Fixed Versus Growth Mindset - What's The Difference?

Why do we go after the things we want? Science says motivation². If we really want something, we work for it. Or at least, that's what we expect. In reality, people don't always go after the things they want. The "Why?" of this realization brought about a concept; fixed versus growth mindset.

Introducing Fixed and Growth Mindsets

Picture this. A high school board has given a teacher great news. One of their students can win a 'Best Improved' award. The prize is a university scholarship. This means that the student who can raise their GPA by the highest points in a semester wins the scholarship.

Now, in this scenario, there will be two types of students. Students will say, "I'm already doing the best I can. There's no way I can significantly improve my grades in just one semester." Another group will say, "You know what, I think I can do this. I'll have to study a lot more, go out less.... but it's possible".

This is a simple illustration of a fixed vs. growth mindset. The first group has a fixed mindset, and the second has a growth mindset.

The first group believes they have a limit to what they can achieve. They're not interested in trying, even if doing so may provide a scholarship and a better quality of school life. The fixed-minded group prefers the assurance that comes with not trying.

The second group, the growth-minded group, is not opposed to changing their beliefs. They're open to trying new things, changing their routine, and so on, for the promise of something better than what they currently have.

The Difference between Fixed and Growth Mindsets

Carol Dweck, a psychologist, and Stanford professor, has explored the concept of a fixed vs. growth mindset. Here's how she describes both mindsets in her book, 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.'

Fixed Mindset

People with fixed mindsets see intelligence, physical strength, and other characteristics as predetermined. They believe they cannot change their traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The fixed mindset allows people to put limitations on their own capabilities. If they aren't good at something, they believe they will never be.

The fixed mindset also gives people tunnel vision on the abilities which they are good at. They often tend to focus on what they can do well and ignore everything else.

For example, someone who has a fixed mindset and is a great swimmer may believe that their only career choice is competitive swimming. They may say something like, "I was born to swim." Or "If I don't swim, what else will I do?" As you can imagine, the effect of this type of mindset and ideas of fixed traits could be limiting to an individual—both in their private and professional life.

Growth Mindset

People with a growth mindset believe they can grow and cultivate their abilities. They believe they can achieve any goal as long as they can commit to it. They are open to challenges, but more importantly, they are open to failing. This appreciation for failure makes it easier for them to try things they may not be "good" at. A growth mindset means they are not ignorant of their weaknesses; they are willing to work on them.

People with a growth mindset view intelligence, talents, abilities, and the like as all things that they can improve as a function of time and effort.

This does not mean that people with a growth mindset are good at everything. In fact, the recognition of all the things they are not good at pushes them to pursue change. They usually focus on the next improvement they can make in their own life, considering where they are today as just the starting point, rather than wondering if they've reached their peaks.

Now, at first glance, we may all like to think, "I'm the person with a growth mindset." But, are you? Let's look at the different approaches of people with fixed mindsets vs. growth mindsets.

The Responses of People with Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

People with fixed and growth mindsets will respond differently when put in similar situations. To demonstrate, here are some scenarios which we may come across. Here's how someone with a fixed mindset will react vs. someone with a growth mindset.

Getting passed over for a promotion

You've been counting down the days to your company's annual review. After the review, you find out that your management gave a colleague the promotion you were expecting.

A fixed-minded response will be to put yourself down and lose trust in your efforts and contribution to your department. It could also be to (falsely) accuse your department of unfair treatment and give less effort to your tasks.

A growth-minded response will be to approach your manager and directly inform them that you're interested in moving up the ladder. It will also be to put more effort into your work and learn from + collaborate with colleagues, rather than blame them.

Missing the bus

Whether you slept late or hit 'snooze' too many times, missing the bus can be a bad start to a good day.

A fixed-minded response will be to go into a mood, curse at the driver, or choose to stay home that day. Anything but make the needed adjustments to ensure that you are on time the next day.

A growth-minded response will be to make changes and adjustments to your night or morning routines. These changes may help you to get to the bus stop on time.

Failing a test

You get to class and find out that your test grades are out. Despite how hard you worked, you failed. You may also have had some negative feedback.

Fixed-mindset students may berate themselves for even trying. You may even go a step further to say that you've given it your best, work to hide deficiencies in your work, and that's the most effort that can come from you.

A growth-minded response will be to go over your test script to review your errors and learn from them. You may also approach your teacher to explain why you failed certain questions and learn from their response.

Saving for a trip

You have a bit of wanderlust, but you've never been able to save up enough to travel anywhere. Your last savings plan just fell through, and you're disappointed in yourself.

A fixed-minded approach will be to say something like, "Well, I'm just horrible with money. I'll never be able to save enough. It's just who I am."

A growth-minded approach will be to try another savings plan, ask for advice, consult a financial advisor, and so on. A growth-minded person will keep trying.

Misunderstanding with a friend or partner

Your friend or partner keeps complaining about certain behavior of yours. This issue has finally driven you to a misunderstanding.

A fixed-minded response will be to say something along the lines of "Well, that's just how I am. If you can't accept that I'm *insert toxic behavior*, then there's nothing I can do." Rather than seek to solve the problem, you end up secretly worried about your own ability to maintain a positive attitude and outcome.

A growth-minded response will be to evaluate yourself and recognize that behavior you keep complaining about rather than waste time proving it wasn't the case. It will also be working on improving your behavior and protecting that relationship.

Mindsets are not Linear

One misconception is that people either have a fixed or growth mindset. We identify with one or the other. But humans are not so linear.

For example, someone could be growing at a fast pace at work but slacking on their health and fitness goals. Why? Because they believe that "They're just not that gym guy." They may have a growth mindset when it comes to working but a fixed mindset regarding their health and fitness.

It is important to take a proper look at your life and perform an honest evaluation. The learning process and the way your mind works are far from linear or perfectly formed. Are you growth-minded in all areas of your life? Or only a certain amount of the time?

There is no such thing as a wrong or right answer. However, with a growth mindset and an understanding of your own abilities, you can muster the proper motivation to improve areas you choose to work on and learn new skills.

How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Thankfully, we can change a fixed mindset. Thinking otherwise will be… well… a fixed mindset. A fixed-minded person can become growth-minded as research into developmental psychology explores. The human body makes this process possible through neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change how it responds to situations through exposure to new practices and experiences¹.

“Believing that your qualities are carved in stone—the fixed mindset—creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over. If you have only a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, and a certain moral character—well, then you’d better prove that you have a healthy dose of them. It simply wouldn’t do to look or feel deficient in these most basic characteristics.”

~ Carol S. Dweck,

Regardless of how fixed your actions, behavior, and beliefs seem, they can all be altered thanks to the process of neuroplasticity. Creating new habits and repeating certain growth-focused actions can initiate neuroplasticity for a better mindset.

We explain the qualities of a growth mindset here. You can also read up on mindfulness practices to help develop your growth mindset for change. Below are some important changes to consider making. A growth mindset can be taught starting at an early age if you're a parent or in the teaching profession.

Embrace failure

"If you don't try, you'll never fail" is not a good piece of advice. It never was. Change your view of failure by seeing it as a learning opportunity.

Every time you fail at something, you've learned a new way not to do that thing. Accept that you'll likely fail at most things, and that's okay. Treat the lessons in these moments as a chance for continuous improvement. What small things can you work on that might make a huge difference the next time you face the same challenge? Once you get a win, the failures will no longer matter so much.

Ask for help

Not everything can be self-taught. Sometimes, you need an experienced eye to look over your work, practices, methods, and so on. We all face challenging times, too, some of which may need help and advice to help us through. When you feel yourself losing motivation due to a particular roadblock, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Get inspired by others

Representation matters. People often feel like they cannot do something because they've never seen someone like them achieve the same thing. If you're at this point, it is important to seek out successful people in your area of interest who have achieved. Learning about their process, failures, and wins can serve as an inspiration for you and help you boost your self-esteem.

If you can't find anyone to look up to, take that as a challenge. Become the person who others will look up to.

Don't overthink it. Take the dive

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy." ―Dale Carnegie.

Sometimes, there's no way to tell what lies ahead of you from the start. You need to take the dive and see where that leads you. Along the journey, you can work out how to strengthen the human qualities, skills, and behaviors you might need to keep moving forward.

Conclusion

It's easy to see that being growth-oriented is a better option between a fixed vs. growth mindset. This mindset allows you to pursue the quality of life you want while enjoying the process.

Growth is a continuous process, so remember to measure your progress in small milestones rather than big changes. Seek out constructive feedback to improve your initial talents, don't assign blame, take responsibility, and progress actionable ideas for improvement. Most importantly, enjoy your own journey of self-improvement and lifelong learning. There's no perfect yet. Only better.