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What is a Growth Mindset? 

A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and character can be improved through effort, learning, and perseverance. People with a growth mindset believe that their skills, intelligence, and talents can be developed through putting in the work. In other words, they have an optimistic view of their potential and recognize that success comes from effort, not necessarily from innate talent. 

What is a Fixed Mindset?

A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities and character are fixed and cannot be changed. People with this type believe that their skills, intelligence, and talents are predetermined by their genetic makeup and cannot be improved through effort or hard work. They have a pessimistic view of their potential and believe that success is based on innate talent, not effort. You either can or you can’t, there is no fluidity for change. 

Differences Between Growth and Fixed Mindsets

You may be able to gather that the most important and contrasting difference between the two mindsets revolves around what belief the individual holds about their potential and ability to improve. Another key difference between the two mindsets is their attitude toward failure. People with a growth mindset recognize failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. While those with a fixed mindset view failure as a sign of their own lack of ability or intelligence, often limiting their future attempts at new endeavors.

Evaluating Your Mindset

A graphic of two heads with different types of thoughts. Learn how an online therapist in Oregon can offer support in creating a growth mindset with life transition therapy. Learn more about anxiety counseling in Tigard, OR and other services today.

The first step in evaluating your mindset is to take a moment to reflect on how you view your own potential and abilities. Ask yourself questions such as: 

  • Do I believe that my abilities and character are predetermined and change is a futile effort?
  • Do I believe my success comes from natural talent, rather than effort? 
  • Do I believe failure is where my abilities and potential end?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you likely have a fixed mindset. On the other hand, if you answered no to these questions and believe that you have the potential to change and stretch your abilities, you likely have a growth mindset. 

Making the Change to a Growth Mindset

 If you find that you have a fixed mindset, but are starting to think there is a different way to think, then keep reading! There are several steps you can take to shift your mindset towards a more growth-oriented one. 

First, recognize that your abilities and character can improve through intentional efforts. This means being open to learning new things and trying new activities, even if you feel that you’re not naturally good at them.

Second, be willing to take risks and accept failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. This may mean stepping outside of your comfort zone and facing challenges head-on. It also means being aware of the narrative and internal dialogue you have about yourself and challenging thoughts that are unhelpful.

Finally, recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. This can help to reinforce the idea that success comes from effort, not innate talent. By taking these steps, you can begin to shift your mindset from a fixed to a growth-oriented one. This can help you to unlock your full potential and achieve the success you desire. 

A graphic of four heads showing the progression of a lightbulb moment. Contact an online therapist in Oregon to learn more about creating a growth mindset. Search for anxiety counseling in Tigard, OR and other services today.

Begin Working With An Online Therapist in Oregon

It can be daunting to make a mindset shift such as this. Our team of therapists’ at Discover Counseling is here to help you navigate, challenge and encourage you on your journey to a better you! We are happy to offer in-person and online services from our Tigard, OR-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

  1. Contact us to speak with a mental health professional at Discover Counseling
  2. Schedule your first appointment with our team
  3. Get support in becoming the best version of yourself!

Other Services Offered With Discover Counseling

The team at Discover Counseling understands that you may experience more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we offer a variety of mental health services including therapy for anxiety, trauma recovery, life transitions, and postpartum support. Our team is also happy to offer teen therapy, Christian counseling, and codependency treatment. We also offer support for your relationship with premarital, couples, and marriage counseling, and therapy for relationship problems. Visit our blog or podcast today to learn more helpful information.