What is a fixed vs. growth mindset?

Fixed mindsets and growth mindsets are both perspectives people can develop over time regarding their abilities, skills and capacity for development. These two outlooks may greatly impact an individual’s life and career trajectory. The binary concept of fixed mindsets and growth mindsets originally theorized by psychologist Carol Dweck has been helpful to many in understanding this phenomenon. Here’s an in-depth explanation of fixed mindsets and growth mindsets:

Growth mindset

A growth mindset is a perspective through which individuals view their abilities as constantly evolving through various efforts, like practice and development. Those with this type of mindset typically embrace the process of lifelong learning and believe that they can improve their attributes through the deliberate actions they take. By developing a growth mindset, you may be able to challenge yourself, and take specific actions to develop and achieve more than you originally thought possible.For instance, a person with a growth mindset may believe that, while people may be born with a certain level of skills or competency, they can still develop their talent and intelligence through purposeful measures. Therefore, a growth mindset allows individuals to take more risks and confront challenging experiences openly.Further, people with growth mindsets typically recognize that obstacles are an inherent part of trying something new and achieving mastery. Even when confronted with setbacks or constructive feedback, those with a growth mindset may feel inspired to continue trying despite their mistakes and exert more effort toward learning. People with a growth mindset may view themselves as highly capable, which can lead them to accomplish high-level goals through consistent work and motivation. In a professional setting, a growth mindset can allow individuals to develop resiliency and strive for improvements in their performance.

Fixed mindset

A fixed mindset is a perspective through which individuals view their talent, intelligence and capabilities as static and unchangeable. Individuals with this type of mindset typically believe that their attributes are innate and therefore may not actively seek opportunities for growth or development. For instance, an individual with a fixed mindset may believe that people are born with a certain level of talent and that, despite purposeful efforts like consistent practice, people can’t develop their talent. Often, a fixed mindset leads people to avoid challenging experiences that may be worthwhile overall due to intimidation or fear of error.In addition, people with fixed mindsets may be prone to comparing their own accomplishments unfavorably to other people’s successes. Those with fixed mindsets often fall victim to negative self-talk through which they discourage themselves from trying new things, ignore feedback from others and give up when faced with obstacles. In a professional setting, a fixed mindset may impede an individual’s ability to achieve their goals, but a shift in perspective that focuses on growth on a larger scale can change this.

Characteristics of a growth mindset

There are some essential features that characterize a growth mindset, especially in comparison to a fixed mindset. Here are a few of those characteristics:

Belief in development over time

Those with a growth mindset may believe they can develop their talent, skills and intelligence with consistent effort. This can help individuals hone their abilities, even when they face challenges in meeting goals. For example, a person with a growth mindset may approach educational opportunities as a pathway for developing new competencies.

Embrace of challenges

People with a growth mindset may embrace challenges. These individuals may view risks and challenges as opportunities to learn. People with a growth mindset may feel more comfortable testing their skills, even with the chance that they won’t succeed at first.

High regard for practice

A growth mindset can lead individuals to believe in themselves as they approach new or complicated tasks. Those with this perspective may exert more effort in learning a new skill, even when they make mistakes or feel overwhelmed. People with this mindset may trust that making mistakes is simply part of the process of learning a new skill.

View of obstacles as temporary

With a growth mindset, people may be able to overcome obstacles more easily. This is because people with this perspective often view obstacles as temporary impediments to their progress. With this belief, individuals may try harder to achieve mastery rather than give up in the face of obstacles.

Inspiration from others

Those with a growth mindset may the successes of other people as inspiration to embark on their own growth journey. From here, a growth mindset may lead individuals to openly acknowledge the achievements of others and become better team players.

Acceptance of feedback

Having a growth mindset means being open to feedback and actively seeking input from other people. This is because negative and constructive feedback alike can help people identify areas for growth. Therefore, people with a growth mindset may accept feedback as a part of their development and even feel gratitude toward those who offer it.

Characteristics of a fixed mindset

There are a few primary characteristics that denote a fixed mindset, including:

Belief in innate intelligence

Those who have a fixed mindset often believe that intelligence is an attribute innate to individuals. For example, a person with a fixed mindset may believe that the level of intelligence they’re born with remains constant throughout their entire lives. Comparatively, when shifting toward growth, an individual may gain the ability to conceptualize intelligence as a quality that they may develop over time.

Resistance to challenge

People with fixed mindsets may shy away from challenges they face in both their personal and professional lives. They may resist facing obstacles because they have a fear of making errors or failing to overcome them at first. With this, a fixed mindset may cause individuals to avoid experiencing new things, which may hinder inner growth. By facing challenges confidently, people with a fixed mindset may be able to develop new skills and advanced knowledge.

Disregard for practice

Since individuals with fixed mindsets understand intelligence and talent as innate, they may deny that people have the ability to improve their skills through consistent effort. This perspective may lead individuals to give up easily when faced with experiences in which they feel inadequate. For example, a person with a fixed mindset may believe they won’t ever be able to develop the skills to do high-level mathematic calculations if they don’t succeed at first. With regard for development through practice, these individuals may be able to refine their competencies through their work.

View of obstacles as permanent

Those with fixed mindsets may view the obstacles they face as permanent and unchanging. This can be especially true in terms of challenges these individuals view as professional or personal failures. Instead of trying to overcome obstacles, those with fixed mindsets may concede to them. Comparatively, if a person believes in their ability to surmount obstacles, they may achieve more growth in the long term.

Comparison to others

A fixed mindset can cause a person to compare themselves to others consistently. This can lead to feelings of frustration, especially if others are experiencing success in their lives. Those with this perspective may experience jealousy or find themselves overwhelmed when considering the accomplishments of others. Through purposeful reframing, individuals may be able to instead view the successes of other people as a cause for celebration and a basis for motivation.

Inability to consider feedback

While feedback is an important part of achieving professional and personal growth, those with a fixed mindset may resist considering feedback. In fact, these individuals may regard negative feedback as an attack. Further, they may find it challenging to take action using constructive feedback. If these individuals can place a high value on feedback, they may be able to achieve more in their personal and professional lives.

Benefits of a growth mindset

There are many professional benefits to having a growth mindset. The most common include:

• Helps you learn new skills and take on more responsibilities
• Makes you a valuable team player
• Improves your ability to listen and communicate
• Allows you to be more flexible in your approach to your work
• Allows you to expand your comfort zone