by Melanie VanderPol-Bailey, MSW, CSW-PIP

Today I want to explore the power of cultivating a growth mindset in our lives, in the lives of our families and our communities.  So, can we change how we think about things, including ourselves?  The answer is yes.  You can find a wealth of information on the topic of mindset, and PhD Carol S Dweck’s work, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, is just one of many resources available. Carol writes, “When there’s a setback, someone with a fixed mindset will start thinking, ‘Maybe I don’t have what it takes?’  They may get defensive and give up.  A hallmark of a successful person is that they persist in the face of obstacle, and often, these obstacles are blessings in disguise.”

Let’s explore the differences between a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.  When you have a growth mindset, you generally believe that your basic qualities, like talent and intelligence, can be changed or developed.  The opposite is true of a fixed mindset, where you believe your basic qualities are fixed or permanent.  Your view of yourself (how you think) can determine so much.  If you believe your qualities are unchangeable- the fixed mindset- you will want to prove yourself correct over and over, rather than learning from your mistakes.  A fixed mindset can become a consuming goal of having to prove yourself in all areas of life.  With a fixed mindset you may believe some of the following examples:

• People are born smart or dumb and can never change
• It’s too late for people to learn and gain a new perspective
• Constructive feedback equals personal criticism
• I am who I am and there is nothing I can do to change that
• When something happens it cannot be fixed or changed
• I throw in the towel when something is hard, or I don’t even try if I cannot do it in excellence.

A fixed mindset can hamper personal growth and resilience and may lead to an increase self-doubt and rigidity.  It can feel intimidating to begin to work on your thoughts, but it is okay to be brave.  Start by being open to simply observing things differently.  Beginning to view things through the lens of growth can be the instant fertilizer you may need to flourish.  Let’s look at some examples of a growth mindset.

• Everyone can learn something new and become good at it over time
• I will always try even if I think I might fail.
• Failure is an opportunity to learn which can help me succeed next time
• Every opportunity is a chance to grow my knowledge and learn something new
• I can improve when I try, it depends on my effort.

Observing our thoughts about ourselves and our experiences can help us grow in times of drought.  A growth mindset fosters resilience, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning. We are inspired by other successes, viewing it as a source of motivation with valuable insights.  Having a passion for stretching yourself, especially when things are not going well is at the core of having a growth mindset, allowing you to thrive during some of the most challenging times of life. 

As you begin to understand the fixed and growth mindsets, you will see exactly how one thing leads to another— how a belief that your qualities are carved in stone leads to a host of thoughts and actions, and how a belief that your qualities can be cultivated leads to a host of different thoughts and actions, taking you down an entirely different road.

At River Counseling we meet you where you are at, offering hope. That is our mission. You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office or with one of the therapists from our other locations, Sioux Falls Psychological services or Stronghold Counseling in Sioux Falls or Yankton.  To schedule an appointment please call 605-334-2696. Please note that River Counseling’s phone number has changed to 605-274-2716 and the 337-3444 phone number is no longer in service.