I was watching a TED talk recently, and the speaker said something I had never heard before. She was discussing the concept of “Grit,” which is a whole thing to itself, and she said, “Parents ask us all the time, how do we help our children develop grit?” My ears perked up. I want to know this for myself! She said, “The one thing that helps develop grit is a growth mindset.”
There’s one thing that develops grit? I had no idea. Turns out that this “growth mindset” thing is not new at all. Dr. Carol Dweck is perhaps the leading researcher on the subject and laid it out in her groundbreaking 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. So, what is this growth mindset? And why should you care? Let’s take a look.
What is a Growth Mindset?
It is really pretty simple. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and learning. It is the opposite of a “fixed mindset,” which says that people don’t really change. Your traits are fixed, and you are stuck with whatever God gave you. It turns out that, even though we’ve been taught this for a long time, it really may not be true. We really can change and get better at a lot of things we didn’t know were flexible.
So, why should I care? What does this mean for me?
1. You Can Embrace Your Challenges
In her 2006 work, Dr. Dweck highlights research indicating that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges and to view them as opportunities rather than problems. Challenges lead to improvement, and a growth mindset can help us to approach challenges in a healthy way.
2. Failure as a Stepping Stone
Further research by Dr. Dweck suggests that individuals with a growth mindset are more resilient in the face of failure. Rather than seeing failure as a dead end, these individuals treat it as a detour on the path to success. Failure is not only acceptable, but also a crucial part of the learning process. A growth mindset helps us to see that.
3. The Discomfort Zone
In 2004’s Women Don’t Ask, Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever detail research indicating that women tend to avoid risks more than men. A growth mindset can encourage taking risks and stepping out of comfort zones and could help anyone who avoids risk in a negative way. Embracing discomfort can lead to greater personal and professional development.
4. Mindset Mavericks: A Cultural Revolution
Research in organizational psychology highlights the positive impact of a growth mindset can have on workplace innovation. Organizations that encourage a culture with a growth mindset foster creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, and those who are willing to take a chance and encourage this thinking can start a cultural revolution in their organizations.
5. Learning as a Superpower
The educational sector is beginning to embrace the concept of a growth mindset. A study highlighted in Nature demonstrated its positive effects on student performance. Learning thereby can become a superpower, not just for academic success but for personal and professional growth. A growth mindset enhances the learning experience.
6. Overcoming Obstacles
A study of Olympic athletes in 2013 emphasizes the role of resilience in psychological well-being. A growth mindset can serve as a catalyst for building resilience, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater adaptability. Obstacles that once felt insurmountable can become manageable with the resilience fostered by a growth mindset.
7. Feedback, the Gift of Growth
Psychological studies highlight the importance of feedback in the learning process. A growth mindset transforms feedback from a dreaded curse into a valuable gift. By embracing feedback, individuals can enhance their performance and continually improve. It’s not just about accepting criticism. It is about leveraging it for personal growth.
8. Effort Over Talent
The relationship between effort and achievement is a well-researched topic in motivation psychology. A growth mindset shifts the focus from innate abilities to the value of hard work and perseverance. Sustained effort trumps talent in the long run, leading to greater success.
9. Resilience, a Psychological Armor
Positive psychology research emphasizes the role of resilience in fostering mental well-being. A growth mindset equips individuals with the psychological armor of resilience, allowing them to bounce back from setbacks stronger than before. Research shows that resilience is not just a trait. It’s a skill that can be developed.
10. Unlocking Possibilities
Norman Doidge’s The Brain That Changes Itself tells us that the brain is highly adaptable, with the potential for neural growth and rewiring. A growth mindset aligns with the brain’s plasticity, unlocking tremendous possibilities within individuals. It’s not just about reaching a fixed potential, especially a potential put on us by someone else, but rather about exploring our vast potential for growth and development.
This is not just a feel-good concept. It is a scientifically supported pathway to personal and professional growth. By embracing a growth mindset, one that says “I’m not done yet. I can be more,” we have the ability to transform challenges into triumphs and setbacks into stepping stones on the road to success.
