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What is a growth mindset? -

A growth mindset is the belief that even our most basic abilities can be developed and improved with dedication and hard work. A growth mindset allows us to achieve more than we might have ever imagined possible, whether that's personally, professionally, or even both. 

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Do you have a growth mindset? -

Do you believe that everyone, including you, is born with a fixed set of skills and abilities that have been with you since birth? Or are you someone who thinks that ideas and beliefs are ever-evolving with practice and new experiences? If it's the latter, then you likely have a growth mindset.

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Why does it matter? -

Having a growth mindset means we're more likely to embrace challenges, and these challenges will help us improve ourselves in life-changing ways. A growth mindset is important for people of all ages and backgrounds.

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Understanding growth mindsets -

As previously mentioned, there are differences between having a fixed and a growth mindset. The main differences are divided into three categories, which will be explored in the following slides.

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1. Effort -

If someone with a fixed mindset is faced with hard work, they may delegate the difficult parts to someone else as they are uninspired to learn new things. Someone with a growth mindset will know that the effort they invest will pay off in multiple ways.

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2. Challenge -

A person with a fixed mindset will shy away from challenges and thus avoid responsibilities. On the other hand, someone with a growth mindset finds challenges exciting and engaging and knows that a benefit will be reaped from these experiences.

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3. Mistakes and feedback -

Someone with a fixed mindset will tend to hate mistakes because they are embarrassing. Growth mindset people, however, will see these 'mistakes' as lessons and ways in which they can do better next time. As they implement changes in the future, they continue to improve and surpass the skills of a fixed-mindset person.

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The role of failure in growth -

Those with a growth mindset will see failure as less important than someone with a fixed mindset. Failure is more of a stepping stone to the first group and an end point to the latter.

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Resilience and growth mindset -

People with growth mindsets are often much more resilient. They take imperfections in stride and always keep going despite setbacks. A fixed-mindset person would likely give up or quit.

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Cultivating a growth mindset: acknowledge and embrace imperfections -

Both within ourselves and within others, it's important to not only acknowledge but to embrace the things that make us unique. We all have flaws or imperfections and learning to love them will help you grow.

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Face your challenges bravely -

If you're worried or even scared of a situation, try to stop, analyze, and reframe it in your mind. Instead of viewing something as a challenge, look at it as an opportunity to grow and an adventure to be had.

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Pay attention to your words and thoughts -

Your words and thoughts dictate much of your life and how you are feeling each day. Choose to replace negative thoughts with positive ones to build a more growth-centered mindset. Instead of judgment, bring acceptance, love instead of hate, and so on.

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Stop seeking approval from others -

When you seek approval from external sources like peers, parents, friends, colleagues, and others, then you are preventing a growth mindset. It's important to learn to trust yourself, as you are the only one who will always be there for you.

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Take a step deeper into authenticity -

Though it can take a lot of time and effort, it's essential to be authentic. Do the inner work and have a growth mindset so you can be motivated to pursue your goals in life.

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Cultivate a sense of purpose -

Think to yourself and ask what your life's purpose is. Take time and meditate, journal, and contemplate what you need to feel fulfilled. Once you recognize that purpose, pursue it, and it will help you build a growth mindset.

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Redefine “genius” -

If you are always reaching for someone else's definition of "genius," then it's unlikely you will achieve it. Define the word for yourself, then aim to meet and surpass it. This effort will help you build a growth mindset.

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Turn criticism into positive feedback -

If you are open to hearing constructive criticism and different perspectives, then you can develop your growth mindset more easily. Constructive criticism is there to show you an alternative perspective and further improve your idea or product.

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Value the process over the end result -

In life, it can be easy to get caught up in what we achieve and how much of it we accomplish—think money, success, and fame. If you focus instead on the journey it takes to get to that end goal, you're more likely to learn along the way and foster that growth mindset.

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Learn from others' mistakes -

Being open to learning from others and their mistakes can streamline your journey and hopefully lead to fewer mistakes. If you are more knowledgeable, then it can sometimes calm the fear of trying new things, which is a big component of building a growth mindset.

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Embrace "not yet" as a mindset -

If you find yourself struggling to master a task or learn a new idea, be sure to remind yourself that you haven't mastered it "yet." This is completely different from simply not mastering something; it encourages you to stick with the tasks and will lead to self-improvement.

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Take risks in the company of others -

Failing in front of others is an important lesson in not taking yourself too seriously. It's bound to happen at one point or another, so learn to embrace it. Learn from these little mistakes and use your growth mindset to its fullest.

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Be realistic about time -

Learning skills takes time and lots of mistakes. Be realistic with how long it will likely take, and be kind to yourself if deadlines need to shift. Keeping accurate timing in mind can help you continue and maintain your growth mindset.

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Focus on the process rather than speed -

Having a growth mindset means that the end game or final results aren't as important as what you learn along the way. Pay attention to the lessons and growth opportunities that arise as you work to improve yourself.

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Growth mindsets in different areas of life -

In the following four parts of life, having a growth mindset will drastically improve your quality of life. 

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1. Growth mindset and relationships -

Having a growth mindset in relationships can mean viewing challenges as opportunities to improve communication and strengthen your bond. It helps to foster a collaborative approach, encouraging both partners to learn and grow together.

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2. Career success and growth mindset -

In your career, having a growth mindset involves embracing challenges, seeking feedback, and always learning new skills. This mindset helps you move forward, allowing you to adapt to changing job demands.

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3. Developing growth mindsets in children -

Instilling a growth mindset in children helps encourage them to see effort as a path to success and to learn from mistakes. It helps them develop resilience and a love for learning.

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4. Mindset and mental health -

A growth mindset positively impacts mental health by promoting the belief that you can improve and overcome difficulties. It encourages coping strategies that can help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
Sources: (Psychology Today) (LinkedIn) (Harvard Business Review) (Forbes)
See also: The amazing benefits of microlearning

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