Don’t focus on proving yourself, instead focus on IMproving: The fixed vs growth mindset
I have recently started reading the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck”. In her book, one lesson I have learned so far is this:
Don’t focus on proving yourself, instead focus on IMproving.
Carol Dweck explains that we have two mindset choices: to have a fixed mindset, or a growth mindset.
The fixed mindset focuses on proving ourselves to others. It is the belief that our talents and abilities are “fixed”, therefore we feel that we must constantly try to prove ourselves and our worth to others.
On the other hand, the growth mindset focuses on improving ourselves. This is done through learning, where we constantly seek to harness and develop our skills and abilities. It is the belief that skills can be learned and improved upon.
For the fixed mindset, challenges weigh us down and hurts our confidence. For the growth mindset, challenges pushes us, allows us to grow, and builds our confidence. For the fixed mindset, effort means lack of skills and talent. For the growth mindset, effort is the key to success.
We can always choose which mindset to have. So choose carefully.