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Growth Mindset
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The definition of growth mindset is much simpler than it sounds. In a nutshell, it is the belief that skills and intelligence can be improved with effort and persistence. People with a growth mindset embrace challenges, stay resilient in the face of difficulties, learn from constructive criticism, and seek out inspiration in others’ success.

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What is Growth Mindset

What is a Growth MindsetClick to read

A mindset is the series of beliefs people hold about themselves, their self-perception. A growth mindset is a belief that you can develop your skills and talents through hard work, the right strategies, and guidance from others. 

The term growth mindset was coined by American psychologist Professor Carol Dweck in her 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Her work explored how an individual’s underlying belief about their intelligence and ability to learn could impact their performance. 

Her studies show that those who believe they can develop their talents tend to achieve more than those who feel their abilities are innate and fixed. Those with a growth mindset see opportunities instead of obstacles, choosing to challenge themselves to learn more rather than sticking in their comfort zone.
As Professor Dweck explains it:  “This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way—in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments—everyone can change and grow through application and experience”.

 
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Growth mindset vs Fixed mindset!Click to read

The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset. While the former is focused on self-improvement and development over time, a fixed mindset is essentially the belief that abilities are innate and fixed from birth. 

Those with a fixed mindset believe that each person inherits qualities such as intelligence, talents, and personality characteristics. Those who feel that their qualities are unique to their genetic makeup generally also feel that these characteristics stay stable throughout their lives.

According to Dr Dweck’s original research, those with a fixed mindset are more likely to seek opportunities to demonstrate strengths rather than those that could expose weaknesses. She goes on to say that such an approach to life can backfire. Although they take fewer risks, people with a fixed mindset can miss out on opportunities and chances to learn and grow. 

 
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Ways to Nurture a Growth Mindset

A Culture of Practice Click to read

An important concept of having a growth mindset is realising that learning is a process and each moment is an opportunity to practise and improve. Growth occurs over time, and this is where it’s hard to have a growth mindset. We want perfection, a first class, 100%. We fall into the trap of saying, “I’m not creative. I can’t draw. I’m not good at science.” when that is NOT true! You simply haven’t practised enough.

Inherent in this culture of practice are moments of failure followed by a decision to persevere or give up. When working with NEETs this is where character development occurs. Youth (and adults too!) that learn to view failure as just another step in the learning process have achieved a growth mindset. Once you grasp that there is no limit to what they can achieve!
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Shift in Vocabulary!Click to read

Cultivating a growth mindset requires a change in vocabulary to bring about a focus on the process of growth and improvement. Even responses to moments of success can be shifted.

Consider a time when you see a little child building something with Lego

When the child completed the task, you could say, “Great job, you did it! You got it right!” However, to nurture a growth mindset you would say, “Wow! You tried four different times to build that house. I noticed you didn’t give up. You kept working until you got it!  Well done!”

Another example: A youngster confronts a maths problem (insert any task or skill specific to the person) that they successfully complete. Instead of solely praising their achievement, bring attention to the process. “Great work! I see the practice you put in is really paying off! I wonder what will happen if you keep practising?”
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Ten ways to develop a growth mindset Click to read

  1. Gently redirect negative thoughts to empowering thoughts.
  2. Reframe mistakes as lessons.
  3. It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.
  4. Keep learning and growing.
  5. Acknowledge your accomplishments.
  6. Replace judgement with compassion.
  7. Value the attempt more than the result.
  8. Take baby steps.
  9. Leave your comfort zone.
  10. Have a “I don’t have (goal) YET” attitude.
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Why young people need a Growth Mindset

Rationale and benefits of having Growth MindsetsClick to read

With a Growth Mindset, you are more realistic in focusing on doing the hard work. This means that the chances of you doing the hard work are much higher than when you have a Fixed Mindset. That means that you will be more successful if you have a Growth Mindset.
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A Changing World – Need for New ThinkingClick to read

With technology and business models changing rapidly, embracing a growth mindset is vital to career success. Workers will need to continuously learn new skills to remain competitive as automation technologies, including artificial intelligence, become more prevalent.
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Entrepreneurial competenciesClick to read

Entrepreneurial competencies are the knowledge, skills and attitudes that help a person start a company. These competencies encapsulate the mindset and know-how for identifying opportunities, creative problem solving, taking initiative, communicating, reflecting, adapting, and attitudes such as curiosity, open-mindedness, proactivity, flexibility, determination, and resilience. While some believe that entrepreneurs are born, there is robust evidence that such entrepreneurial competencies and “the entrepreneurial mindset” can be taught.
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Summing up

Summing upClick to read

A growth mindset means one embraces challenges, persists in the face of setbacks, takes responsibility for their words and actions, and acknowledges that effort is the path toward mastery. It is basically the reason why “practice makes perfect."

While having a growth mindset can be helpful for everyone in general, it is especially important for young people who are still in the early stages of their education and careers, to build the habits and attitudes that will serve as a foundation for the years ahead.

The definition of growth mindset is much simpler than it sounds. In a nutshell, it is the belief that skills and intelligence can be improved with effort and persistence. People with a growth mindset embrace challenges, stay resilient in the face of difficulties, learn from constructive criticism, and seek out inspiration in others’ success. 

Having a growth mindset means believing that learning is a lifelong process, that success isn’t limited to our academic life, and that we can always learn something new.

 
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Quests! Learn more.

What is Growth Mindset

Ways to Nurture a Growth Mindset

Why Young People Need Growth Mindsets


Test Yourself!



Related Glossary:
  • Cultivate Resilience:
    Individual with growth mindset, then take the time and make the effort to develop it. Persist and opportunities will come. Cultivate resilience along the way. You are remoulding your mind and own your attitude.
  • Fixed mindset:
    People with a fixed mindset are more likely to believe that their ability and intelligence can't be changed; that they're either good at something or not. They're usually easily discouraged and might avoid taking risks or trying new things because they're fearful of failure.
  • Growth Mindset:
    "A growth mindset is the belief that personal characteristics, such as intellectual abilities, can be developed, and a fixed mindset is the belief that these characteristics are fixed and unchangeable." (Yeager & Dweck, 2020, p. 1): A growth mindset is the belief that your skills and abilities are not set in stone. Just as mighty oaks grow from tiny acorns, our talents might start small, but they have the potential to grow huge.
  • Inclusion and promote individuality:
    Inclusion is a system for making sure organisations are welcoming at every level to every individual. Inclusion is about finding like-mindedness in our differences and embracing individuals' unique ideas and ideals. Leaders with a growth mindset have a deep desire to do this and lead inclusion and embrace individuality as their primary growth strategy.
  • Open mindset:
    A growth mindset requires leaders to be more inclusive to the unique needs and perspectives of others. Growth requires more than profits; it requires a clear understanding of human capital assets. It involves learning how to serve the unique needs of the individual and/or consumers and the unique needs of employees.
  • See all terms
Educator Tips:

A growth mindset means one embraces challenges, persists in the face of setbacks, takes responsibility for their words and actions, and acknowledges that effort is the path toward mastery. It is basically the reason why “practice makes perfect."

Quest 1:

The definition of growth mindset is much simpler than it sounds. In a nutshell, it is the belief that skills and intelligence can be improved with effort and persistence. People with a growth mindset embrace challenges, stay resilient in the face of difficulties, learn from constructive criticism, and seek out inspiration in others’ success.

Once this quest is completed the user will realise having a growth mindset can have real benefits. It helps people reframe their approach to challenges and stay motivated to work to improve skills. Instead of thinking “I can’t do this,” they will think “I can’t do it yet.”

Quest 2:

There is a Chinese saying – Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still. A more modern and succinct interpretation might also sound familiar to you - ‘have a growth mindset’, a term that was coined by American psychologist Carol Dweck in 2006. The message is: those who view learning as a continuous process of improvement put themselves in a better position to succeed in the long run than those who pigeonhole themselves early according to fixed ideas of intelligence, talent or disposition.

While having a growth mindset can be helpful for everyone in general, it is especially important for young people who are still in the early stages of their education and careers, to build the habits and attitudes that will serve as a foundation for the years ahead.

Quest 3:

This quest focuses on the positives of having a growth mindset.  Having a growth mindset means believing that learning is a lifelong process, that success isn’t limited to our academic life, and that we can always learn something new.

Once you complete the activity you will have a greater understanding on the importance of having a growth mindset. More importantly there are certain things that people can do to build a growth mindset on their own. The main thing to remember is that you should focus on learning rather than achieving. In other words, focus on the process more instead of the results.

Additional resources (videos, extra material)

It is important to highlight overall anyone who actively works to develop their mindset will benefit both personally and professionally. In summary the below are some of the key benefits one will experience:

  • will increase your professional engagement
  • will encourage innovation
  • will build your resilience
  • will have the ability to be a positive decision making and how to overcome perceived barriers
  • will understand how to manage personal learning processes to enhance development
  • will develop skills to give and receive feedback in a growth mind-set way that encourages learning and development.
  • will understand your personal mindset and how to unleash blocks and potential.
  • will gain a greater understanding of the neuroscience and how to strengthen the brains learning power and self-control
  • will focus on the learning process without worrying about the outcome
  • will believe that talent and abilities can be developed with practice and efforts
  • will look for challenges that enable you to grow
Keywords

entrepreneurial mindset, positive psychology, worldview; globalisation; strategy; lifelong learning, fixed mindset,

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2021-1-IS01-KA220-VET-000027983

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