I want to become the best version of myself—how can I transition from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?

• The mindset you accept and employ in your everyday has a major impact on the course of your life, especially your rate of success.
• It can benefit you to transition from a fixed to a growth mindset: or, to shake the assumptions that you can’t and believe that you can.
• To explain further, someone with a fixed mindset believes that they can’t grow or improve over time.
• Someone with a growth mindset, on the other hand, understands that with time and hard work, they can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
• You can adopt a growth mindset by opening yourself to a new life perspective, welcoming new experiences, and capitalizing on feedback.
• This new mindset will help you to embrace growth and development and reach your greatest potential.

The mindset you assume can make or break you, as it directs your approach to life. Depending on your mindset, you’ll either keep pushing or give up; tackle a problem with confidence or with doubt; believe you can achieve or insist it’s a waste of your time. While it’s easy to assume that you can’t and to give up—or not try in the first place—taking life by the reins and giving it your all will result in a better outcome. Let’s talk more about why and how transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset will benefit you.

What’s the Difference Between a Fixed and Growth Mindset?

First thing’s first: What differentiates a fixed from a growth mindset? To answer this question, let’s understand the definition of each. An individual with a fixed mindset believes that they are set in their ways: in their minds, their qualities are fixed and can’t be developed or improved. “Fixed mindsets are problematic because they define what it means to struggle, fail and make mistakes, which are a natural part of any learning process in life,” Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jude Treder-Wolff explains. “A fixed mindset is rooted in beliefs that are very limiting in terms of trying new things. ‘If I’m not good at something, I shouldn’t do it at all,’ which makes it impossible to engage in any kind of new activity that involves discomfort or experimentation.”

Someone with a growth mindset, on the other hand, understands that they can learn and develop new strengths over time. These individuals put in the work to achieve bigger and better things. “A growth mindset acknowledges the plasticity of the brain and the truth that we are evolving throughout life, both physically and mentally,” Mike Engle, a mindfulness teacher for eM Life, explains. “We are a work in progress, and in this light, failure is redefined as learning. The bumps in the road that we encounter are in fact the very opportunities to shape us into magnificent people. We’re able to acknowledge and embrace our imperfections, see challenges as opportunities, and feel confidence as we engage in the process of life.”

How Can I Adopt a Growth Mindset?

Do you have a fixed mindset? Adopting a growth mindset will benefit you exponentially: according to Robert Beer, Mental Performance Consultant and Owner of Mindset First, your levels of learning, growth, development, stability, confidence, and opportunity will improve. He walks us through a few steps for adopting a growth mindset and experiencing these benefits:

1. Change your perspective.

First, open yourself to a new outlook on life. “Adopting a growth mindset begins with a change in perspective. Individuals need to understand that mistakes and failures happen as they are part of our everyday life,” Beer explains. “Therefore, the first step is seeing failures and mistakes as opportunities for learning.”

2. Step out of your comfort zone.

Building off of the first point, you should also welcome new experiences. “Additionally, individuals must look to take on challenges and uncomfortable situations as this is a perfect opportunity for growth and betterment,” says Beer.

3. Welcome feedback.

Finally, welcome advice—criticism, even. Beer explains: “Lastly, individuals must also look to welcome feedback as it is one of the most important methods of learning, as it provides a perspective and an angle that we may never be able to see or notice.”

You can transition from a fixed mindset into a growth mindset. Just follow the steps above and work at developing a positive, confident approach to life. “Embrace growth and development and understand that you have the power, ability, and skillset to achieve anything you set your mind to. Setbacks are stepping stones for success,” Beer concludes.

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