Developing a ‘growth mindset’ could quite literally change your life, you just need to know exactly how to do it.
According to Ben Treanor, Wellness Coach & Founder of Mål Paper, a growth mindset means you understand that you have the ability to improve and are willing to push yourself past your barriers on a journey of learning and self-development. We want in.
Here, Ben explains exactly what a growth mindset is, plus how you can foster one and use it to your advantage to enhance your relationships, mental health and day-to-day life.
What is a growth mindset?
According to Carol Dweck, author of The Growth Mindset, we operate under one of two mindsets: a fixed mindset (one that assumes you cannot improve), or a growth mindset.
A growth mindset means you understand that you have the ability to improve. You can learn more knowledge, get better at activities, improve your relationships, and push past your barriers.
“It’s all about heading on a journey with many twists, turns and uncertainties. A journey that can often lead to failure. But having a growth mindset means you know that failure isn’t the end of the journey; it’s a steppingstone to learn a new lesson and keep going,” he explains.
How does a growth mindset improve your life?
When thought leaders try to instill confidence in people, one of the first questions they will ask is: “If there were no barriers to cross, what would your dream life look like?” People will often talk about having a great job, lots of money, and healthy relationships. That’s what the growth mindset is: life without self-imposed barriers.
As Ben explains: “When you have a growth mindset, you put yourself in the driving seat of your own life. And when you believe in your ability to improve your skills so you can pursue a life of meaning for yourself.” He believes there are incredible benefits of having a growth mindset, such as:
- Lower depression and anxiety
- Improved happiness
- Better life opportunities
- Felling more fulfilled
- Being unafraid to try and fail
- Improved relationships
“It may sound too good to be true, but trust me, you’d be surprised just how much you can accomplish when you believe you can,” he adds.
So how can we develop a growth mindset and start reaping the rewards?
Six ways to develop a growth mindset
Lifestyle changes are rarely easy, but always worth it. Here are the six most influential pieces of advice to help you make your journey into developing a growth mindset.
1. Embrace mistakes and imperfections
The very first step you need to take is to accept that mistakes and imperfection are not only expected, but they are also guaranteed – and that’s a good thing!
“There is not a single person on this planet that is perfect. We’re all flawed, and we’re all worthy, so embrace it,” advises Ben. “The more you can embrace your mistakes and imperfections, the more willing you’ll be to try new things; things that bring you closer to your goals and dreams; things that invite meaningful change into your life and things that stop you feeling stuck.”