Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset

The power of mindsets in shaping our lives

Nov 21, 2023

The mindset we adopt plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. It dictates how we deal with challenges, how we learn, and how we grow - or don’t.

The Fixed Mindset

People with a fixed mindset view their abilities and intelligence as static traits. They believe they are born with a set amount of talent and that's it - they have what they have, and there's no changing that.

This perspective leads to some problematic behaviors:

Fear of Failure: Failure is seen as a reflection of their intelligence and an identity that is to be avoided.
Avoiding Challenges: A fixed mindset deters people from taking on challenges because they don’t want to risk failing.
Jealousy: They view the success of others as a threat because it makes them feel inferior.

For those who operate with a fixed mindset, comfort zones are exactly where they want to be - the unknown is threatening and scary.

The Growth Mindset

On the other hand, folks with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through consistent effort, learning, and perseverance.

This perspective leads to a whole host of empowering behaviors:

Embracing Failure: They see failure as a springboard for growth, an opportunity to learn, and improve.
Craving Challenges: Difficulties and obstacles are seen as opportunities to grow, hence they're more inclined to pursue them.
Inspiration from Others: They feel inspired by the success of others, not threatened. It serves as a motivation to aim higher.

Where did the idea of these mindsets come from?

Carol Dweck. She is a researcher at Stanford University and is well–known for her work on the “growth mindset vs. fixed mindset” framework.

Here is how Carol describes the difference between these two mindsets and their impact on performance:

In a fixed mindset students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that’s that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb. In a growth mindset students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don’t necessarily think everyone’s the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it.
Carol Dweck, Stanford University

In 2015, we were fortunate enough to have Carol speak about mindsets at Google.

The Real-world Implications

There are several real-world implications that stem from the mindset you choose.

Workplace Culture

A workplace filled with fixed mindset individuals is likely to be competitive in a destructive way. Folks avoid taking risks or contributing new ideas for fear of failure or judgment.

On the other hand, a growth mindset fosters a collaborative culture where challenges are embraced and learning is continual.

According to Carol Dweck’s research, visualized by Management30:

Learning and Development

Folks with a fixed mindset may also stop learning after formal education because they see no point in learning something they're "not good at."

On the flip side, folks with a growth-mindset often engage in lifelong learning, understanding that skills are built, not born.

The Impact of Mindset on Relationships

Fixed Mindset in Relationships

Fear of Vulnerability: People with a fixed mindset often fear showing their true selves in relationships, worrying that they might be deemed inadequate.
Blame Game: They might blame their partners for relationship challenges, unable to see their own role in resolving conflicts.
Resistance to Change: They struggle to adapt to changes in their partner, holding onto an idealized version of who they were.

Growth Mindset in Relationships

Embracing Vulnerability: Viewing vulnerability as a strength, they open up more, deepening the connection.
Constructive Feedback: They welcome feedback in relationships, seeing it as an opportunity to improve and grow together.
Adapting to Change: Recognizing that change is part of life, they are more flexible and understanding as their partner evolves.

Mindset and Personal Health

Fixed Mindset and Health

Neglect of Health: Believing that health is predominantly determined by genetics, they might neglect healthy habits.
Resistance to Medical Advice: They may view health advice as irrelevant, believing their current state is unchangeable.

Growth Mindset and Health

Proactive Health Choices: Understanding the impact of lifestyle on health, they make more informed and healthier choices.
Openness to Medical Guidance: They are more receptive to medical advice, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance their wellbeing.

Mindset in the Context of Financial Management

Fixed Mindset and Finances

Financial Pessimism: Believing their financial intelligence is fixed, they may feel helpless about improving their financial situation.
Aversion to Financial Risk: They tend to avoid financial opportunities like investments, fearing failure.

Growth Mindset and Finances

Financial Optimism: Confident in their ability to learn, they are more likely to educate themselves about finances.
Calculated Financial Risks: They are more open to taking calculated risks, understanding that this can lead to greater financial growth.

My experiences with growth mindset at Google

Embracing a growth mindset at Google has been important in my journey as an engineer and leader. Change can feel persistent in tech (whether it’s stacks, patterns or AI) and this mindset has encouraged me to welcome change and continuous learning. It's not merely about acquiring new tech skills but about perceiving every challenge as an opportunity for deeper understanding and growth, both for myself and my teams.

Here are some pragmatic tips that have guided me and can benefit others:

Embrace & Support Continuous Learning: I make it a point to dedicate time regularly to learn and try out new technologies (and support my team in doing the same). This keeps our skills sharp and our perspectives fresh.
Foster a Safe-to-Fail Environment: Leading a team with a growth mindset means creating a space where risks are not just allowed but encouraged. We view failures as part of the learning process. This approach helps in cultivating innovation and resilience.
Regular Reflective Practice: After each project, we support holding retrospectives to discuss what worked and what didn’t. This practice isn’t about assigning blame but about uncovering learning opportunities.
Practicing Empathy and Adaptability: Understanding and adapting to the needs of my team has been crucial. This means being open to feedback and willing to alter my approach for the betterment of the team. I always have room to grow.
Set Achievable Goals: We set realistic, incremental goals that keep us focused and provide a sense of accomplishment, which fuels further growth.

By integrating these practices into our work, I believe we’ve cultivated a team environment that's a little more resilient, innovative, and which can thrive in change. These strategies can be beneficial for anyone looking to foster a growth mindset.

Misconceptions

"Growth mindset" has turned into a trendy term, often featured in corporate mission statements. However, there’s sometimes a lack of deep understanding of what it truly means. Let's address three misunderstandings:

Having a Growth Mindset Isn't Inherent: Folks often mistake having a growth mindset with general traits like flexibility, open-mindedness, or optimism. They think they've always embodied these qualities. However, the reality is more nuanced. We all exhibit a blend of fixed and growth mindsets, and this blend changes based on our experiences. A pure growth mindset is a myth; acknowledging this helps us truly benefit from this concept.
Effort Alone Isn't the Key: The idea that a growth mindset is solely about valuing effort is misleading. Whether it's in education or the workplace, the end results are important. Effort that doesn't produce results isn't beneficial. It's crucial to recognize not just hard work but also learning and progress. This involves appreciating behaviors like seeking help, experimenting with new approaches, and learning from setbacks to move forward. Carol’s research shows that true success stems from deeply engaging in these processes.
A Growth Mindset Requires More Than Lip Service: Simply declaring a growth mindset in mission statements isn't enough. It's meaningless if not backed by tangible actions. Companies with a genuine growth mindset foster an environment where risk-taking is encouraged and learning from failures is valued. They promote collaboration over competition and support every employee's development through concrete actions and policies, not just words.

Understanding and adopting a growth mindset is challenging. We all have moments that trigger a fixed mindset – like facing a challenge, criticism, or comparison, leading to defensiveness or insecurity, which hinders growth. Additionally, many workplace environments are riddled with fixed-mindset triggers. A culture focused solely on innate talent can impede the adoption of growth-mindset behaviors like collaboration, innovation, seeking feedback, or admitting mistakes.

To truly cultivate a growth mindset, it's crucial to recognize and manage these triggers. Many leaders have learned to identify when their fixed-mindset persona emerges and how it influences their reactions. They've worked to align this persona with their goals, despite the challenges.

Making the Shift

With awareness and practice, you can cultivate more of a growth mindset:

Acknowledge and Understand Your Weaknesses: You can't change what you don't acknowledge.
Learn from Others: Rather than feeling threatened by other’s success, try to learn from them.
Embrace Challenges: Even if you fail, you’ll learn valuable lessons that can help you in the future.

This journey isn't easy, but the rewards are substantial. Deepening our understanding and implementation of growth-mindset principles enriches our sense of self, our values, and our path forward.

Conclusion

While a fixed mindset can close you off to the world of possibilities, a growth mindset can open you up to a lifetime of learning, improvement, and fulfillment.

Remember, the only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself.

Choose growth over limitation.