What Is a Growth Mindset?
According to psychologist Carol Dweck's research, beliefs about human ability can be broadly divided into two types. "Fixed mindset" is the belief that talent and intelligence are determined at birth, while "growth mindset" is the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning.
This difference in beliefs greatly affects attitude toward challenges, response to failure, and ultimately results.
Characteristics and Problems of Fixed Mindset
People with a fixed mindset tend to show the following patterns:
- Avoid challenges to avoid failure
- Take criticism as personal attacks
- Feel threatened by others' success
- Consider effort as "proof of lack of talent"
With this mindset, you focus on proving your abilities and easily miss learning opportunities.
Methods for Shifting to a Growth Mindset
1. Utilize the Power of "Yet"
By replacing "can't" with "can't yet," you recognize that the current state is not fixed but in the process of change.
"I'm bad at math" → "I'm not good at math yet"
This small change in words opens doors to possibilities.
2. Praise the Process
Develop the habit of evaluating not just results, but the effort, strategy, and progress leading to them.
- What innovations were made
- What was learned
- Where persistence was demonstrated
By focusing on these, you can find value in challenges themselves.
3. Treat Failures as Learning Data
Failures don't indicate the limits of ability but are sources of information for improvement.
When you fail, ask yourself these questions:
- What can I learn from this experience?
- What can I change next time?
- What skills need to be developed?
4. Understand Brain Plasticity
Neuroscience research has revealed that the brain continues to change throughout life. When you learn new skills, new neural circuits form in the brain.
Knowing this scientific fact makes it easier to let go of the assumption that "abilities are fixed."
Daily Practice Techniques
Keep a Challenge Journal
Record the following daily:
- What I challenged today
- What didn't go well and learnings from it
- What I want to try tomorrow
Use Growth-Oriented Language
Consciously change the words you use in daily conversation.
- "Failed" → "Learned"
- "Impossible" → "Let's try a different approach"
- "No talent" → "Not enough practice yet"
Seek Feedback
Instead of avoiding criticism, actively seek constructive feedback. Others' perspectives teach you improvement points you can't notice yourself.
Common Barriers and Solutions
There are points where many people stumble in shifting to a growth mindset.
Perfectionism: Replace the thought "it's meaningless if not perfect" with "progress is enough"
Comparison habit: Focus on comparing with your past self rather than comparing with others
Expecting quick results: Accept that change takes time and celebrate small progress
Summary
A growth mindset is not an innate quality but a thinking habit that can be consciously cultivated. By utilizing the word "yet," valuing the process, and developing the attitude of learning from failure, anyone can strengthen their growth mindset.
What's important is not aiming for perfection all at once, but accumulating small daily practices. From today, when you notice a fixed mindset thought, try rephrasing it in growth mindset terms.