Do you have a “fixed” mindset, or do you have a “growth” mindset?
See how many of the following signs/traits you have:
• You believe talent/personality is something people are born with
• You’re constantly trying to prove something to the world
• You avoid asking for help from others, thinking it’s a sign of weakness
• You tend to “stick to what you know” instead of trying new, potentially better ways of doing things
• You like setting big goals, but you dislike making plans to achieve those goals
• When you fail, you tend to get disheartened or react defensively
If two or more of the signs and traits listed above apply to you, then you may have a predominantly “fixed” mindset—and that’s a bad thing because fixed mindsets tend to cripple your development and severely limit what you can accomplish in your lifetime.
On the other hand, a “growth” mindset is different—it removes all limits to how much success, happiness, and meaning you get in life and basically gives you a real shot at achieving the level of greatness you’ve always fantasized about.
Here are a few tips on how to transition from a “fixed” mindset into a “growth” one. And it’s always best to start with the problem:
Why is Having a Fixed Mindset So Bad?
Above everything else, having a “fixed” mindset is a bad thing because it puts limits on the various areas of your life. A fixed mindset lulls you into thinking that you only have a certain level of intelligence, that you’re stuck with a certain personality, and that you’re only suited for certain roles in life, and not others.
Men with fixed mindsets spend most of their lives trying to “prove” something. The work tirelessly to fit the roles and personalities they’re stuck with. They worry incessantly about being treated “fairly.”
And as a direct result, these men settle into stagnant, mediocre lives, never really achieving any of the success or happiness they want.
Don’t make that mistake. If you really want to make something out of your life, then you’ll need to transition into a “growth” mindset… and you’ll need to do so before it’s too late.
How to Transition Into a “Growth” Mindset
Here’s a fact: There’s no one with a purely “fixed” mindset, and it’s impossible to have a purely “growth” mindset. Every individual on the planet has a mixture of both, and it’s constantly evolving. Your goal is to evolve slowly and steadily onto the “growth” side of things.
How exactly do you do that? Here are some of the best ways:
• When you encounter setbacks, don’t get depressed or insecure, and don’t react defensively by making excuses. Instead, find out what went wrong, surmise how to do things better the next time, and then try again
• Learn to ask for help when needed – there’s no shame in asking, only in remaining ignorant
• Constantly be learning about new strategies and better way to do things
• Make big goals if you wish, but match those goals with detailed “game plans,” marked with milestones and bound by time
• Develop the ability to thrive in randomness and chaos by building multiple “safety nets” in all areas of your life. For instance, in the area of finance, you shouldn’t rely on only one stream of income – you must have “safety nets” in the form of insurance, emergency funds, paper assets, additional streams of income, and more
Every man eventually realizes he needs to adopt a growth mindset. Most men realize it when it’s too late. Don’t wait – make the transition now, and get the most out of life.
Like this article? Feel free to Share it with your colleagues. Comment below, your perspective might aid in someone’s breakthrough.
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Photo: Getty Images
Great write up Kevin. It’s always good to be reminded about ways to stay on track, and how to continue moving forward in our lives with the right type of mindset.
Sometimes we realize the need for a growth mindset, and sometimes we just need reminding. In my case, I just needed to be reminded. So Thank you.
P.S keep up the great content!!
My pleasure, Nate! Thank you for reading, commenting and leaving an encouraging word! I appreciate you!