In a world filled with challenges and setbacks, the power of the human mind propels individuals towards success. One such example is Mr. Santosh, a resilient individual who encountered numerous obstacles in his earlier years. Faced with academic failures struggles with bad habits, low attendance, and even a failed relationship that pushed him to the brink, he discovered a newfound sense of hope when a job offer from a company in Dubai came his way. Today, settled in Dubai with his wife and their newly welcomed baby girl, Mr. Santosh’s journey exemplifies the transformation that a growth mindset can bring about.
The concept of a growth mindset, championed by renowned figures like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Nikhil Kamath, and Narendra Modi, revolves around the belief that skills and talents can be developed and improved over time through persistent effort. Dr. Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, defines growth mindset as a set of beliefs that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. It encompasses how we think, feel, and behave in various situations and is key to unlocking our true potential.
Influence of Praise & Labels
Dr. Dweck’s research delves into the influence of praise and labelling on children’s mindsets. When children receive praise for specific talents or skills, they tend to fixate on those areas, often ignoring the importance of effort. This fixed mindset fosters the notion that success is solely determined by inherent abilities. As adults, we often focus on outcomes, inadvertently neglecting to praise the effort and hard work that leads to growth. Consequently, children develop the belief that the outcome is more important than the process itself. Labels play a significant role in shaping our belief system as well. When children are labelled as weak, average, naughty, or intelligent, they tend to internalize those characteristics, potentially impacting their mindset for a lifetime. For instance, individuals adhering to rigid gender roles might develop a fixed mindset regarding their abilities in specific domains, limiting their potential. The associations we make, based on stereotypes or societal expectations, can have a lasting impact on our mindset and hinder our personal growth.
Role of Beliefs in Achieving Goals
According to Dr. Carol Dweck, our beliefs play a pivotal role in determining our goals and whether we achieve them. Those with fixed mindsets are constantly seeking validation to prove their worth, not only to others but also to themselves. On the other hand, individuals with a growth mindset harbour a thirst for knowledge, a desire to work hard, and the resilience needed to reach their goals. They embrace challenges, utilize feedback, and learn from failures and mistakes, fostering personal development.
Is it possible to change our mindset? Absolutely.
Consider the following statements and notice the difference in the mindset they evoke:
“Anjali received a FAIL grade on her English test.”
“Kush received a Not Yet passed on his English test.”
The latter statement hints at the possibility of progress. It implies that although Kush is struggling with English, he can pass the test with effort and hard work. The inclusion of the word “yet” signals to the child that obstacles can be overcome through persistent effort. By recognizing that growth is achievable, we can foster a growth mindset within ourselves and others.
The human brain generates over 6,000 thoughts per day. Our thoughts are influenced by societal conditioning, religious beliefs, and our socioeconomic status from childhood. To change our mindset, paying attention to our thoughts and replacing negative ones with positive affirmations is crucial. Our thoughts shape our feelings, which, in turn, influence our actions and the outcomes we experience. By practising positive affirmations, we can shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. A simple yet impactful affirmation is: “I am enough”
I recently embarked on a solo trip to Dubai and challenged myself to skydive. I encountered tremendous growth and learning by stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing this exhilarating experience. Avoiding challenges means limiting our potential for growth. To flourish in life, we must take on challenges, embrace failures, and venture beyond our comfort zones.
Practical Strategies for Developing a Growth Mindset
It is essential to recognize that our beliefs were primarily shaped during childhood. Identifying any limiting beliefs we harbour about ourselves, others, and the world is crucial. Taking responsibility for our lives involves monitoring and replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Imagine a future where schools incorporate these strategies to shift children’s mindsets. By doing so, we would witness our children:
● Embrace challenges
● Accept imperfections
● Learn from mistakes
● Persist in the face of failure
● Become better problem solvers
● Improve relationships through effort
● Develop self-confidence, courage, and vulnerability
● Create space for exploration
Rather than fixating on the outcome or end goal, let us shift our focus to the process itself. The true joy lies in the journey, not the destination. By adopting a growth mindset, we open doors to limitless possibilities, empower ourselves and those around us, and pave the way for a future filled with personal growth and success.