According to researcher Carol Dweck, there are two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Keep on reading for 18 examples of fixed mindset vs growth mindset.
In a fixed mindset, people believe their qualities are fixed traits and therefore cannot change. These people document their intelligence and talents rather than working to develop and improve them. They also believe that talent alone leads to success, and effort is not required.
In a growth mindset, people have an underlying belief that their learning and intelligence can grow with time and experience. When people believe they can become smarter, they realize that their effort has an effect on their success, so they put in extra time, leading to higher achievement.
To learn more about the differences between a fixed mindset and growth mindset, check out her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
18 Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset Examples
Example 1:
Fixed Mindset: I’m either good at it or I’m not.
Growth Mindset: I can learn to do anything I want.
Example 2:
Fixed Mindset: If I don’t try, then I won’t fail.
Growth Mindset: Failures are just opportunities for growth.
Example 3:
Fixed Mindset: I’m jealous of other people’s success.
Growth Mindset: I am inspired by other people’s success.
Example 4:
Fixed Mindset: Failure is the limit of my abilities.
Growth Mindset: Failure is just an opportunity to grow.
Example 5:
Fixed Mindset: When I’m frustrated, I give up.
Growth Mindset: When I’m frustrated, I keep going.
Example 6:
Fixed Mindset: That job position is totally out of my league. I’ll pass.
Growth Mindset: That job position looks challenging. Let me apply for it.
Example 7:
Fixed Mindset: I only stick to what I know.
Growth Mindset: I don’t mind trying new things.
Example 8:
Fixed Mindset: If I don’t try, then I won’t fail.
Growth Mindset: I only fail when I stop trying.
Example 9:
Fixed Mindset: That’s just who I am. I can’t change it.
Growth Mindset: I’m a constantly evolving work in progress.
Example 10:
Fixed Mindset: Feedback and criticism hurt my ego.
Growth Mindset: Feedback and criticism help me grow.
Example 11:
Fixed Mindset: I’m too shy to do public speaking.
Growth Mindset: I can become a great public speaker through practice.
Example 12:
Fixed Mindset: I don’t want to hear your feedback.
Growth Mindset: I actively seek feedback, constructive, or not.
Example 13:
Fixed Mindset: That project looks challenging. I’ll just do my own thing.
Growth Mindset: That project looks challenging. I will lead it.
Example 14:
Fixed Mindset: If you succeed, I feel threatened.
Growth Mindset: If you succeed, I am inspired.
Example 15:
Fixed Mindset: Feedback and criticisms make me defensive.
Growth Mindset: Feedback and criticisms help me grow as a person.
Example 16:
Fixed Mindset: I’m not popular enough to be on Instagram.
Growth Mindset: I’ll learn from others and make better content.
Example 17:
Fixed Mindset: Her Instagram is so popular. She must be buying followers.
Growth Mindset: Her Instagram is so popular. I will reach out and learn from her.
Example 18:
Fixed Mindset: I feel threatened by other people’s success.
Growth Mindset: I feel inspired by other people’s success.
Bonus: Check out this awesome graphic that beautifully summarizes the difference between fixed and growth mindsets created by Nigel Holmes.
Graphic By: Nigel Holmes
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