Sometimes we are so fixated on the tangibles of success — the numbers, results, and how much we “get done” — that we completely forget about those invisible factors that truly make the difference. Like mindset.
Your attitude has direct implications on the progress you make. It affects your productivity, how you respond to obstacles, and even how well you work with others.
A growth mindset is having the belief that you can put forth effort in order to develop talents. It means you acknowledge the value and importance of learning and growth on everything in life. In a growth mindset, you take ownership of your potential for success.
Here are 5 ways you can take action to build your growth mindset:
Love your flaws, grow your strengths.
Your imperfections are opportunities. Human beings are multifaceted and ever-changing. If we all were amazing at everything, I think it would be more than just boring. I think it simply wouldn’t work. You have to develop an acceptance of your weaknesses so that you can either say, “I want to get better at that” or “I am choosing to focus my energy on other things.” Drop the self-judgment.
Understanding your flaws means you know where you can improve. But understanding your strengths means you know where you can flourish. Even if you are living in a fixed mindset of “this is my natural gift,” you still must choose to let it waste or let it thrive. But letting it thrive means you take action to steer the skill to refinement. You educate yourself with practice and development.
Uncover your purpose.
Do you know what you’re meant to do in this world? Where and how do you want to make an impact, and what are your passions? Having a sense of meaning is a fabulous driver for growth. It is fuel for the journey, a roadmap that makes decisions easier, and a push when you hit resistance.
Welcome failure and bounce back.
Greet it with a hug and a kiss, even. This IS how learning happens. It is not something to avoid or be embarrassed about. Next time you make a mistake, don’t sweep it under the rug and run in the opposite direction. Look at it a little more closely and find the lesson. What will you do differently next time? Because when you hide it away, you are much more likely to keep repeating that same mistake over and over again.
So what do you do after you’ve derived a lesson from your mistake? You have to get back up and try again. And be willing to fail again! This is resilience. More than simply “going with the flow” or “rolling with the punches,” you have to be prepared to take a little control and steer the flow to where you want it to go.
Say yes to new experiences.
Routines can be lovely in some ways. They give us predictability and comfort. Unfortunately, too much comfort keeps us from growth. So no, you don’t have to run off and join the circus (unless it’s calling to you), but do try new things. Take a class on a skill or topic that’s a little outside of your norm. Go out to a social event you wouldn’t normally go to. If you always go for a walk at the same park, google a new one just for kicks. Stretch yourself.
Support others in their growth.
So far this has been all about me, me, me, but learning doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) a solo experience. If you want to be accepted in spite of your mistakes, remember that when it comes to how you view other people. Are you supporting your peers, friends, family, and teams when they fail? Are you cheering them on? How can you include others in trying new experiences with you or taking a learning journey together? You get what you give. And it’s just more fun when you’re not alone.
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You will be amazed at how powerful the mind can be when you give it room to grow!
“The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.” –Dale Carnegie
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