There are simply too many myths about what the right mindset can and cannot do for many people to make sense of it all.
The idea of a “Growth Mindset” has been misused and misunderstood by some practitioners, advocates and skeptics.
A growth mindset isn’t about becoming wildly successful at everything you set out to do. It’s about constantly growing, learning, and honing your talents so that you can achieve more.
However, it does require at a minimum, that you have something to build upon, be it knowledge, talent, and of course, the willingness and drive to grow and succeed.
Here are three mindset myths that will open your eyes to a world of possibilities you may have overlooked before.
1. A “Fixed Mindset” Equals a Bad Employee
One of the biggest fears in organizations focused on fostering a “growth mindset” is being labeled as someone with a “fixed mindset.”
We’ve somehow managed to equate the term “fixed” to mean unyielding, inflexible, and in some cases, incapable. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Most people work with some combination of the two, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
A fixed mindset only becomes a problem when people allow those fixed beliefs to define them in a way that prohibits growth.
The right actions, on the other hand, can overcome fixed beliefs, making way for growth and creativity to spring forth.
2. A Growth Mindset Equals Unlimited Capacity
In corporate environments, many have adopted the belief that employees who tell them their plates are full are operating under the limitations of a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset.
This is not the case. In fact, those who can identify when they have too much on their plates and are willing to say as much are actually avoiding overload conditions that significantly inhibit growth.
Good leaders must listen and understand that a growth mindset does not indicate an unlimited capacity to take on more work and greater responsibilities.
Creating balance is a key component for experiencing growth.
3. A Growth Mindset Equals Steady Success
Some people do equate the idea of a growth mindset as something akin to a “Pollyanna” attitude where everything is good, positive, and happy.
Life and business don’t work that way. There are failures in life. While a growth mindset views them as stepping-stones and learning curves, sometimes it takes a little longer to move on and overcome setbacks.
And sometimes it is necessary to approach a task critically and ask yourself if this is something you CAN do versus if this is something you WANT to do.
It is perfectly acceptable to say, “No thank you!” and move on.
Though there are some myths out there about what it means to have a growth mindset, there are clearly many benefits that come with it, including the ability to bounce back easier.
You don’t think of your skills as stuck in one place, rather you view them as something you’re continually evolving.
This outlook can help you overcome obstacles that you’ll encounter on the path toward success.
