Growth Mindset: A Key to Your Success
Growth Mindset: A Key to Your Success
At Motiva Health, we like to inspire behavior change that will improve employee well-being and promote optimal performance. As providers who take a holistic and proactive approach, we tend to extend beyond the physical means of healing; we emphasize mindset too!
We recently explored the work of Carol Dweck, a leader in the field of human motivation and author of the book Mindset. Her research reveals that the way we view our own intelligence has a strong influence on our success. Dweck has identified two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.
We’ve recapped the difference between the two and why mindset matters, as well as offered our suggested steps to further cultivate a growth mindset. May your mindset pave the way to greater success!
A fixed vs. a growth mindset
A fixed mindset is a belief that talents and abilities are set-in-stone. If you have this mindset, you may feel that you hold a certain amount of intelligence, perhaps offered by genetics or circumstances, and nothing can be done to alter it. You may find yourself becoming preoccupied with proving your talents, perhaps attempting to mask deficiencies and mistakes; from this perspective, faults imply a permanent lack of ability. Growth and learning opportunities are often avoided if there is a risk of failure or a revealing of weakness.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, is a belief that talents and abilities can be improved and developed through learning, drive and passion! If you have a growth mindset, you are less focused on the perception of your image; instead, you tend to acknowledge your faults and seek improvements. You show a commitment to learning and are likely to pursue challenges that will allow for growth opportunities.
Why mindset matters
Fostering a growth mindset not only promotes a greater sense of well-being, but it can also increase productivity, notably at work! Studies at the workplace indicate that those with a growth mindset may exhibit greater levels of the following:
Problem-solving skills
Technical innovation
Intrapreneurship
Social behaviors
Negotiation skills
Engagement
Leadership confidence
The benefits don’t stop here. With a growth mindset, the possibilities are limitless!
Steps to cultivate a growth mindset
Whether you’d like to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset or simply reinforce your current views, here are a few action items:
1. Learn about neuroplasticity
Understand the physiology behind a growth mindset - we’ll give you the rundown. Prior to recent discoveries in the field of neuroscience, it was believed that the brain was fixed in form and function and that from childhood onward, the mind deteriorated with age. However, we now know that this just isn’t so! The brain structure exhibits plasticity, changing and reorganizing through learning and practice.Yes, that’s right - you can ultimately grow your own intelligence. When you challenge the mind to learn, neural connections grow and strengthen, resulting in a “smarter” brain!
2. Develop a meditation practice
We know that the act of calming the mind provides a myriad of benefits; improved mindset is one of them! Research indicates that meditative techniques allow the brain to enter a state compatible with a growth mindset. Furthermore, a meditation practice may promote the growth of new neurons, strengthen neural connections and ultimately lead to restructuring of the brain. To use this to your advantage, establish a morning meditation routine or use an empty room on a work break to consistently promote your growth mindset!
3. Partake in journaling exercises
Taking time to write may help you to evoke mindfulness and reflect upon your goals. Here are a few journal prompts that relate to growth and success:
Close your eyes and take a few moments to picture neurons forming new connections in your brain. What needs to take place in order for this to happen? How can you change your thoughts and behaviors to contribute to this change?
Write down a challenge you are currently facing, and brainstorm on how you might best face this challenge. How will the process help you to grow?
What drives you? What ignites your passion and gives you a sense of purpose?
Identify ways in which you would like to grow over the next year. Narrow down one goal that you would like to focus on in the short term. What is needed in order to achieve this goal?
Monitor your self-talk as well as the language you use with others today, perhaps jotting it down as it arises. Take time at the end of the day to reflect on its messages. Are they conducive to growth?
4. Discover additional resources
Want even more tips? Talk to the one of the docs! He or she may provide additional resources, or direct you to a wellness coach who can help to support you in creating and accomplishing the goals that will lead you to growth and success!
We have more tips for mindset shifts!
Medical Disclaimer
The information and reference guides in this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. The contents of this web site are not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on any exercise, medication, nutrition, or supplementation.