Image by Angela from Moon Mother Chronicles.

How can growth mindset be developed?

Name: PURSUIT TO SELF
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Living in the COVID 19 normality for the past several months, I managed my mental wellbeing pretty well. But this month, it finally hit me.

While it has been an incredibly good month for me from both personal and professional front, in the past few weeks I was surrounded by feelings like overwhelming, anxious, burn out, self-criticism, emotional rollercoaster, etc.

A few days ago, I had to take myself to the basics to understand the triggers of my current situation and apply the tools to recover. As I was going through the process, I had an Aha moment where I found that somehow I’ve fallen into the trap of fixed mindset traits in the past weeks. These feelings and emotions I was feeling were all after-effects of this fixed mindset.

As soon as I had the awareness, I journaled what were the changes or new events happened in this month. By the end of journaling, I could clearly see where I’ve fallen victim of fixed mindset traits and how this has affected my entire wellbeing – physically and mentally through my behaviours, habits and actions. To be honest, this was quite an eye-opening. I now know the root cause of this issue and have a plan to get back to the balanced state of mind and emotions.

Fortunately, now I have the knowledge, wisdom and tools that I can apply before it gets out of control. Unlike, a few years ago my life story was remarkably different where at a superficial level I achieved all the material success and goals. However, I was still not happy and fulfilled. When I decided to change my life story, I knew that the very first thing I need to change was my mindset and belief system. I knew I had to get out of the prison of my own fears, judgement, doubts and limiting beliefs.

Developing a strong foundation for growth mindset has been the single most crucial tool that resulted in me this abundant, happy & fulfilling life I’m living now.

Pursuit to Growth Mindset is developing a mindset where you change your limiting belief system, seek opportunities, experiences outside of comfort zone and open to learning from failures. This is the magic formula for building resilience and mental muscle strength to face challenging situations or hardships in life.

Developing a growth mindset can be a great aid to improve mental illness symptoms like depression, anxiety etc. and also help prevent them in later life.

Since the area of mindset is a vast topic, I will cover the basics understanding of growth VS fixed mindset and ways to develop a growth mindset in this blog post. In upcoming posts, I will cover in detail how to change the belief system and habits to transform your life. Please subscribe to the Wisdom letter to get notified.

You’re in charge of your mind. You can help it grow by using it in the right way.

- Carol Dweck

What is the growth mindset and fixed mindset?

A detailed study was conducted on students where It was noticed that some students rebounded while other students seemed devastated by even the smallest setbacks.

Based on the people’s underlying belief system towards learning and intelligence outcome, Dr Dweck developed the concept of a fixed mindset and growth mindset.

She observed that people who believe they can get smarter, they tend to put additional efforts which leads to higher achievement.

Recent studies in neuroscience have proved that the human brain is malleable. Based on brain plasticity research, neurons can change with experience.

Neural networks can create new & strengthen existing connections, and build insulation that speeds transmission of impulses.

These neuroscientific discoveries have shown us that we can increase our neural growth by the actions we take using good strategies, asking questions, practising good habits and lifestyle.

Growth mindset

Growth mindset is driven by the belief system that human abilities, talents and intelligence can be improved upon through actions and efforts. People with a growth mindset believe in development, progression, moving forward.

Growth Mindset Traits -

fixed mindset

A fixed mindset is driven by the limiting belief system that human abilities, talents and intelligence are relatively fixed. People with a fixed mindset believe that no matter how much actions are taken and efforts put in, intelligence cannot be enhanced. These mindset people believe that either you have it or don’t have it.

Fixed Mindset Traits -

Why do you need to develop a growth mindset?

Having a growth mindset can give you a competitive advantage in career and personal life. In this fast-paced society, where technology and business models are changing rapidly, embracing a growth mindset is vital to achieving success in all areas of life.

How good you want to be a matter more than how good you are. You will need to continuously learn new skills to remain competitive as automation technologies, including artificial intelligence, become more prevalent.

The growth mindset people are resilient, open to acquiring new skills & knowledge, apply their expertise, learning from failures to pivot in any areas of life. They tend to take risks and open to changes as usually value this as learning and growth opportunities.

Developing a growth mindset can contribute to a more meaningful life because often it provides life experiences encompasses will be considerably broader.

Whereas fixed mindset people are often resistant to change and shy away from taking risks or opportunities.

Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.
Samuel Johnson

How can growth mindset be developed?

Mindset stems from our own set of belief systems. People with a growth mindset believe that life’s reality can be changed when they change their belief system which no longer serves them to achieve success.

There are several effective ways are available for developing and fostering attitude towards a growth mindset. I’ve outlined 8 important and Simple ways you can start fostering a growth mindset right now.

01 Find and create your WHY

Reflect upon the reasons why having a growth mindset is compelling to you. What are the areas of your life will benefit from having such a mindset?

Gain clarity and write them down. Having this powerful WHY will help you to follow through when things get hard. And it will.

02 Become a lifelong learner

Embrace the word “learning” over “failing”. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The only way to ensure you are part of the game is by acquiring new skills, knowledge, and keeping yourself relevant. Actively seek learning opportunities and develop curiosity about everything.

Fortunately, I’m always hungry for learning which gives me a competitive advantage in many areas of life. I got this trait genetically from my dad. At the age of 69, my dad completed a Diploma in Computer Science & AutoCAD (3yrs degree) alongside his full-time profession as a civil engineer to ensure his knowledge is relevant to the market. He had to commute 3-4hrs a few times a week to another city to attend classes. It showed me his dedication to knowledge.

03 Embrace & Accept Your Authentic Self

We all have our gifts and imperfections. Use your gifts to make an impact in your life and others who come along in your path. You are worthy of abundant and thriving life. There is absolutely no one you need to seek approval from.

Unapologetically and completely embrace your uniqueness and authenticity. Acknowledge and embrace Imperfection in self and others, as it is the spice that makes us individuals.

04 Emphasise Growth Over Speed

To cultivate a growth mindset and live a purposeful life, it is important to focus on quality progress while aiming for the end goal. The joy of this life is in the journey not in the destination. Because there is no destination. We are an eternal soul.

Reflect on your life – “Is there anything right now not working despite how much you are putting effort?” “Can you see a pattern?” Maybe it’s trying to show you the lessons for your growth. Pay close attention.

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
C.S. Lewis

05 Seek Opportunities outside of comfort zone

Growth happens outside of Comfort zone. Challenges and hardships are opportunities that propel you forward towards your goals and help you grow. If you find yourself avoiding a challenging situation, stop and reframe the situation in your mind.

Are you feeling too comfortable in your current career or do you seek happiness in mindless activates? This may be an indication that it’s time to seek out new experiences and make some changes in your life.

06 Test your own limits

To foster a growth mindset, try to push yourself beyond what you imagine you can do. When you push yourself, you can surpass even your own expectations. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Explore and appreciate your strengths, and work to improve your weaknesses.

Before I started running, I didn’t believe I could run even 100 meters. I still remember the day when I ran 5 km for the first time. Then another day 10 km followed by 15 km. This was beyond my wildest imagination. You will be amazed to see your own potential when you start to redefine your belief system.

07 Create a new uplifting story & belief system

Our human mind is so incredible that with time and efforts, you can gradually change the old limited belief system and story to create a new reality.

It starts by paying attention to your words and thoughts. Observe whether you become hard on yourself when you face failures. What words do you use when you face challenging situations? Do you usually engage in negative self-talk? Censor yourself and become your own guide.

Once you are aware, gradually replace the negative thoughts and words with more positive ones. Allow self-acceptance and kindness for yourself. Once you start to intentionally choose a positive uplifting story, your behaviours and actions will be followed by that. Soon your new reality will be created.

08 Constructive feedback is your teacher

In this earth school, we all have our customised curriculum full of lessons we need to learn through different life experiences.

To create a successful life, be open to hearing feedback from others for improvement. Do not take feedback personally. Think feedback is a messenger trying to shed a light in the area of life where you need growth and improvements. The key objective of feedback is to make your abilities even better.