Learning to Shift Your Mindset
When you think about it, our brain really is quite amazing!
Our brain can stretch and grow in response to all sorts of different learning challenges. And by helping both adults and our children to develop the right mindset about the brain and its capacity for learning we can empower or encourage them to become lifelong learners.
And that mindset that they need – it’s called a growth mindset.
Unfortunately, most adults (and children) actually have a fixed mindset about learning.
Being able to switch from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is one of the most important things we can do - to be able to view challenges as opportunities, to develop an “I can” attitude, and to discover a value in, and love of, learning – even when it’s hard!
What is a Fixed Mindset?
“I can’t do it.”
How many times have you heard this? In fact, how many times have you said this to yourself today? And more importantly, how often do you hear your children and other people say this?
This “can’t” language is a very good indicator of a fixed mindset. Those with a fixed mindset believe that qualities like intelligence, skills and talents are fixed and can’t be developed further – they can’t do it and they’ll never be able to because they’re just aren’t good at that. They are fixed in their thinking because they believe that talent reflects success, not effort.
What is a Growth Mindset?
In contrast, those with a growth mindset look at challenges and learning as opportunities for growth, with setbacks and failure as just a part of the growth and development process.
Dr. Carol Dweck coined the term “growth mindset” as a result of her research into learning and intelligence, and the belief systems surrounding those concepts. With a growth mindset one believes that effort trumps fixed ability, and by working hard to overcome challenges, the individual can, in fact, achieve more.
So how then can you Switch from a Fixed to a Growth Mindset?
Fixed mindset language starts with failure and negativity. It focuses on the things you “can’t” do, seeing them as weaknesses instead of opportunities for growth. Examples of this would be ...
“I am not good at ...”
“I can’t ...”
“It’s too hard ...”
In contrast, with a growth mindset language, one looks at weaknesses as opportunities for improvement and increased achievement by using a superpower that everyone has, and which is simply known as ‘The Power of YET’.
By simply adding ‘yet’ to your fixed mindset language, you can change it to growth mindset language. Examples of this are ...
“I’m not good at … yet”
“I can’t…yet”
Remember that with a growth mindset, failure is not a bad word, it is simply part of the learning process. And when learning new things, you can expect to encounter obstacles and challenges on the road to reaching your goal, to be successful.
As we often used fixed mindset language, flipping the script is entirely possible but it doesn’t come intuitively. So, it’s important that as adults, we model the language that we use and immediately correct fixed mindset language when it happens, both with ourselves and with others.
Here are some suggestions:
Instead of the “CAN’T” focus on the ‘CAN’
If you find yourself saying that you can’t do something, immediately flip the fixed mindset language by talking about what you can do.
For example, you might say, “I can’t present on this topic to my entire company.” But you can quickly foster a growth mindset language by rather saying, “You already can and do talk to colleagues all the time in your daily ZOOM calls. Besides, remember that you are the expert on this topic having already done all the research and analysis. All that your colleagues want to hear is what it is that you have to say.”
By focusing on the ‘cans’ instead of the “cant’s,” always remind yourself that everything can be difficult in the beginning, but if you continue to utilize the knowledge and skills you already have, then it’s possible and probable that you will indeed reach your goal.
Asking for Help!
Part of having a growth mindset is knowing when to ask for help. When the language is switched from a fixed to a growth mindset, “This is just too hard” becomes “I could use some help with this.”
Use all the resources and tools at your disposal, whether that is books, digital resources, teachers, coaches, mentors, peers, or parents, anything that can help to strengthen a growth mindset.
And when you get stuck, it’s important to know that it’s completely normal to struggle and that it is okay to ask for help or to consult the available resources. When something is difficult for you, like using a new technology tool or creating a schedule, ask those around you to help. Use positive, growth mindset language, such as “I can do this, but I have a few questions” or “I know I can do this with a little help.”
Give Specific Feedback
Positive language isn’t necessarily synonymous with growth mindset language. As an example, when a friend, colleague, or child does a great job demonstrating a skill, instead of just saying, “great job” rather give specific verbal or written feedback.
For example, when praising your children after a soccer game, instead of saying, “Good game,” try, “You defended the ball so well. I loved watching you play!” Or if a colleague creates a key asset, perhaps some customer-facing content, you could focus on the specific traits they have clearly mastered, while also talking about things they can do to challenge themselves or grow in their skills next time. For example, “Your draft content is very well organized and to the point! I can’t wait to see how you use more imagery and figurative language as you make it 100% customer-focused. Let’s talk about how you can do that.”
Giving specific and timely feedback to help others set specific and relevant goals, is an integral part of developing a growth mindset.
Focus on Alternatives
When things get tough, a fixed mindset says, “I give up.” On the other hand, a growth mindset says, “Let’s try a different way.”
Using different strategies to solve problems requires critical thinking, and potentially, communication and collaboration. All of these are important skills that go hand in hand with a growth mindset.
If you are frustrated with a problem you are trying to solve or a skill you are attempting to master, sometimes just stepping back will give you a different perspective about different ways that might potentially solve the problem. Perhaps it may also be helpful to use this as an opportunity to break down a big task into smaller, more manageable chunks.
If you are looking to develop positive, “I can” attitudes with yourself (or your children), being able to switch fixed mindset language to a growth mindset is a key skill. Having a growth mindset is not about focusing on the things you do right when it comes to learning – it’s about looking at all learning through a lens of positive, goal-focused outcomes.
Getting rid of “I can’t” and “This is hard” from the lexicon is a huge start. Focusing on what you can do, or will be able to achieve by asking for help or looking at different strategies, will help keep you focused and develop a healthy growth mindset for learning.
Note:
If this content resonated with you and you are currently feeling stuck at work, or under-appreciated for what you do, do check out my FREE eBook ...
What's the #1 Reason Stopping You From Finding Your Dream Role.
I work with and coach anyone who is 'stuck' in their current role and career and looking to reinvent themselves or pivot to a new role or career. So many people, particularly when in their late forties or fifties don't realize the wealth of experience they have and the true value that they can bring to any organization. Carpe Omnia!