Have you ever told yourself, “I’m just not good at this” or “I’ll never be as talented as them”? These thoughts may seem harmless, but they reveal something powerful — your mindset.
Our mindset shapes how we see ourselves, our abilities, and our potential. According to psychologist Carol Dweck, there are two main types: Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset.
Let’s explore the difference and help you figure out — which one are you?
What is a Fixed Mindset?
A person with a fixed mindset believes their abilities, intelligence, and talents are static. They think you’re either born with it or not — and there’s not much you can do to change it.
Common Signs of a Fixed Mindset:
- Avoids challenges to stay in the comfort zone
- Gives up easily when faced with setbacks
- Sees effort as pointless if you’re not naturally good
- Gets discouraged by criticism
- Feels threatened by the success of others
💭 Example Thought: “If I fail at something, it means I’m not smart.”
What is a Growth Mindset?
A person with a growth mindset believes their abilities can be developed through dedication, learning, and persistence. They see failure not as a limitation, but as a stepping stone to success.
Common Signs of a Growth Mindset:
- Embraces challenges as opportunities
- Stays persistent even after failure
- Believes effort leads to improvement
- Learns from criticism and feedback
- Gets inspired by others’ achievements
💭 Example Thought: “I’m not good at this yet, but I can learn and grow.”
Fixed vs Growth: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Fixed Mindset | Growth Mindset |
|---|---|---|
| Belief | Talent is fixed | Abilities can grow |
| Challenges | Avoided | Embraced |
| Failure | Feared, seen as a sign of inability | Viewed as a chance to learn |
| Effort | Useless if you’re not good | Essential for mastery |
| Feedback | Taken personally, ignored | Used for improvement |
| Others’ Success | Seen as a threat | Seen as motivation |
Which Mindset Do You Have?
Here are a few reflective questions to help you find out:
- Do you believe you can always improve with effort?
- How do you react when you make a mistake or fail?
- Do you enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone?
- How do you feel when someone else succeeds?
- Do you take feedback as a personal attack or a tool for growth?
If you mostly lean towards the growth mindset, that’s great! If you identify more with the fixed mindset, don’t worry — recognizing it is the first step to change.
How to Shift from a Fixed to a Growth Mindset
- Add “Yet” to your vocabulary:
Instead of saying “I can’t do this,” say “I can’t do this yet.” - Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
Reward yourself for trying, learning, and improving — not just winning. - Learn from Criticism
View feedback as a guide, not a judgment. - Seek Challenges
Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Don’t fear discomfort. - Be Inspired by Others
Let others’ success show you what’s possible — not what you’re lacking.
Final Thoughts
Your mindset is not fixed — it can change. That’s the beauty of a growth mindset itself! Every step you take toward learning and self-improvement unlocks your potential.
So, the big question is: Which mindset are you choosing today?
Let us know in the comments or share your journey toward a growth mindset!