Linked & Lift Issue #13: A Data-Driven Journey into How Your Mindset Can Lead to Success or Failure.

[Reading Time: 4 mins]

Feb 01, 2024

I’m fascinated by the crucial role that our beliefs about ourselves can play in our achievements and lives in general.

Mindsets. We all have one, but are we aware of its power?

“The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life. It can determine whether you become the person you want to be and whether you accomplish the things you value.” - Dweck.

Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist from Stanford University, sheds light on the concept of mindsets and how they profoundly impact our lives.

But before delving into her studies, I'd like to share a cheat sheet I created on the topic.

You can download the high-resolution PDF file here.

Dr. Carol Dweck’s studies revolve around the dichotomy of mindsets.

Video: Developing a growth mindset with Carol Dweck.

In her book "Mindset," she proposes that two fundamental mindsets dominate our thoughts and actions: the growth mindset and the fixed mindset.

The Growth Mindset.

The growth mindset is a belief that our abilities and qualities are not static, but dynamic. They can be developed over time through dedication, effort, and learning.

This mindset fuels resilience, a love for learning, and a belief that our potential is not predetermined but is something we can shape and enhance.

"Becoming is better than being." - Carol Dweck

People with a growth mindset:

embrace challenges,
persist in the face of setbacks,
see effort as a path to mastery, and
find inspiration in the success of others.

"The growth mindset allows people to value what they're doing regardless of the outcome." - Carol Dweck

Imagine viewing life through a growth mindset lens. Celebrate challenges, see setbacks as temporary, view effort as the path to mastery, find inspiration in others' success, and believe that intelligence can be developed.

"The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset." - Carol Dweck

The Fixed Mindset.

The fixed mindset, however, is a belief that our abilities and qualities are fixed and unchangeable. This mindset fosters a fear of failure and a focus on proving oneself rather than personal development.

Those with a fixed mindset may:

shy away from challenges,
quit at the first sign of setback, and
feel threatened by others' success.

They may be less likely to take risks or pursue new opportunities, believing that their abilities are predetermined and cannot be improved.

"The fixed mindset stands in the way of development and change. The growth mindset is a starting point for change, but people need to decide for themselves where their efforts toward change would be most valuable." - Carol Dweck

Consider having a fixed mindset for a moment. Here, we live in a world polarised between success and failure, sidestep challenges, and take the easy route to preserve our self-image. Effort becomes a symbol of inadequacy, and we often find ourselves playing it safe, both personally and professionally.

(Source: student experience network)

"The fixed mindset makes people into non-learners." - Carol Dweck

Conclusion:

The choice between a growth and fixed mindset isn't just a matter of thought patterns. It's a choice that shapes our attitudes, behaviours, and ultimately, our destiny.

The journey towards a growth mindset requires conscious effort, thoughtful implementation, and a willingness to reshape our choices. It leads us to a life where understanding breeds adaptation, growth, and leadership.

So, the next time you find yourself stuck or hitting a wall, ask yourself:

What mindset am I adopting?