“You try something, it doesn’t work, and maybe people even criticize you. In a fixed mindset, you say, “I tried this, it’s over.” In a growth mindset, you look for what you learned.” Carol S Dweck, Ph.D.
I’m Just Not Good at…
You most likely have heard a friend, family member, colleague, or even yourself say something like, “I’m just not good at… (math, writing, small talk, relationships, expressing myself under pressure, dealing with conflict… you get the picture.) This type of thinking is a way we use to explain areas of our lives that we have a set narrative; one that has been created by past experiences. These stories roam around in our heads and we are often not even aware of the fixed thinking that influences our future actions and decision making.
Changing your Mindset
The great news is that our minds are amazingly adaptable, and you can change a fixed narrative, even if it’s been roaming around in your head for a long time!
Let’s look at four steps you can do to change a fixed narrative.
Step 1: Listen to your fixed mindset voice
Set aside some time to think about areas in your life that you desire to grow in but have not taken steps to do so. Most often what holds us back from taking any action, is a fixed narrative. What are your “I’m not good at…” thoughts? Identify them and write them down. If you dig deep in this step, you may discover some very surprising narratives that can lead to some big “Ahas”!
Step 2: Recognize that you have a choice
Because we likely have a well-worn pathway of fixed thinking in our brains about something, it’s important to recognize that we have a choice (create a new pathway).
Step 3: Replace the Negative with a Positive
Now that you are aware of the negative (fixed) thought, talk back to it with a positive (growth) thought. Replacing the negative with the positive will need to be practiced and repeated (like creating any new habit) until the positive thought becomes automatic.
Step 4: Take the Growth Mindset Action
Once you have identified your fixed mindset thought, realized you have a different choice, replaced the negative with the positive, then it is time to take action! Step out and take a small step towards the area you want to grow in. The more steps you take, the more successful and confident you will be in your newly adopted way of thinking.
I would love to know the “Aha” moments you discover as you journey towards a (true) growth mindset. What fixed mindset areas are you excited to change?
Interested in coaching that will help you lead, achieve, and inspire? Contact Carol now for a complimentary 20-minute session.
Comments