Ready, Steady, Grow. Growth Mindset
In the last few years, “growth mindset” seems to be a trending topic with evidence to substantiate it’s effectiveness. It is now not enough to just be “positive”, but having a growth mindset could literally add value to your life and business. I see this as tapping into untouched paths of our intelligence and potential.
Developing a growth mindset is essential for both personal and professional growth, especially for solopreneurs. A growth mindset, as coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that your ability and intelligence can be developed and improved over time through dedication, effort, and learning. It’s the opposite of a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are limited and unchangeable.
Some points on the science and facts behind a growth mindset:
- Neuroplasticity: The brain has the remarkable ability to change and adapt throughout life. Research conducted by Dr. Michael Merzenich and his team at UCSF shows that the brain can rewire itself in response to learning and experience. [Source: UCSF News]
- Growth Mindset and Success: Studies have found that individuals with a growth mindset tend to achieve more and perform better than those with a fixed mindset. This has been shown in various fields, including education, sports, and business. [Source: Psychological Science]
- Embracing Challenges: People with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. They are more likely to persevere through difficulties. [Source: Stanford Graduate School of Education]
- Effort as the Path to Mastery: In a growth mindset, effort is seen as a necessary step on the path to mastery. This perspective encourages individuals commit to improved skills and achievements. [Source: Harvard Business Review]
| Fixed Mindset | Positive Mindset | Growth Mindset |
| Setbacks
Failures are shameful Closed to change, growth, different ideas Pessimistic (call themselves realists) Polarise on Negative Same pattern of behaviour, thinking and responses Don’t have control on abilities Discouraged at a mistake Avoid Challenges Ignores Feedback Effort is in vain /fruitless or a negative thing Threatened by others success |
Positive Thinking
Optimistic Collaborative Happy Valuable Lessons Open Trusting Build Relationships Resilience Learning Grateful Sees good in self and others Empowering self-belief |
New Learning
Thinking bigger New possibilities New ways to Generate Results Leveraging on Lessons Strong Inner belief for an outcome Create a powerful network- Ecosystem of support Limitless Agile Adaptable Self-Evolving & Evaluating |
Reflective Question to get you started?
What aspect of Growth Mindset will serve my business well and what is my first step to developing this?
Challenge
- Set yourself a brand-new goal that stretches you out of your comfort zone, give it a timeline that is realistic, perhaps with a little ambition thrown in
- Create a single-step-action plan, as in, one step at- a-time (keep it really simple, but commit to it-be all in) to help you get there
- Learn something new to assist you
- Measure and evaluate your progress.
Incorporating a growth mindset into your business strategy can make a substantial difference in its profitability. It’s a mindset that not only drives personal growth but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of a small business. By adopting this approach, entrepreneurs can better navigate the challenges they face and build profitable enterprises.
To your growth and success Neelam
Transformative Coaching (Life, Leadership, Performance) Founder of Designer Life Coaching/House of Leaders
Co-founder of COCO