Enhancing professionalism with a growth mindset can revolutionise your career and personal development. Popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be cultivated through dedication, hard work, and learning. Dweck's research identifies two primary mindsets: fixed and growth. A fixed mindset assumes that qualities are set in stone, while a growth mindset believes that basic qualities can be developed through effort.
Do you often play it safe, worry about failing, or become defensive when receiving constructive feedback? Instead, imagine enhancing your opportunities and expanding your potential with a growth mindset.
Most people fluctuate between fixed and growth mindsets depending on the situation. For instance, you might have a fixed or growth perspective about your math abilities. Perhaps you think you're terrible at math and believe it's a skill you either have or don't have. With a growth mindset, you would believe you don't understand math yet, but with practice, you can improve.
Adopting a growth mindset has transformed my life. By consistently stepping out of my comfort zone, I've embraced new opportunities, connected with life-changing individuals, and experienced profound personal growth. Discover how adopting a growth mindset can positively impact your career and personal life.
Learning outcomes
- Discuss the core distinctions between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset
- Explore the specific beliefs and characteristics that define individuals with growth and fixed mindsets.
- Assess your own mindset to determine whether you predominantly exhibit growth or fixed mindset traits in various aspects of your life.
- Recognize situations where you demonstrate a fixed mindsetExplore strategies to foster more of a growth mindset