Do you have a Growth Mindset?

When we are babies, failure is part of growing up and expected for development.

As adults, our world is different, and failure has negative connotations.

It is generally seen as socially unacceptable - undesirable.

We have to show that we are successful.

We minimize risk-taking.

We avoid failure.

Ironically, it’s exactly those failures, that lead to learning and growth, and ultimately, our success. So, we are actually holding ourselves back with that mindset.

How are we holding ourselves back? What can we do to release those shackles?

Get your coffee and let’s dive in!

What is a Growth Mindset?

Many years ago I received Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset as a gift, and it showed me how awareness of the difference in mindsets can help build a successful and fulfilling career.

At its heart, a growth mindset is the belief that we aren’t set in stone.

With effort and persistence, our skills and abilities can grow.

Now, compare that to a "fixed mindset"—the idea that you’re stuck with what you’ve got, no room for improvement.

When we’re trapped in a fixed mindset, challenges become threats to our self-worth.

Instead of leaning into change and possible failure, we pull back.

The focus is protecting our egos vs learning.

We end up limiting our potential.

In a nutshell: growth mindset says, "I must constantly learn, evolve, and get better".

A fixed mindset says, "I must always show I’m on top of my game" 

Which is more important for long term success?

A 5-step practical guide

When you shift to a growth mindset, you open up to real career growth. Here’s a simple way to get started:

1. Face Challenges Head-On
   Rather than sidestepping the tough tasks, because you might fail, rather dive into them. Those with a growth mindset see each challenge as a chance to build skills and get stronger. In today’s fast-paced career world, this kind of adaptability isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

2. Stay Persistent
   Growth comes from steady effort. When you believe your abilities can evolve, you’re more likely to put in the work needed to master your field. This commitment to keep pushing sets the foundation for career success.

3. Keep Learning
   Make learning a lifelong habit. With industries changing faster than ever, being a constant learner is a huge advantage. Look for ways to expand your skills—it’s how you stay sharp and stay ahead.

4. Seek Out Feedback
   View feedback as a tool, not a judgment. Constructive criticism is a valuable resource, helping you see where you can improve. When you’re open to learning from others, you’re building a skill that’s vital for moving up.

5. Build Resilience
   When things go wrong, use setbacks as fuel. Instead of seeing failures as limits, look at them as learning moments on your way to success. In any career, resilience helps you keep going and ultimately reach higher.

And that’s it—a growth mindset isn’t just some motivational buzzword; it’s your ticket to real career growth.

If you’ve been dodging challenges or playing it safe to avoid failure, maybe it’s time to flip the script. Let those stumbles be your stepping stones, learn from each misstep, and use them to come back stronger.

Every time you face a challenge, take feedback with an open mind, or stick with it when things get tough, you’re building a career that’s ready to go the distance…

That’s it for today folks - hope you enjoyed it and see you again soon! ☕️