A Growth Mindset: What Is It And Why Is It Important?

Let’s get these creative juices flowing.

Look, I know you're not new to stress management, but sometimes when you keep hearing that ‘catch phrase’ over and over again, you might lose track of the finer details of how to actually reduce stress using practical steps. 

Next thing you know, you're too embarrassed to be a Christian with stress or anxiety to ask for advice. 

Don't worry, that's what this article and I are for. 

I will explain what a growth mindset is and why you need to know all about it to succeed in reducing your stress levels.

What Is A Growth Mindset?

At its most basic, a growth mindset is when you believe that you can always learn more or improve on a skill over time. 

Let's add a little more depth to that— When you have a growth mindset, even if you fail at something you never see it as a problem or setback, but as an opportunity to learn from your experience and acquire new or different skills.

And finally, for those subject matter experts among you, a growth mindset is the belief that, with time and practice, an individual’s capabilities, talents and strengths can improve.

If you're only at the first level of understanding, rest assured, you will understand the subject in no time.

Why Should You Care About A Growth Mindset?

I'm all about making your own choices in life, and I can't make you care about having a growth mindset. But let me give you some compelling reasons to make it a part of your focus for reducing stress.

A growth mindset is crucial because:

• You keep learning and can acquire info that could help you solve a problem and reduce your stress.

• You are in a prime position to receive promotions or rewards for your skills and abilities.

• It can improve the quality of relationships that you have with other people.

Important: Don't think that just because you are ‘doing well’ by society’s standards that it means you can’t have the opposite of a growth mindset - a fixed mindset.

The truth is, if we find ourselves feeling content in life, with no drive or motivation to learn or do more, we probably have a fixed mindset and don't even know it.

I like to use the term stagnant to describe a fixed mindset. Have you ever seen a stagnant pool of water? It has no life, it’s unsightly, smelly and you wouldn’t dream of going into it.

Imagine having a mind like that - no life, no movement, no growth. Imagine not even wanting to live in your own mind. When you have a growth mindset, this will never be a problem for you.

A Growth Mindset in Context

How a growth mindset affects you is just as important as understanding what exactly the term is and why it's essential.

Let me give you a real-world example:

I once taught a girl who was a fantastic athlete. She was especially gifted at running 400m races but could also dominate the 200m. At just 10 years old.

When we had national primary school sports meets, she first competed against schools that were small in size like ours.

And she always won.

One year she set a record in her division and returned the next year and broke her own record. 

But when the best of all the zones met and she competed against students from bigger schools who had dominated their own zones, she just folded.

She had the mentality that she could beat students at other small schools. But somehow she believed that if she ran against girls from bigger schools she would lose. 

Despite training. Despite winning countless prizes. Despite setting records.

She just didn’t believe that she could do it and sometimes she didn’t.

Literally.

On one occasion the race had to be stalled because she complained of chest pains. We encouraged her and reminded her of what she had already achieved.

But she cried for her mother who decided to take her out of the race.

How many of us are like her? 

We believe we can only do so much and no more, despite the evidence to suggest otherwise. 

We may not cry for our moms (fingers crossed), but we certainly drop out of the race before it even starts because we don’t think we are up to the challenge. We give up.

It could be starting a business. Applying for a promotion. Getting a degree. 

We have to learn to challenge ourselves.

We don’t know the outcome if we try. But if we never try we for sure have already determined our own outcome. One where we have a fixed mindset that leaves us stagnant and unable to have life or give support to others who need life too.

Bethany Hamilton making waves.

Check Out: Bethany Hamilton lost her arm due to a shark attack as a teen but still makes waves as a phenomenal surfer. She is a brilliant example of a growth mindset in action. Have a look over here for how Bethany still thrives even with one arm. 

Tips for Having a Growth Mindset

If you feel a little overwhelmed and don’t know how to start, that’s no problem.

Here are some extra hints and tips to get you on your way:

• Tip #1: Understand and accept that perfection is the enemy of progress. When you remind yourself that it’s not about being perfect but making small steps to move forward, that removes so much pressure from off your shoulders. Just this simple shift in perspective can motivate you to keep learning, trying and growing.

• Tip #2: Remember to pace yourself and set realistic goals. Don’t set a goal that is so unattainable that you will not achieve it. That will discourage you. Set SMART goals that you can achieve in a specific time frame. Small wins go a long way to keeping us moving forward.

• Tip #3:  Stop comparing yourself to other people. You will always find someone who, in your eyes, is smarter, prettier, more talented…just more. Compare yourself to the old ‘you’ and make steps to improve on your abilities every day.

For an in-depth look at finding your talents and strengths to motivate you, you can read this article on knowing how to find your talents in life.

Key Takeaways

Let's wrap this up, shall we? Here are a few key takeaways to remember:

• A growth mindset is always learning and growing.

• You don’t have to worry when you have a setback.

• Just keep working on improving so that you position yourself for less stress and more success.

At Fit And Fresh 4 Life, I make it my mission to help Christian leaders learn how to walk in their purpose so that they can become more productive in life.

Do you need help finding and walking in your calling? Book a Free discovery call with me today and let’s get you on the path to greater fulfillment in Christ.

I’m ready.

Are you?