The previous belief that our brains cease development after childhood has been debunked by science. Instead, we now understand that our brains are in a constant state of evolution. Exposure to new and engaging situations acts as an update for our brain’s software, facilitating learning and development.
However, certain perspectives hinder our growth, keeping us trapped in old ways. Understanding why growth feels uncomfortable is essential. Life revolves around change, and growth often occurs outside our comfort zones, leading to discomfort and, in some cases, fear.
Perspective plays a crucial role in facilitating or hindering growth. Two main mindsets exist; growth and fixed.
Growth Mindset
Those with a growth mindset believe in the development and cultivation of talents, skills, and intelligence. They view shortcomings as temporary, putting in effort to improve and persistently learning. Resilience allows them to rebound from setbacks, embracing change and feedback as opportunities for learning.
A growth mindset individual is inclined to:
- Believe in the improvement of skills and talents.
- Put effort into learning new things.
- Embrace change willingly.
- See failures as temporary setbacks.
- See feedback as an avenue to learn and improve.
Fixed Mindset
A fixed mindset implies a belief in fixed skill sets – you either have it or you do not. Individuals with a fixed mindset think that if they are not good at something, they can never be good at it. This perspective impedes growth, learning, and competency development. People with a fixed mindset are resistant to change, preferring their comfort zones, and feel threatened by others’ success stories.
A fixed mindset individual is inclined to:
- Believe skills and talents are unchanging.
- Feel threatened by feedback and others’ successes.
- Hide flaws to avoid judgment.
- Think that putting in effort is ineffective.
- Tend to give up easily.
Understanding these mindsets empowers you to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset, fostering flexibility and dynamism. Embrace change with its challenges, as it is through these experiences that you discover fascinating new aspects of yourself and the world around you.
