A few years ago, I wrote a blog post on the importance of developing a growth mindset. I quoted Carol Dweck, author of the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”, who described a growth mindset as the belief that even basic talents and abilities can be developed over time through experience, mentorship, and so on.

Not everyone believes in a growth mindset; some people think we’re born with a specific level of intelligence, talent, and abilities, and we can’t extend ourselves beyond that point. If you believe that, you’ll never be able to adapt to change, learn new ways of thinking or build new skills. You’ll be stuck forever, right where you are now.

A growth mindset says you’re filled with potential and you see the value in challenging yourself, learning and striving to do more and to be more.

I’d like to share with you some strategies I’ve encouraged my clients to use when they focus on fulfilling their potential.

Pay attention to your hesitations and the thoughts around it.

When you hesitate to step up, it’s usually because you’re listening to the voice in your head which says you can’t do it; you’re not ready. Stop listening to that voice and start listening to the voice which says you’re ready to learn, learn in and remember if you can’t do it now, you soon will.

Start believing people when they give you positive feedback.

We rarely look at what’s good about ourselves. But you need to understand the gifts you’ve been given. Other people often spot their talents and recognise your great ideas before you will. Next time someone makes an observation or pays a compliment, accept it. All feedback is useful so let the positive open your eyes.

Stop seeing failures as a negative.

Failure is an opportunity to learn. You’re probably tired of hearing that but it is the truth. Throughout your school years and maybe even your early workdays, we’ve been given a pass/fail or a score which shows our ranking. This only taught most people to compare themselves with others and feel like a failure. What the teachers or leaders should have done is look at the things you needed to improve on as avenues to the top score – a clear pathway forward. Change your thoughts about failure and start seeing it as a signpost to success.

Think of your brain as a muscle.

Why is it easier to believe you’ll kick more goals in footy if you practice than think differently with practice?  The brain works like a muscle and improves with use – with exercise. Brain plasticity is the term neuroscientists use to explain how the brain restructures itself with repeated practice. The more often you practice any of these 5 strategies, the easier they will be and the more naturally you will begin to use them. Keep concentrating on the positive thoughts and the negative will fade away.

Enjoy the journey.

Every day you’re shaping yourself into the person you want to be and leading yourself to the future you want. Revel in your personal evolution! Celebrate yourself. Acknowledge the effort you are putting in during the journey. You deserve to enjoy the trip.

Personal growth isn’t without its challenges but it’s exciting, too. However, if you would like some support along the way, I’d love to help you. Contact me here to get started on building your own growth mindset.