with appreciation
2. cursing thoughts with forgiveness
3. Encompass yourself with higher thoughts and hold yourself to them

• Trust your Gut

You are the only person who will always be there for you in your life, so you are the only one you need to impress. Always seeking approval from others can prevent a growth mindset. Learn to trust your gut, and cultivate self-acceptance and self-approval. You will not be left in doubt.

• Be the authentic you

Pretending to be someone else than who you are, makes you appear fake. It shows off in some way or the other. Initially, you might be lucky to impress, and as time goes by, your masked face may be reflected and it diminishes what you have to offer. So, always be authentic, you’ll likely be more driven to pursue your true goals, which puts you in a growth mindset.

• Lead life with purpose

Life without purpose is like a driver without a car. For some, defining their purpose may be easy, the one who finds it difficult should contemplate on “purpose” until you feel like you know the essence of your purpose, or perhaps part of it. Then pursue it—that’s what’ll help you build a growth mindset.

• Explore your geniuses

We are a package of strengths and weaknesses. Run through self-analysis and explore what are you good at, and at the same time improve on your weaknesses. Self-reflection and contemplation are your best guide. This effort can help you build a growth mindset.

• Accept criticism as a gift to transform

Criticism may not always be bad, if you see it from a growth mindset makes things better. Others can see what you are doing from a slightly different perspective than you and may have some valuable suggestions for you. If you open up to hearing suggestions, you can more easily develop your growth mindset.

• Learn from the mistakes of others as well as your own

Be mindful of your surroundings. Observe and learn from others, and the way they do things, you are likely to make fewer mistakes. This would come as a guide for you to try new things, which is a key aspect of building a growth mindset. You stumble, but you get up and are prepared better. Remember, it’s the journey that matters, not the destination – So, keep innovating!

• Take risks in the company of others

Fear is the biggest hurdle in one’s progress. Making mistakes in front of others is worth a try than not trying at all. Be willing to make mistakes in front of others, because if you’re growing, this is bound to happen.

• Speed that matters

It’s not always the speed that matters. Most of the time it’s slow and steady that wins the race. People who have a growth mindset never look for a shortcut and have a realistic approach to their journey.

• Own your attitude

Finally, if you value having a growth mindset, then make the effort to develop it. Persist and opportunities will come. Cultivate resilience along the way. You are remoulding your mind and that’s pretty interesting. Having the right attitude and a belief to overcome any hurdles that come your way sets the path for you to achieve success.

With a growth mindset, we can break through the stuck- ness and achieve the results we desire, whether that be at work, in our relationships, or in other aspects of our lives. It’s just that without a growth mindset, we don’t exert the required effort and so we remain perpetually stuck.

Marex Media

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The Author (photo you have)

Neetu Jaiswal 

Founder & Director

Nevoxel Consulting