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5 ways to develop a growth mindset
Having a growth mindset is all about how we view ourselves and our progress. It involves shifting your perspective and beliefs on challenges and successes to view every opportunity as one for learning and growth, rather than focusing on weaknesses and having a fixed mindset on our capabilities.
Here are five ways to get you thinking about how to be more attuned with a growth mindset.
Embracing challenges
Why does it help?
Challenges are opportunities to develop and grow! Facing them head-on encourages resilience and adaptability to constantly find new opportunities to learn.
How can I do it?
Instead of avoiding difficult tasks, view them as opportunities to improve. Break them down into manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. Don’t be afraid to ask for support when things get tricky. Overcoming challenges brings a great sense of pride that helps to sustain confidence in your ability and allow you to continue getting better!
Learning from critical feedback
Why does it help?
Constructive criticism provides valuable feedback that can guide your growth. How we respond to this feedback is important to understand our current capabilities and how we can continue to improve. It’s a valuable source of personalised advice.
How can I do it?
When receiving feedback, focus on the information that can help you improve. Ask clarifying questions if needed and see criticism as a tool for growth rather than a personal attack. Constructive feedback should be framed in a supportive way that helps you to navigate the next steps in your professional development.
Cultivating curiosity
Why does it help?
Curiosity drives you to explore new ideas and expand your knowledge. By becoming more comfortable with elements of the unknown and asking questions of ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ we create a culture that is motivated by a passion to learn and explore.
How can I do it?
Regularly seek out new learning opportunities. Read, ask questions and explore subjects outside your comfort zone. Approach life with a mindset of continuous learning. You’re doing it right now by engaging in CPD with the Institute!
Celebrating effort
Why does it help?
Valuing effort over outcome fosters perseverance and resilience. Appreciating the journey and effort of an achievement is just as valuable as celebrating a success. When Olympic athletes compete for their country, the crowds cheer in recognition of their efforts and commitment, even if they don’t win a medal for their team. It’s the same when it comes to you.
How can I do it?
Acknowledge and reward yourself for the effort you put into a task, regardless of the result. Recognize that effort is a crucial part of growth and improvement. Cheer yourself on, especially if you don’t win (this time).
Reframing failure
Why does it help?
Viewing failure as a natural part of the learning process reduces fear and encourages experimentation. We often have the best learning opportunities in the mistakes we make, understanding why things went wrong to improve for next time.
How can I do it?
When you encounter setbacks, analyse what went wrong and identify what you can learn from the experience. Use this knowledge to adjust your approach and try again with renewed determination and a greater understanding of the task at hand.
