A growth mindset for 2023
A new year has started and for me this is always a time to reflect, learn from the previous year and then set intentions, goals and dreams for the coming year.
We all encounter struggles, setbacks and problems in life but it is the way how we perceive them and how we deal with them. Throughout my work with clients I have been fascinated by the value of positive psychology, and especially choosing every day for a growth mindset. I have noticed how it has helped so many of my clients, and myself. Therefore I would like to explain a bit more how you can adopt this mindset for the coming year. It is a great way to start a new calendar year.
Findings from research into the benefits of a growth mindset have been well received. Knowing that “the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life” means we all have the potential for change (Dweck, 2017).
Growth-minded individuals believe that we can get smarter with the right opportunities, degree of effort, and self-belief. Those who are more fixed in their outlook agree that you can learn skills (e.g., fixing a car, riding a bike, etc.) but believe you can’t train your talent. A setback for someone with a fixed mindset can be catastrophic, believing they don’t have what it takes, while someone with a growth mindset sees it as a chance to learn and get better (Duckworth, 2018).
Here you can recognize instances of fixed mindset in your thinking and actions and replace them with thoughts and behaviors more supportive of a growth mindset.
Replace this fixed mindset thinking with.. Growth mindset thinking
Avoid challenge Embrace challenge
Be defensive and give up easily Persist despite setback
Effort is worthless and fruitless Effort is the path to mastery
Ignore all negative feedback Learn from all criticism
Feel threatened by the success of others Be inspired and learn from other’s success
Check out this inspiring Ted Talk about growth mindset from Carol Dweck :
Have a great year ahead!
With love,
Valerie