xxxxxxx) Mindset (Fixed V Growth)
Fixed mindset
A fixed mindset’s priority is to make you safe from failure, rather than growth; it sees your abilities as fixed, so why try anything new
"...Challenges become threats rather than opportunities; mistakes feel like personal flaws rather than lessons. This mindset breeds fear and stagnation, keeping you start in a loop of playing it safe and avoiding risk. You may even resent others' successes because they highlight your unwillingness to change..."
Tim Baker, 2025
In addition to missing out on new skills or achievements, a fixed mindset can erode confidence and curiosity; restricting your chances of improvement.
Growth mindset
A person with a growth mindset sees the endless array of opportunities; instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks they knew what matters is the opportunities to learn, grow, etc; failures are part of the learning process.
"...you are more resilient, adaptable, willing to take risks knowing that every stumble is part of mastering performance. Plus, keeps life interesting! Rather than fearing mistakes, you embrace them; confidence that each brings you closer to your potential. It's a mindset that doesn't just help you survive life's changes - enables you to thrive in them..."
Tim Baker, 2025
Fixed mindset v. growth mindset will determine how you react to anything that tests your intellectual abilities. Fixed mindset people believe that talent is a fixed thing, ie you are born with it or not. These people tend to dislike challenges and stick to things that they know and like. In contrast, growth mindset people believe that you can grow your talent and thrive on challenges
"...when they were failing, they were learning...:
Carol Dweck as quoted by Megan McArdle, 2014
Mindsets (fixed vs growth)
(source: Kristen Hansen, 2022)
When under threat, you tend to favour fixed mindsets. However, if we feel psychologically safe, we are more likely to accept a growth mindset it is exactly what's needed for change.
(source: Sylia Duckworth, 2017)
