A fixed mindset is a belief that your basic qualities, like your intelligence or talent, are fixed traits. You have a certain amount, and that's that. However, a growth mindset is the belief that your basic qualities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.
People with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence, talent, and other qualities are innate and unchangeable. If they're not good at something, they typically think they will never be good at it. By contrast, people with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and talent can be developed with practice and effort.
Here are some examples of fixed mindset thinking:
"I'm just not good at mathematics."
"I'm a terrible public speaker."
"I'm not creative."
"I'm not a natural leader."
Here are some examples of growth mindset thinking:
"I'm not good at mathematics yet, but I can get better with practice."
"I'm not a great public speaker, but I can learn how to be better."
"I'm not naturally creative, but I can develop my creativity."
"I'm not a natural leader, but I can learn how to be a better leader."
People with a fixed mindset are more likely to give up when they face challenges, while people with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere. They are also more likely to take risks and try new things, because they believe that they can learn and grow from their experiences.
There are a number of things that you can do to develop a growth mindset, including:
Believe in your ability to learn and grow.
Be open to feedback.
Don't be afraid of failure.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
A growth mindset can help you to achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.
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