You may often hear people talk about a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset. People who have a growth mindset believe that the sky is the limit and that even if they don’t have the skills to do something, they can learn it. They believe that with effort, their abilities would expand over time. But while a growth mindset may sound good on paper, how do you put it into practice? Here are 31 growth mindset examples, plus a simple and easy-to-understand outline of how you can develop a growth mindset.
Growth mindset examples - Behavior
People who have a growth mindset think differently. They are likely to:
- Practice self love and self-care.
- Focus on both the journey and the destination.
- Continually learn new skills.
- Focus on personal development.
- Often have a higher level of creative ability.
- Are not afraid to take risks.
- Embrace new challenges.
- Regularly look for ways to improve themselves.
- Encourage others.
- Be persistent and tenacious.
- Focus on continual improvement.
- Value the learning process.
- View mistakes as a learning opportunity.
- Be inspired by others.
- Accept constructive criticism and apply it positively.
Growth mindset examples - What they say or think
- I can learn from this mistake/failure.
- I can’t do it, yet.
- I believe I can.
- I can always improve.
- My results don’t define me.
- Your approval is welcomed by not required.
- Determination, tenacity, and perseverance will help me accomplish any goal.
- I am patient.
- I’m not afraid to try another way.
- I’m not afraid to start again.
- I am comfortable getting out of my comfort zone.
- I invite constructive criticism.
- I see the bigger picture.
- It is never too late to learn / I’m never too old to learn.
- Success is in both the journey and the end.
- I learn something even if I fail.
How to develop a growth mindset?
- Prioritize continued learning.
- Cultivate curiosity.
- Reward progress versus the end goal.
- Acknowledge and celebrate your growth and accomplishments.
- Give yourself permission to be imperfect.
- Be open-minded, and acknowledge new ways of thinking.
- Make room for new possibilities.
- See your challenges as opportunities.
- Understand your limitations, then set realistic goals.
- Reflect on your failures and learn from them.
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Notice how you think and speak. Don’t say “I can’t do it,” say “I can’t do it yet.”
- Practice positive self-talk and self love.
- Surround yourself with people who encourage you.
- Stop looking for approval from others.
- Accept your imperfections and limitations.
- Be mindful of your thoughts.
- Set goals and use a specific, actionable game plan.
- Know that change and improvement are possible.
- Cultivate a sense of purpose.
- Ask questions to learn, grow and understand.
- Don’t judge or criticize others. It’s a waste of your energy.
- See challenges as opportunities to grow.
- Stop worrying about failure. Focus on learning, instead.
- Learn from the successes and failures of others.
- Focus on your progress versus your pace.
- Get and stay out of your comfort zone.
- Try a new challenge often.
- Celebrate others’ successes.
- Surround yourself with others with a growth mindset.
- Be resilient.
- View mistakes as a learning opportunity.
How to reframe your thouths and words
It is challenging to change your mind from a fixed mindset into a growth mindset. That starts with changing the way you perceive the world. Here are a few great examples of how you can reframe your thoughts and words.
- I have not failed. I’m just getting started.
- I’m focussing on my progress, not the end goal.
- I can do hard things.
- I’m not there yet but I’m on the right track.
- I strive for progress, not perfection.
- I embrace new challenges.
- Every day I’m becoming a better version of myself.
- Success comes with patience.
- Mistakes are how we learn and grow.
- Self-doubt kills dreams.
- I ask for help when I need it.
