How to Build a Strong Mindset | Growth and Fixed Mindset

Why is it so important to build a strong mindset? How does it influence our life? Our decisions? Our relationships? What is a mindset even? And can we change it or is it something fixed?

What does mindset mean?

According to verywell mind, a mindset consists of the beliefs we have. The beliefs that impact our thoughts and actions. This also means that our mindset has a huge impact on our relationships and work-life because it influences our decision-making process and actions regarding others.

One of the best theories that prove this statement is the fixed and growth mindset theory:

Definition of Growth Mindset:

Growth mindset is when you believe you can change or improve by the obstacles and challenges the world offers you.

Definition of Fixed Mindset:

A fixed mindset on the other hand limits you to the way you or a situation is given.

Let me give you an example:

Two friends work in sales, both get regular feedback from customers and their employer. But both people have different mindsets: Person A has a growth mindset while Person B has a fixed mindset. How do you think both people react to the feedback given?

Person A will focus on the learning aspect: what can they learn from their current strategy? What can they learn from the feedback? People with a growth mindset will work on themselves to improve their skills, their way of thinking, and the way the world around them moves. Challenges are helping them to grow. They think that working hard and putting in the work will lead to results. Even if they have to work for a long time. (brainpickings)

A Person with a fixed mindset, here Person B, will acknowledge that it is how it is. They listen to the feedback but mostly don’t act. Maybe they even react offended as they see it as criticism instead of an opportunity to learn. People with a fixed mindset don’t think they can change. They know their strengths and weaknesses and those won’t change in their lives. Thereby they don’t see obstacles as a learning opportunity and instead try to avoid them. (brainpickings). But people with a fixed mindset also know that tasks need to be done even if it’s not in their interests. (Berkeley)

Person A will improve her sales strategy.

Person B will repeat her actions all over again. It’s the way she does things.

Person A might change her own behavior to improve relationships.

Person B accepts that a relationship is a certain way and that all parties are the way they are.

Exercise: Think about your thoughts and actions - do you have a growth or fixed mindset?

“Mindset is everything!” – Gary Vaynerchuk

I’d like you to take a moment and think about your current mindset. Your current beliefs. Actions. Decisions you make. Do you think you have a positive or negative mindset? Why do you think so? What mindset would you like to have?

Negative mindsets:

Victimizing (everyone is always attacking me/against me)
Feeling Worthless (I am just not enough)
Avoiding Hardships, Challenges, Fears
Being stuck in your past or the future
Always Judging others
“Life is difficult/hard”
Avoiding Responsibilities (I am scared to fail/do it wrong)
Adapting/Changing Opinions ( Adapted by Sources of Insight)

If we want to build a strong mindset we have to figure out what mindset we want to adapt to. Build simple but daily changes into our lives that affect the way we act and see the world. And especially, avoid falling back into the old way of thinking.