When things don’t go your way, how do you respond? Do you believe your weaknesses can be worked upon?
Adopting a growth mindset can give you a whole new perspective if you face challenges at work or want to address your weaknesses.
A Growth mindset is the belief that one can develop one’s talents and abilities over time. A person with a growth mindset is open to developing new skills and taking calculated risks. To most employers, a growth mindset is an invaluable asset.
A growth mindset contrasts with a fixed mindset, which says skills can’t be learned or developed.
Psychology Today Australia Career One and Indeed explain why a growth mindset is essential and how to develop one.
Benefits of a growth mindset
Adopting a growth mindset provides numerous benefits.
More orientated to self-improvement
A person with a growth mindset is more likely to persist in the face of challenges and failures and less likely to see obstacles as a consequence of being inadequate.
Improves your self-esteem
People with a growth mindset have a realistic view of their abilities. They know what they are good at and what they have to work on. They do not give up on weak areas but work hard to improve them. A growth mindset provides confidence that almost anything can be achieved with enough time and effort.
Learn new skills
A growth mindset encourages you to learn new skills and set goals. By adopting a positive attitude, you will strive to achieve your goals.
Accept challenges
In any workplace there will be challenges, sometimes several at once. Instead of giving up or complaining, those with a growth mindset will work out how to solve a problem.
See new opportunities
By adopting a growth mindset, you will see opportunities where other people see challenges.
Seek Feedback
Those with a growth mindset are always seeking to improve their skills.
Therefore, they are more likely to ask for feedback to improve their results next time.
Stay happy in the present
With a growth mindset, you find happiness in the process of growth. Improvement is not failure but a chance to improve your skills. Finding happiness in the present can increase your career satisfaction.
Improve teamwork & relationships
Adopting a growth mindset improves your teamwork skills as you learn from the processes and achievements of others. Those with a growth mindset take inspiration from the success of others and are happy to see others achieve.
Better Job Performance
Adopting a growth mindset will make you more willing to take on new and challenging tasks. Constantly trying to improve skills may enhance motivation.
Reduced Stress
With a growth mindset, you are less worried about not succeeding. A growth mindset encourages resilience, making you more likely to be calm. Rather than insurmountable, problems are seen as temporary setbacks.
How to develop a growth mindset
There are several ways you can develop a growth mindset.
Focus on setting performance goals
Think about the skills that you most want to develop. How can you develop skills in these areas and measure improvement?
Appreciate the process of growth
Instead of just focussing on the outcome, enjoy the process of working towards a goal.
Try different learning tactics
Those with a growth mindset are willing to try new approaches.
If something isn’t working, they try a new approach
Cultivate a sense of purpose
Having a strong sense of direction can motivate you to grow your skills.
Consider why you want to succeed in your career or your job.
A growth mindset could be the key to achieving your career goals.
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