How Growth Mindset Help in Skill Development

by Francis Nwokike

According to Dr. Carol S. Dweck’s studies on how people learn, individuals fall into one of two classifications based on their attitudes towards learning. How one thinks of their learning abilities determines if they fall into the fixed or growth mindset category. So, in essence, skill development has nothing to do with an individual’s perceived talents and abilities and everything to do with their belief that they can prevail.

On one hand, a fixed mindset deters an individual from succeeding because, with it, a person believes their talents and skills are predetermined. Someone with a fixed mindset might be open to training but won’t be keen on expanding their horizons because their perspective blocks them from perceiving a future that is different from what they’re currently living. This group of people also associates facing challenges or difficulties with exposing their weaknesses rather than stretching themselves to learn new skills.

On the other hand, a growth mindset is one in a constant state of fluidity and improvement. An individual with a growth mindset embraces training as an opportunity to expand their horizon, and they strive to make their future better. They also appreciate challenging experiences as they believe this is the way to learn new skills. This group of people think of gifts and talents as abilities that can be honed and improved over time.

Continue reading to learn how to achieve a growth mindset and use it for skill development.

Practical Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset

To enjoy the benefits of a growth mindset, you first have to develop one. Your current mindset might have been reinforced by years of conditioning, but you can change it for the better with practice. You can learn to analyse life experiences differently to get a different observation from different situations. Here are steps that can help you hack the growth mindset:

Believe in Yourself

This might sound cliché, but many people don’t actually believe in themselves. The reality is, saying you can do something is quite different from actually believing you’re capable. It will take some time before you can transition into a more positive mindset, so be patient and kind with yourself. Take time to convince yourself that you’re able to effect all the necessary changes in your life to achieve the growth and accomplishment you aspire to.

Don’t Blame Circumstances

It’s quite consoling to conclude that the reason for your shortcomings is the circumstances surrounding them. But, in reality, you’re responsible for your future, and it’s possible to make the most of every situation. Instead of viewing yourself as a victim of circumstances, use your talents and abilities to turn things around.

Remember to hold yourself accountable the next time you find yourself blaming a circumstance for your perceived failures. Take a step back from the situation to learn what you can do to make things better.

Stay Curious

Skill development is an easy mastery for individuals who are always seeking to learn. And learning can only be achieved when you strive for change and embrace the things you don’t know. Acknowledge that not knowing is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to discover something exciting.

Benefits Of Having a Growth Mindset

The greatest advantage of having a growth mindset is you learn to be comfortable in discomfort. The understanding that challenges are the gateway to skill development enables you to sit through difficult situations without any fear. Your attention will be focused on the lessons you learn from your experiences rather than the mistakes you make and your perceived failures as you navigate unfamiliar waters.

Another benefit of a growth mindset is using both positive and negative feedback to improve your skills. Instead of dwelling on the negative comments you get from people, you’ll use the insights to become better. Your persistence in pursuing solutions will boost your creativity as you learn new ways to solve problems. Focusing on improving your skills rather than protecting yourself from making mistakes and failing gives you the freedom to be your most authentic self.

How a Growth Mindset Gives You Freedom

A growth mindset ensures you have the freedom to aspire to a better version of yourself. It gives you a positive perspective on life that allows change and progress to happen in your life. While a fixed mindset comes with limiting beliefs that block your success, a growth mindset allows you to set up a flexible belief system that aligns with the accomplishments you aspire to.

Instead of accepting your current situation as your ultimate reality, you can make choices that expand your horizons and make your future better than the present. When you have this kind of freedom, you not only change your life but impact the lives of others as well.

Wrapping Up

While an individual with a fixed mindset sets their path in stone, another with a growth mindset makes efforts towards upskilling to accomplish previously impossible goals. People with a growth mindset value effort and practice because they believe that they can make progress and attain new goals with time. Make conscious efforts to develop a growth mindset to have an easy time developing new skills.

How Growth Mindset Help in Skill Development