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How to develop a growth mindset?

On the 24th September 2022, Act Global held a  virtual learning program #Belajar on the topic “ How to develop a growth mindset ? ” with Saraswati Indraharsani, M.Psi.,Psikolog. Saraswati  is a young clinical psychologist who is currently active in one of the Psychology Services in Bali and Soul Society Indonesia. She also works in a women’s and children’s protection center.  In this #Belajar program , Saraswati encourages the participants to discover what it means to have a growth mindset, how the growth mindset  can help you, and the steps you can take to break away from a fixed mindset.

Growth Mindset: What Is It?

There are many different attitudes, and each one can either benefit or harm our wellbeing. A growth mindset is simply the conviction that, with commitment and effort, our fundamental talents can be enhanced and improved. The idea that this belief involves magic is less important. Simply put, without a growth attitude, we don’t put in the necessary effort, and as a result, we are stuck forever.

But with a growth mentality, we can overcome the feeling of being stuck and accomplish the long-term objectives we have in mind, whether they are related to our jobs, our relationships, or other areas of our lives (take this well-being quiz to get a sense of the areas of your life that might need work).

Are You Growing Mentally?

Do you think that your IQ, for example, was something you possessed from birth and will continue to be throughout your life because you were born with it? Or do you think that your opinions and worldviews are constantly changing, that you can learn new things if you put in the effort, and that your knowledge and intelligence increase as you gain new experiences? If the answer to the first question was “yes,” you have a “fixed mindset.” If your response to the second question was “yes,” you most likely possess a “growth mindset”.

Why is a growth mentality important?

If we have a “fixed mindset,” we can avoid problems because, who wants to feel humiliated or embarrassed in front of others? However, this can be problematic because it might make us avoid difficulties and novel experiences that would otherwise help us develop, significantly better ourselves, and build the life we want.

If we have a “growth mindset,” we look forward to challenges even though they may be dangerous because we place a higher importance on learning and growing than having other people think we are an expert. We frequently lack knowledge since we are constantly attempting new things. However, those of us who have a growth mindset frequently acquire new abilities and achieve our goals more quickly because we have a strong sense of self-belief and put in the necessary effort.

A life that is more complete and meaningful may result from adopting a growth mindset since it will have a far wider variety of experiences.

The Main “Fixed” and “Growth” Mindset Differences

1. Intent

The “fixed mentality” person may hire others to do the most difficult tasks when faced with hard work, exerting the least amount of effort possible, whereas the “growth mindset” person understands that successful ends frequently require effort—”effort” is merely a step in the process. One typically needs to exert energy, whether it is mental, physical, or just by repetition over time, in order to master a new task.

2. Problem

A person with a “fixed attitude” avoids problems, sometimes out of a fear of failing, and may withdraw to escape obligations. The “growth mindset” individual, on the other hand, views obstacles as interesting and engaging because they are confident that they will gain useful knowledge from them. They “stay to it,” overcoming the obstacle, and are subsequently able to advance to even bigger successes.

3. Errors and Recommendations

Making mistakes is something the “fixed mindset” person despises since it’s embarrassing. When chastised, they could take offense or place blame on others (the Inner Bonding workbook can help with this). A “growth mindset” individual, meanwhile, will view the error as a lesson to be learned from and is less likely to take criticism personally. Another way that a growth mindset might help someone succeed is by enhancing their capacity to perform better the following time.

The Techniques for Creating a Growth Mindset

It may seem difficult to shift from a “fixed” perspective to a “growth mindset,” but anyone who wants to may do it by starting small. This is how:

1. Recognize and accept your own and other people’s imperfections since they add flavor to who we are as people. We are all imperfect; we all have our flaws, quirks, and oddities. As with the tiny black mole on Marilyn Monroe’s face, our flaws are what make us special. Self-love is also a positive trait.
2. Bravely take on your challenges. Stop and reframe the scenario in your head if you find yourself afraid in the face of a significant task. Consider your obstacle as a “opportunity,” changing your perspective a little to make it simpler for you to participate. Each obstacle or chance pulls us into a brand-new, somewhat adventurous encounter.
3. Pay close attention to what you say and think. Start focusing on the words you use, including those that are in your head. Your actions might follow suit if your words are depressing or dismal. Watch yourself, then. Pay attention to your thoughts and words. Become your own censor and leader.
4. Quit looking for other people’s approval. A growth mentality can frequently be prevented by others’ approval. Develop self-approval and acceptance of yourself. Trust yourself more. The only person you need to impress is yourself since you are the only one who will always be there for you throughout life.
5. Go a little further in your genuineness. It is disrespectful to be who you truly are to pretend to be someone you are not. It turns you into a fraud. It makes what you have to give less valuable. True authenticity requires a lot of inner labor and time to develop. Once you do, you’ll probably feel more motivated to work toward your real objectives, which will help you adopt a development mindset.
6. Develop a feeling of direction. Does it seem like your life has a purpose? If so, specify what that objective entails for yourself. Ask for clarity on your life’s mission if you’re having trouble thinking. When you feel like you have identified your mission’s essence, or perhaps only a portion of it, meditate on or otherwise think about “purpose” and note any insights that emerge. Then go for it—what that’s will assist you in developing a growth mentality.
7. Rethink what genius is. Each of us has assets and liabilities. Examine and enjoy your strengths while focusing on strengthening your flaws. By making this effort, you can develop a growth mentality.
8. Redirect criticism until you discover its gift. The goal of criticism is to improve things. Someone else may be able to view what you are doing from a somewhat different angle than you and may be able to offer you some useful advice. You can more easily cultivate a growth attitude if you are receptive to advice.
9. Prioritize the process over the outcome. Keep in mind that the trip, not the final destination, is what counts.
10. Discover from other people’s errors. You might be able to make fewer mistakes if you can learn from other people’s mistakes. This sometimes helps people overcome their fear of trying new things, which is essential for developing a development mindset.
11. “Not yet” is acceptable. When you are having trouble, tell yourself that you just haven’t mastered the task “yet.” Time and repetition will result in improvement and personal growth if you persevere.
12. Take chances when you’re among other people. Try not to be too serious about oneself. Be prepared to make mistakes in public because doing so is a necessary part of maturing. Additionally, it frequently becomes simpler to make blunders in front of others with practice.
13. Be practical. Learning a new skill, like learning a new language, learning to play an instrument, or learning how to become a successful lawyer, takes time, sometimes a lot of time. This can aid in developing a growth attitude.
14. Speed is irrelevant. The outcomes are less important when you have a growth attitude. Instead, regardless of how long it takes, you totally commit and make an attempt. Since you did put a lot of effort into the process, concentrating on it frequently also leads to better results.
15. Own your attitude, please. Take the time and make the effort to cultivate a growth mindset if you value it. Opportunities will arise if you persist. Develop resiliency as you go. It’s quite fantastic that you are reshaping your mind.

Final words

One who has a growth mentality welcomes difficulties, keeps going after setbacks, accepts responsibility for their words and deeds, and recognizes that work is the key to mastery. It essentially explains the proverb “practice makes perfect.”

You may make your mental processes work for you by choosing to put in the extra effort to develop a growth mindset, increasing the likelihood that you will achieve your goals and lead the life you choose.

Written by Hermanto