Graphic by: Jennifer Smith

Fixed Mindset:

The Fixed Mindset believes that our intelligence, character, and creativity are fixed assets within us. Success is simply an affirmation of those assets within us. Fixed Mindsets are often characterized by a desire to succeed at everything and avoiding failure at all costs. When someone with a Fixed Mindset encounters an obstacle or barrier that is often the end of their journey down that path.

They see themselves or "smart" or "skilled" at something because they did not fail. Sometimes this includes avoiding trying at all to avoid failure. That is how those with Fixed Mindsets find their worth. Fixed mindset owners struggle with perceived or actual criticism and are intimidated by the success of others.

Growth Mindset:

The Growth Mindset believes in our ability to grow and change. People with this mindset believe our character, intelligence, and creativity are assets we can use, develop, and increase. One of the greatest differences between a fixed and growth mindset is the perception of failure. While a Fixed Mindset sees failure as only a negative, a Growth Mindset sees it as an opportunity for growth and pushing our current abilities to the next level. Instead of failure being an endpoint, for those with a Growth Mindset, it is merely a new starting point. 

Growth Mindset individuals see obstacles as new challenges and keep persisting despite setbacks. They welcome, can learn from and integrate criticism and are inspired by the success of others. A growth mindset has been equated to reduced burnout and fewer psychological problems like anxiety and depression. 

Beliefs:

Sometimes our core beliefs, the things that define who we believe we are and how we see the world, need a bit more coaxing in order to make a shift from negative to positive.

Beliefs are the convictions that you hold to be true. Those beliefs are often in your subconscious mind, and sometimes your conscious mind doesn't know they exist... yet. Our beliefs are the basis for our behaviors. If we believe (even subconsciously) that we are not worthy of something then self-sabotage often occurs. The opposite belief can lead to positive results. 

Our beliefs are a complex and often tangled set of ideas that can be difficult to change without some assistance. Self-development work, mentorship such as working with a therapist or coach, and increasing self-compassion can help us change negative beliefs and increase positive beliefs.

How to create a growth mindset:

1. Identify your fixed mindset belief
   • Write down what you say to yourself and say it out loud. This is key. You need to hear yourself out loud.
   • Example: "I'll never be good enough."
2. Create Distance from your thought/current belief and your self
   • Tell yourself that you are currently having the thought or feeling that your fixed belief is "true" in order to give yourself some distance from it
   • Example: "I'm having the thought that I'll never be good enough."
     
3. Take Ownership that you can pick a different thought or belief. Replace your fixed belief with a growth mindset statement.
   • Example: "My most secure self believes that I am good enough. I know I am good enough even if I don't feel it yet." 
4. Take Growth Mindset Action
   • Example: "My most secure self would be assertive and do _____".