Growth Vs. Fixed Mindset
What’s Holding You Back Might Be How You Think
We’ve all heard the phrase “mind over matter,” but what if your mindset really is the difference between staying stuck and moving forward?
In her groundbreaking research, psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck uncovered two powerful mental frameworks that shape how we respond to challenges, setbacks, and success: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.
So what’s the difference?
Fixed Mindset: Believes that intelligence, talent, and ability are static. You either “have it” or you don’t. Mistakes feel like proof of inadequacy.
Growth Mindset: Believes that abilities can be developed through effort, feedback, and learning. Challenges are opportunities, not threats.
Think of it like this:
A person with a fixed mindset might say, “I’m just not good at this.”
A person with a growth mindset says, “I’m not good at this—yet.”
Why It Matters in Leadership (and Life)
Whether you're leading a team, launching a new project, or simply trying to grow as a person, your mindset is steering the wheel. Here’s how each mindset plays out:
Situation:
You receive critical feedback
Fixed Mindset Response:
“I’m not cut out for this.”
Growth Mindset Response:
“This is hard to hear—but what can I learn?”
Situation:
A new opportunity feels risky
Fixed Mindset Response:
“What if I fail?”
Growth Mindset Response:
“What if I grow from this?”
Situation:
Someone else succeeds
Fixed Mindset Response:
“I’ll never measure up.”
Growth Mindset Response:
“I can learn from their journey.”
3 Ways to Shift Toward a Growth Mindset
Notice your inner narrative.
Catch yourself when you use absolutes like “I can’t” or “I’m just not good at...” and gently reframe with “I’m working on...”Celebrate effort over outcome.
Instead of only focusing on results, acknowledge persistence, creativity, and learning—especially in yourself.Get curious, not critical.
When things don’t go as planned, ask: What does this teach me? rather than What’s wrong with me?
Final Thoughts
You’re not “stuck” with one mindset or the other—we all have both. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness and practice.
The more you choose growth—even in small moments—the more resilient, open, and empowered you become.
Mindset isn’t just about how you think. It’s about who you become.
Want to learn more? Click Let’s Talk!