Growth Mindset Definition: 7 Unconventional Ways to Rewire Your Brain for Success Growth Mindset Definition: Rewire Your Brain for Success

Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by Jess Brown

Imagine your brain is a garden. In one patch, you’ve got sturdy oak trees with deep roots – those are your fixed traits and abilities. But what if I told you there’s an entire section of that garden ready for planting, where you could grow anything from delicate orchids to resilient succulents? That’s the essence of a growth mindset. It’s about nurturing the belief that your abilities are seeds, not set-in-stone statues. And once you start tending to this part of your mental garden, the blooms you’ll see are nothing short of extraordinary.

woman in white dress sits on large tree root in the woods gazing at the sky with sunset in the background

In this post, I’m going to share some unique ways to help your mental garden grow that you might not have heard before. We’ll look at what makes your mindset tick, learn about some surprising people from history who knew how to grow their skills, and I’ll show you some fun tricks to help your abilities bloom. By the end, you’ll see every tough spot in life as a chance to plant something amazing in your garden of skills.

Unraveling the Growth Mindset Definition: Beyond the Basics

Let’s start with the basics. A growth mindset is believing you can get smarter and better at things if you try hard and keep learning. It’s like thinking your brain is a muscle that gets stronger when you exercise it. On the other hand, a fixed mindset is thinking you’re stuck with what you’ve got – your smarts, your talents, all of it.

But here’s the thing about a fixed mindset—it’s not just about how you see yourself. It’s also about how you look at the world and new ideas. If you’ve got a fixed mindset, you might shoot down new thoughts right away. You look for things that prove what you already think is true, instead of being open to new information or different viewpoints.

For example, someone with a fixed mindset struggling with weight might say, “I’ve always been overweight. It’s just how my body is,” and give up on their health goals when the scale doesn’t budge. They might also dismiss new eating plans or exercise routines because “diets never work for me, anyway.” But someone with a growth mindset would approach it differently. They might say, “I haven’t reached my goal weight yet, but I’m learning more about my body every day.” They’d see each setback as a chance to adjust their approach and each small victory as proof they’re on the right track. They’d be open to trying new workouts or nutrition plans, understanding that finding what works best for them is part of the journey.

I’ve been on this rollercoaster myself. When I first started my weight loss journey, every plateau felt like a personal failure. But when I shifted to a growth mindset, I saw these challenges as opportunities to fine-tune my approach. It wasn’t always easy, but this perspective kept me going (and still does) even when progress was slow.

So, having a growth mindset isn’t just about believing in yourself. It’s about being open to new ideas, willing to change your mind, and seeing the world as full of chances to learn and grow.

The Science Behind a Growth Mindset

Now, let’s dive into some fascinating research about how a growth mindset can actually change the way our brains work.

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal “Child Development” in 2007, Carol Dweck and her colleagues at Stanford University showed just how powerful a growth mindset can be. They found that students who were taught that intelligence can be developed (that’s the growth mindset) saw an enormous improvement in their math grades compared to those who weren’t taught this idea.

But here’s the really cool part: having a growth mindset doesn’t just affect your grades or skills. It changes how your brain responds to challenges and mistakes. When you believe you can grow and improve, you’re more likely to pay attention to errors and learn from them, instead of just feeling bad about messing up.

I saw this play out in my life when I started exploring my intuitive abilities. At first, I thought I just wasn’t “naturally psychic.” I’d try to read energy or communicate with animals, and when it didn’t work, I’d feel like a failure. But then I learned about the growth mindset, and it was like a light bulb went off in my head.

I started to see each unsuccessful attempt as a chance to learn, not a sign that I should give up. I paid more attention to what worked and what didn’t, just like the students in Dweck’s study who improved their math skills. And you know what? My intuitive abilities grew in ways I never thought possible.

From improving my clairvoyance to getting better at animal communication, I realized that with patience and practice, I could expand abilities I once thought were fixed. This journey taught me that even skills we think of as “innate talents” can be developed with the right mindset.

So, whether you’re working on math skills like in Dweck’s study, or developing intuitive abilities like I did, remember: your brain has the amazing ability to grow and change. It’s all about approaching challenges with a mindset that says, “I can improve,” rather than “I can’t do this.”

You can go here to check out Dweck’s study if you want to dive deeper into the research¹.

woman reading and studying something new with quote text that reads “The hallmark of successful people is that they are always stretching themselves to learn new things.” - Carol S. Dweck manifesteveryday.com

Surprising Historical Figures Who Embodied the Growth Mindset

You might think the concept of a growth mindset is some new-age Silicon Valley invention. But let me tell you, some of history’s greatest achievers were embracing this mindset long before it had a name.

Take Marie Curie, for example. She faced numerous obstacles as a woman in science in the early 20th century. Despite being denied admission to the University of Warsaw because she was a woman, Curie persevered. She went on to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields. Her famous quote, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood,” perfectly encapsulates the growth mindset.

But here’s one that might surprise you: Albert Einstein. Yep, the genius himself. Many people think Einstein was just born brilliant, but the truth is, he struggled in school and was even thought to be “slow” by some of his teachers. But Einstein had a classic growth mindset. He once said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” He saw his intelligence not as a fixed trait, but as something he could develop through persistence.

And here’s a wild one: Did you know Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous painters in history, only sold one painting during his lifetime? Despite constant rejection and lack of recognition, he continued to develop his craft, producing over 2,100 artworks. His dedication to improvement and belief in his ability to grow as an artist exemplifies the growth mindset.

These stories show us that a growth mindset isn’t just some modern self-help trend. It’s a timeless approach to life that has powered some of the greatest achievements in human history. And the best part? It’s something we can all cultivate, regardless of where we’re starting from.

The Dark Side of the Growth Mindset: Pitfalls to Avoid

Now, you might be thinking, “This growth mindset stuff sounds amazing! What could possibly go wrong?” Well, I hate to break it to you, but even good things can have a downside if we’re not careful. Let’s talk about some pitfalls that can trip us up when we’re trying to embrace a growth mindset.

First up: the “effort trap.” Sometimes, people with a growth mindset can fall into thinking that effort alone is enough. They might keep pushing and pushing at something, even when it’s clearly not working. I remember when I first started learning about animal communication. I was so determined to make progress that I’d spend hours trying to “hear” animals, even when I was tired and unfocused. It took me a while to realize that smart effort, not just any effort, is what counts. The same goes for my Emotion and Body Code sessions. If I’m not feeling well physically or mentally, I don’t do a session. I wait until I feel better. This approach ensures I’m bringing my best self to the work, which is much more effective than pushing through when I’m not at my best.

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Another tricky spot is the “always positive” trap. A growth mindset doesn’t mean ignoring real limitations or pretending everything is great all the time. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities, sure, but it’s also about being realistic. For example, no matter how much I believe in growth, I’m probably not going to become an Olympic gymnast at my age. And that’s okay!

Here’s a sneaky one: the “fixed growth mindset.” This happens when people start to think of having a growth mindset as a fixed trait. They might say things like, “I have a growth mindset, so I’m better than people with a fixed mindset.” But that’s just creating a new kind of fixed mindset! I’ve caught myself doing this sometimes, feeling a bit superior because I was working on my mindset. It’s important to remember that everyone has both fixed and growth mindset tendencies, and it’s an ongoing process for all of us.

Last, watch out for the “growth mindset bypass.” This is when we use the idea of growth to avoid dealing with real emotions or challenges. It’s okay to feel frustrated or sad when things are hard. Acknowledging those feelings doesn’t mean you have a fixed mindset. In fact, being honest about our struggles is part of the growth process.

The goal isn’t to have a perfect growth mindset all the time. That’s not realistic or even desirable. Instead, aim for awareness. Notice when you’re slipping into these pitfalls, give yourself a bit of grace, and gently steer yourself back on track. After all, learning to navigate these challenges is part of the growth journey too!

Unconventional Techniques to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Now that we’ve talked about the pitfalls, let’s dive into some unique ways to nurture your growth mindset. Forget about the usual “positive thinking” advice – I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve that you probably haven’t tried before.

The “Failure Resume”: Create a document where you list all your failures, mistakes, and setbacks. Next to each one, write what you learned from it. I started doing this a few years ago, and it’s been eye-opening. It turns failures into stepping stones and reminds me of how much I’ve grown.
The “Yet” Jar: Get a jar and some small pieces of paper. Whenever you catch yourself saying “I can’t do this,” write it down, add “yet” at the end, and put it in the jar. At the end of each month, read through them. You’ll be surprised how many of those “can’t’s” have turned into “cans”!
Skill Stacking: Instead of trying to master one big skill, focus on combining several smaller ones. When I started exploring my intuitive abilities, I combined my empathy, my ability to quiet my mind, and my openness to new experiences. None of these were perfect on their own, but together, they created something powerful.
Curiosity Challenges: Set a goal to learn one new thing every day, no matter how small. It could be a new word, a random fact, or a simple skill. This keeps your brain in “growth mode” and reminds you that you’re always capable of learning.

Growth Mindset in Unexpected Areas of Life

When we think about a growth mindset, we often focus on things like career or education. But let’s explore some surprising areas where adopting a growth mindset can make a big difference.

Relationships: Ever catch yourself thinking, “That’s just how they are” about a friend or partner? That’s a fixed mindset sneaking in. Try approaching relationship challenges with curiosity instead. You might be surprised how people (and relationships) can grow when given the chance.
Intuitive Abilities: I used to think some people were just “naturally psychic” and I wasn’t one of them. But when I started approaching intuition with a growth mindset, seeing each unsuccessful attempt as a lesson, I was amazed at how my abilities developed.
Emotions: We often think our emotional responses are fixed. But with a growth mindset, you can actually work on expanding your emotional intelligence. I’ve been practicing identifying and naming my emotions more precisely, and it’s helped me respond to situations more thoughtfully.
Aging: Society often promotes a fixed mindset about aging—that decline is inevitable. But research shows that how we think about aging can actually affect how we age. By adopting a growth mindset towards aging, focusing on what we can gain and learn as we get older, we can stay vibrant and engaged throughout our lives.
Energy Work: Whether it’s chakra balancing, Reiki, or other forms of energy healing, approaching these practices with a growth mindset can lead to profound developments. I’ve found that being open to learning and improving in these areas has deepened my connection to myself and others.

Remember, a growth mindset isn’t just about getting better at things. It’s about approaching life with curiosity, resilience, and openness to change. And the best part? The more areas of your life you apply it to, the more natural it becomes.

Thought-Provoking Growth Mindset Journal Prompts

Journaling is a powerful tool for developing a growth mindset. Here are some unique prompts to spark deep introspection:

Describe a time when you surprised yourself by doing something you thought you couldn’t do. What does this reveal about your potential?
If you had a magic wand that could instantly give you any skill, what would you choose? Now, imagine a step-by-step plan to develop that skill without magic.
Write a letter to your future self, describing the growth you hope to achieve in the next year. What challenges do you anticipate, and how will you approach them?
Reflect on a recent mistake. If you were to reframe it as a valuable lesson, what would that lesson be?
Imagine your life as a book. If the next chapter was titled “Embracing Growth,” what would happen in that chapter?
List three things you’re currently “bad” at. Now, rewrite each one starting with “I’m currently learning to…”
Describe your ideal mentor. What qualities do they have that you’d like to develop in yourself?
Write about a time when you received criticism. How did you react then, and how would you react now with a growth mindset?
If fear of failure was impossible, what would you attempt to learn or do?
Reflect on a personal hero. What challenges did they overcome, and how can their journey inspire your own growth?

The goal of these prompts is not to write perfect answers, but to explore your thoughts and beliefs. Be honest with yourself and don’t shy away from difficult reflections. Each journal entry is a step towards a stronger growth mindset.

tiny plant grows out of the ground with quote text that reads “Becoming is better than being.” - Carol S. Dweck manifesteveryday.com

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Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Mindset

Can adults develop a growth mindset, or is it something you need to learn as a child?

Absolutely! While it’s great to develop a growth mindset early in life, it’s never too late to start. Our brains remain plastic throughout our lives, meaning we can always form new neural connections and change our thought patterns.

How long does it take to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but in my experience, you can start seeing changes in a few weeks of consistent practice. However, it’s an ongoing journey. Even after years of working on my growth mindset, I still catch myself in fixed mindset thinking sometimes. The key is to be patient and persistent.

Can having a growth mindset help with anxiety or depression?

While a growth mindset isn’t a cure for mental health conditions, many people (myself included) have found that it can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety and depression. It can help reframe challenges and reduce negative self-talk. However, it’s important to work with a mental health professional for these conditions.

Embracing the Growth Mindset Definition in Daily Life

As we wrap up this deep dive into the growth mindset definition, I hope you’re feeling inspired to embrace this powerful concept in your own life. Remember, having a growth mindset doesn’t mean you’ll never face challenges or setbacks. It’s about how you approach those obstacles and what you do with them.

Whether you’re working on developing your intuitive abilities, like I did, or tackling any other area of personal growth, a growth mindset can be your secret weapon. It’s about believing in your capacity to learn, grow, and change—no matter your age, background, or current skill level.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with a growth mindset. Have you tried any of the techniques we discussed? Or maybe you’ve applied a growth mindset to an area of your life we didn’t cover? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your insight might be just what someone else needs to hear to start their own growth mindset journey!

Footnote:

Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention. Child Development, 78(1), 246-263.