Dr. Carl Dweck is a famous psychologist, especially known for her Mindset Theory (1999). She coined the terms “growth” and “fixed” to describe the different types of mindsets one can have. In her extensive research, Dweck found that students who had a fixed mindset were afraid to fail so they were very hesitant to try new challenges. They believe that intelligence is something that is ‘fixed’ so therefore, cannot be changed. In contrast, students with a growth mindset have a positive attitude to learning and thus, they presented with more academic success. They understood that learning involves making mistakes so were more confident in trying new challenges. Dweck highlights that it is important to motivate students so they have the correct attitude and readiness to learn.
Although Dweck focused on education in her research, the different mindsets and their influence can be extended to many different areas of our lives. Looking back at the findings I have shared from Dweck, let’s think about our own mindsets. I will present an example of two people. One has a fixed mindset while the other has a growth mindset. They will be put side by side and by juxtaposing them, we will be able to see the huge contrast in their thinking.
Ok, so let’s think of two people. Person A and Person B. A and B (not very original I do apologise)! Now, let’s think of a topic. These two people are both thinking about starting their own business. Now we will have a look at their self-talk. We will delve into their subconscious, but with their permission, of course! 🙂
Person A (self-talk)
“I really want to start my own business. I am really excited. Hmm. I mean, I understand that it is not going to be a walk in the park… but… I will try my best. Trying and learning is the most important thing!” 🙂
Person B (self-talk)
“I really want to start my own business. I would love to have financial freedom. Though… I am not smart enough. You see… some people are born with intelligence. I can’t be like Elon Musk. I would love to drive a Tesla… but.. I am not good enough. I don’t want to take a risk. What if I fail? No! I can’t. Why should I try. No? No. No? I… can’t.” 😦
I guess you have worked out which person is displaying which mindset. Person A has a growth mindset. This is the healthy way of thinking. Person A is optimistic yet realistic. They realise their dreams, but accept that they will need dedication and a drive to achieve. This person has self-belief and is kind to themselves because they make use of positive self-talk. Having a growth mindset allows a person to try new challenges and reach places which they could only have dreamed of previously.
In contrast, person B has a fixed mindset. Unfortunately, this way of thinking is very popular these days. Many people think they will fail before even trying. This is an unhealthy way of thinking and needs to be challenged from the very beginning before it keeps growing and becomes an unmanageable, tangled and overgrown poisonous forest of gloom in our poor hearts. Challenge your self-talk. Do not allow yourself to say “no, I cannot do this course because I am not smart enough” or “no, I cannot start this business because I will fail.” This will unfortunately lead to one never realising their own potential. I believe everyone is capable of achieving whatever it is they would like to achieve. This negative self-talk often comes from other people’s uncalled-for opinions that make you doubt your own abilities. However, when it comes from our own self, it really is a sad state of being.
Failure is not necessarily something bad. If you have ‘failed’, the important thing is to get up and continue as long as you are able to. Everything starts with having the correct mind frame. Having a growth mindset will allow you to become more confident. Whether you would like to do public speaking, make new friends, learn a new skill or go back into education, the first step to success if controlling the way you think! Embrace every challenge with a new, fresh and positive attitude.
Now, see how your life changes for the better!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I hope you have enjoyed and benefitted. Please feel free to leave a comment and suggestions.
Thank you again! 🙂
Maryam Hagi Lifestyle 