It’s time for the conclusion of our Mindset series. We’ve talked about the difference between Fixed and Growth Mindsets as well as how to use Effective Praise to develop someone else’s Growth Mindset over time. But what about you?
In this post, we want to give you some ideas on how to cultivate a Growth Mindset within yourself. With your current goal in mind, G.R.O.W.T.H. is all you need to remember:
Gain knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses. With more awareness of what you do well and not so well in regards to your goal, you can continue to build and strategically use your strengths while embracing opportunities to develop your weaknesses.
Rebound from your setbacks. People in a Growth Mindset fail, a lot. Each time you fail, make a mistake, or encounter a road block, get back up and find a different way. Keep trying. Keep learning. Each time you do, you’re developing resiliency and getting closer to your goal.
Observe others to learn from their mistakes and successes. Find others who are working towards a similar goal or who are doing something you admire. Pay attention: What do they do right? What do they do wrong? Learn from their experience and personalize it for yourself.
Work hard to improve your abilities and overall performance. Those with a Growth Mindset know that effort, not talent or luck, is the key to mastery. Daily hard work and dedication are required to achieve your goal. It’s all about practice and repetition.
Talk to others to gain their perspective on how you can improve. Consider who can offer you constructive criticism as you work to accomplish your goal. A friend, coach, or mentor can provide valuable feedback to help you make changes in order to continue improving.
Heighten your abilities by seeking out new challenges. Keep an eye out for opportunities to push your limits. Activities that challenge your ability, force you to think outside of the box, or drive you out of your comfort zone can make you more adaptable and improve your performance.
Mindset is such an important part of who you are and can impact every area of your life. It’s also one of the few things that you have complete control over. Start small: Take these tips one or two at a time and apply them to your goal and the progress you’re making. Slowly integrate them into your goal plan. Set aside time every week to evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and what you need to adjust. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a Growth Mindset for your goal and your life.
Abby Keenan is a mental performance coach located in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in mentally preparing athletes to perform at their best when it matters most. To work with Abby on your goals and growth mindset, contact us to get started.