What are the 2 types of mindsets?

The concept of a growth mindset was identified and popularized by Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist and researcher at Stanford University. Dr. Dweck's groundbreaking work on mindset and motivation, which she began in the 1980s, has had a significant impact on the fields of psychology, education, and personal development. 

In her book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," published in 2006, Dr. Dweck describes the differences between a fixed mindset, where individuals believe that their intelligence and abilities are fixed traits, and a growth mindset, where individuals believe that their abilities can be developed and improved through effort, learning, and perseverance. 

Her research has shown that individuals with a growth mindset tend to have better academic and personal outcomes, as they are more likely to embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, and continue learning throughout their lives.

Even though most individuals are familiar with these definitions, they occasionally don't know how to put these ideas in real-world situations.

If you have a fixed mindset, you think that some traits, such as talent and intelligence, are innate and immutable. You typically believe you will never be good at anything if you aren't good at it now. On the other hand, if you have a growth mindset, you believe that intelligence and talent can be developed through practice and hard work. 

These “fixed mindset vs. growth mindset” examples can be divided into three categories: Identity and Self-Improvement, Comparing to Others, and Learning Something New.

Fixed Mindset: Either I am great at something or I am not.

Growth Mindset: I can get better at these things with practice and effort.

Advice: Ask people whether they have ever found it difficult to learn a skill but eventually got better at it. Reading, writing, coding, designing, and riding a bike, are some examples. You may also use instances from your own or well-known people's lives. A person will see clear evidence that no one starts out as an expert and they are capable of improvement.

Fixed Mindset: I see feedback from others as criticism.

Growth Mindset: I value the feedback that others provide me. It helps my growth and learning. 

Advice: Take into account having a two-way dialogue on feedback. Ask a person to respond to your remarks on their work, for instance, by saying, "I learned ______".

Fixed Mindset: I’m too shy to speak in front of people.

Growth Mindset: With practice, I can become more confident and improve my public speaking skills.

Advice: When a person rais a particular issue, respond by asking, "What steps can we take to work on that?" Help the person come up with ideas if they are uncertain.

For instance, a young person who struggles to speak in front of large crowds can begin by practising with family members or in a small group. They can practice public speaking in a lighthearted setting, such as a theatre or conference room. Always acknowledge the person's small victories and point out their growth to them.

How to develop a growth mindset.

There are several ways to develop a growth mindset:

1. Realize that, scientifically, you can improve

One of the most direct methods of fostering a growth mindset is by understanding our brains are built to grow and learn. By challenging yourself with new experiences, you can form or strengthen neural connections to ‘rewire’ your brain which, in turn, can make you smarter. 

2. Remove the ‘fixed mindset’ inner voice

Many people have a negative inner voice that acts against a growth mindset. Try to flip thoughts such as ‘I can’t do this’, to ‘I can do this".

3. Reward the process

Although society often rewards those who achieve excellent outcomes, this can work against a growth mindset. Instead, reward the process and the effort exerted. One study by Dr. Carol Dweck showed that rewarding effort over results on a maths game improved performance.

4. Get feedback

Try and seek feedback on your work. When students are provided with progressive feedback about what they did well and where they can improve, it creates motivation to keep going. Feedback is also associated with a pleasurable dopamine response and enhances a growth mindset.

5. Get out of your comfort zone

Being brave enough to leave your comfort zone can help foster a growth mindset. When faced with a challenge, try to choose the harder option that will allow you to grow.

6. Accept failure as part of the process

Failure, setbacks, and initial confusion are all part of the learning process! When trying something new, see occasional ‘failures’ as positive learning opportunities — try to enjoy the discovery process along the way.