There is much written on mindset and business and with good reason.
It may not come as a huge surprise, but a person’s belief system is a critical factor for success.
An idea alone will never be transformed into a full-fledged business unless the person leading that company has a belief in themself.
But, where do you begin when it comes to setting yourself up for success?
Before you can begin to modify or completely revamp your mindset you have to determine your current belief patterns, and what may trip you up as you launch or grow a business.
According to Stanford University Professor Carol Dweck, who wrote the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, a person can be one of two very distinct mindset patterns. Either you’re walking around with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.
Let’s dive into both to determine which one might be dictating your life and therefore setting you up for success or failure.
Fixed -vs- Growth Mindset
Fixed Mindset
A person with a fixed mindset believes that traits are static, unable to be changed and that you’re born with a certain level of intelligence, natural talents and abilities. These abilities cannot be improved upon or changed.
They don’t believe that effort or education can improve someone’s life and they go so far as to avoid anything that might challenge them. They are afraid to look dumb so they avoid doing anything that challenges their innate talents.
Effort is seen as fruitless, or in most cases, a sign that someone is not naturally good at something. If you’re born “a natural,” why would you have to practice or work harder? If you think that sounds pretty rigid, you’d be right.
Growth Mindset
On the other end of the spectrum is the growth mindset. Someone with a growth mindset believes that any trait or skill can be cultivated through education, effort and mentorship.
Intelligence can always be improved and talents can be learned and refined. They invite challenges, obstacles and feedback because they know that these are opportunities for improvement and growth. They love learning and enjoy the fruits of their effort.
If you’re launching or growing a business with a fixed mindset, you will have a difficult time reaching certain levels of success compared to those with a more flexible mindset.
Yes, there are the occasional “genius” types who have rigidly fixed mindsets (in tennis, John McEnroe, for instance) who have used their abilities to climb to dramatic heights but brought tyranny, disruption and ugliness to nearly every situation. Not exactly a role model anyone would want to aspire to.
So how do you know if you have a fixed or a growth mindset when it comes to business? Here are some questions to ponder.
Do you agree with the following statements?
- I believe that you’re born with a certain set of abilities and at the end of the day I really don’t think you can change them.
- I think entrepreneurs are born. I don’t think people can really learn to be a successful entrepreneur.
- Sure, I can learn new things, but the core of who I am, my intelligence and my talents, are not changeable.
- People are born with a certain knack for business and networking. They’re just “naturals.”
- When I get feedback I feel defensive or I just simply ignore it. And, I definitely avoid having people review or critique what I do.
- I feel like challenges and obstacles threaten how well I will do and who I am. “What will people think?”
- I look at my competitors and think they’re so naturally talented. I also think they are incredibly lucky.
If you agree or strongly agree with the above statements, you might want to consider revamping your mindset. And yes, this is possible. People can move from a fixed mindset to growth mindset with a bit of work. (Yes, even you Ms. Fixed-Mindsetter.)
4 Steps to Foster a Growth Mindset:
1 | Know the difference
Seems simple, but just knowing the difference between the fixed and growth mindset will enable you to make a shift in your belief about the world and your capabilities.
2 | Monitor your inner dialogue
We all have a running inner dialogue that never rests. Be sure you become aware of what those voices are saying to you and about you.
3 | Recognize you do have a choice
You have a choice in how you approach the world and your belief systems. When you realize you can change, you begin to see areas where you can make the necessary tweaks to get on the path to success.
4 | Talk back to your fixed mindset regularly
Sometimes you just need to give your fixed mindset a piece of your mind. By talking back to your fixed mindset with statements like “This can be learned” or “I can change this” or “I know this challenge or obstacle will prove useful and I can learn from it” you will help reprogram how you approach yourself, your relationships, your business and how you engage with the world.
To your continued success!
Carol Dweck’s book is a fantastic read if your business owner and/or a mom or BOTH!
So much wisdom.
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