Tips for Developing a Growth Mindset 🌱

Growth mindset is a belief that our abilities can be developed and improved through hard work and effort. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, which is the belief that our abilities are fixed and cannot be changed. So what?  Well, there now a growing body of research that suggests that growth mindset can have a number of benefits, including: 

• Increased motivation  : People with a growth mindset are more likely to be motivated to learn and grow, as they believe that the effort they put in will be rewarded.  More motivation = More Chance of Success.
  
• Improved performance  : People with a growth mindset are more likely to perform better on tasks, as they are not afraid to challenge themselves and try new things.  They believe they will grow and learn in the process.  More challenges = More progress
  
• Greater resilience  : People with a growth mindset are more likely to be resilient in the face of setbacks, as they believe that they can learn from their mistakes and improve.  Yes, you may have failed, but WOW, what did you learn?  More resilience = More Long-Term Success

The way we think about stress can also be influenced by our mindset. People with a growth mindset are more likely to view stress as a challenge, rather than a threat - called a "Stress is enhancing mindset".  This means that they are more likely to see stress as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than something to be feared. 

For example, a growth mindset person might see starting a new role as an opportunity to learn new skills, improve their abilities and grow in competency in their new area. They might also view stress as a motivating factor, which helps them to stay focused and motivated ("Come On!")

On the other hand, a person with a fixed mindset might view that new role as something that they are not capable of doing. They might also see the stress as a negative experience, which can lead to anxiety and decreased performance and actually shorter life span.  Yes really.  Seeing stress negatively actually changes its physical impact on you.  

Overall, there is strong evidence to suggest that growth mindset can have a positive impact on our ability to manage stress.

Here's 4 Tips for Developing a Growth Mindset 

1. Challenge yourself  : Set challenging goals for yourself and don't be afraid to fail - you will be learning and growing each step forward.
2. Be open to feedback  : Seek out feedback from others and use it to improve your skills and competencies.  We all have blind spots we need to address (yes, even you!)
3. Be persistent  : Don't give up easily when faced with challenges - this is when the magic happens and when your brain actually starts rewiring!  You need frustration as a catalyst for change of the neurons in your brain.
4. Celebrate your successes  : Take the time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small.  Each time you do, your confidence grows. 

By following these tips, you can really achieve great things!   Oh, and if you tell your kids they can learn and grow, they are much more likely to do well in the long-term too.  Time for a mindset shift  

"Look for the good in every situation, seek the valuable lesson in every setback, look for the solution to every problem.

Think and talk continually about your goals."

~Brian Tracy