What Is a Growth Mindset Really? (Fact vs. Fiction) [Episode 20]

“I am always doing what I cannot do yet. In order to learn how to do it.” — Vincent Van Gogh

Inevitably, when you have conversations about growth of any kind – personal or professional – someone will toss up the need for a "growth mindset."

• To achieve your dreams, you need a growth mindset.

• To advance in your career, you need a growth mindset.

• To be a great leader, you need a growth mindset.

And so on, you get my point. 

However, this conversation (much like our discussion about possessing an owner's mentality about your own life) leaves the door open to a lot of questions that are often left unanswered. What exactly is a growth mindset anyway? What do most folks get wrong about it? And what does life look like if you choose to operate with a fixed mentality?

Living beyond your default requires a growth mindset, and today we are going to dig deep into what that looks like. 

As George put it so eloquently in this episode:

"If you live with a fixed mindset, how can you dream the big, amazing dreams that lead you to set goals and create habits and best practices to get you on that path to the future? That path to a life beyond your default! 

If you have a closed mindset, you most likely are not listening to this podcast — but if you are, please work on the transition from a closed mindset to a growth mindset. Or, if you feel like you are straddling the fence between the two, make the jump to a personal growth mindset for your personal development and empowered living!"

Questions We Discuss

• Why does this conversation matter? Why is it so important for us to pause and discuss with specificity what a growth mindset is and isn't?

• What is a growth mindset? And what does it look like when you don't have one?

• What are some of the characteristics of folks who possess a growth mindset?

• I know the journey from fixed mindset to growth mindset is one you've walked. Can you tell me about a time in your life where you felt challenged to embrace a growth mindset?

• Similar to our previous conversation about owner's mentality, the idea of an "growth mindset" also has a dark side – a toxic side – what does that look like, and how should it be avoided?

• A growth mindset is a choice, but how can one cultivate a growth mindset within themselves? Are there specific steps they can take?

• What is the cost of living with a fixed mindset?

Growth Mindset Framework

During this episode, George shared his 12-point framework for purposefully and thoughtfully cultivating a growth mindset:

• Embrace Challenges
  View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as obstacles to avoid.

• Be Patient
  
  
  • Patience is a virtue!

  • Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success." - Napoleon Hill

• Stay Persistent - (Consistency)
  
  
  • Cultivate resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, setbacks, and doubts.

• Learn from Setbacks
  
  
  • Analyze failures as valuable lessons and stepping stones toward improvement.

• Effort is Key
  
  
  • Understand that effort and hard work are essential for progress and mastery.

• Embrace Experimentation and Focus on Process
  
  
  • Concentrate on the process and the journey, not just the end result.

  • Practice makes perfect. "Practice makes permanence!" (Eric Thomas)

  • Solve Problems

• Continuous Learning = Curiosity and Creativity
  
  
  • Continue improvement

  • Seek out new knowledge and skills to consistently expand your capabilities.

• Set Healthy Expectations
  
  
  • What do you expect from yourself?

  • Aim for 1% better each and every day!

• Get to Know Yourself Better and Embrace Positive Self-Talk
  
  
  • We did a whole episode on how you talk to yourself about yourself! 

  • Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations that reinforce your abilities, strengths, and potential