In the competitive world of work, your success doesn’t just rely on your talent or skills. Your mindset, or the way you think about your abilities, plays a huge role in determining how far you’ll go. A growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, suggests that you can develop your skills, abilities, talent, and even intelligence through your experiences, training, and effort. Let’s dive into the concept of a growth mindset and discover how it can supercharge your career, says Athiya Kabir.
The Power of Not Knowing
One key idea behind a growth mindset is that it’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers. In our daily work life, we encounter countless situations where we don’t know everything. And that’s okay! For instance, if someone asks you a question you can’t answer, it’s alright to admit, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out by the end of the day and get back to you.” This simple act shows that you’re open to learning.
“Can-Do” attitude
With a growth mindset, you embrace a “can-do” attitude. This means you approach tasks and challenges with the confidence that you can learn and adapt to conquer them. Former President Barack Obama highlighted that by actively seeking solutions and showing a “can-do” attitude, you can boost your self-confidence. And when you’re genuinely passionate about your work, that’s when real success happens. As Carol Dweck puts it, “Becoming is better than being.”
Building Your Self-Esteem
A growth mindset helps boost your self-esteem by emphasizing effort and resilience. Instead of tying your self-worth to what you’re naturally good at, you base it on your commitment to learning and improving. This shift in perspective makes it easier to tackle challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
Promotes Your Career
People with a growth mindset actively seek opportunities to grow and develop. They aren’t afraid to acquire new skills or take on tough projects. These actions often lead to quicker career advancement and a broader skill set. A growth mindset empowers you to embrace challenges, keep learning, take on ambitious projects, and stay strong even when things get tough. This mindset positions you for rapid career growth.
Seeking Recognition
A growth mindset encourages you to actively seek feedback and constructive criticism. This shows that you’re open to improving and developing your skills and demonstrating your commitment to excellence. Your supervisors and colleagues are more likely to notice your dedication to personal and professional growth, leading to more recognition for your efforts.
Strengthening Connections
Adopting a growth mindset can improve your relationships at work. You become more open to other people’s ideas, feedback, and perspectives. This collaborative mindset enhances teamwork, communication, and trust, making you a more valued member of your workplace community.
Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge in the workplace. It often stems from the belief that success is just due to luck or external factors. A growth mindset helps combat imposter syndrome by recognizing that abilities can be developed. You attribute your achievements to effort and learning, reducing those feelings of inadequacy.
Overcoming Negative Perfectionism
A growth mindset discourages the pursuit of negative perfection. Instead, it encourages you to strive for excellence through continuous improvement. A critical part of this mindset is embracing the word “yet.” Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” you say, “I can’t do this yet.” This simple change in language empowers you to believe in your potential and face challenges with determination.
Key to Success
In our ever-changing world, a growth mindset is your game-changer. By embracing a growth mindset, you can find joy and success in the journey of self-improvement and learning. So, remember, your mindset can be the key to unlocking your full potential in your career.
Athiya Kabir
Athiya is a mental health practitioner on ChearfulHealth. She has gained diverse experience from various sectors, serving people of different backgrounds and ages, shaping her understanding and involvement in a meaningful community. Her primary goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness.