What Are Fixed and Growth Mindsets?
The concept of a fixed mindset and a growth mindset was introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck in her groundbreaking book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
In simple terms:
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- Fixed Mindset: People believe their intelligence, talent, and abilities are fixed. They avoid challenges, fear failure, and feel threatened by others’ success.
- Growth Mindset: People believe they can develop their skills through effort, learning, and persistence. They embrace challenges, see failure as a learning opportunity, and constantly strive to improve.
“As long as you’re
green, you’re growing;
as soon as you’re ripe,
you start to rot.”
– Ray Kroc, the entrepreneur
who built McDonald’s into a
global brand.
This is how I live my life – always staying curious,
learning, and evolving.
Why Knowing Your Mindset Matters
Your mindset impacts every aspect of your life—career, relationships, and personal growth. A fixed mindset limits potential, while a growth mindset opens up endless possibilities.
In my nearly 40 years in recruitment, I have never stopped learning. Every week, I invest in myself by listening to a podcast like Recruitment Mentors. Even with decades of experience, I keep sharpening the saw, revisiting key concepts, and always taking away something new. How good is that?
Recently, I reconnected with some outstanding professionals I’ve worked with in recruitment. I asked them, “Looking back, what do you wish you’d learned more of? What would have helped you progress and be more confident?” One person—now almost retired—answered, “I knew it all.” Wow. That level of a closed mindset blows my mind. No one knows it all. Learning never stops.
The Growth Mindset in Action
You may know that I ride horses and love dressage. A legendary rider, Reiner Klimke, who won gold at the Los Angeles Olympics, once said:
“You need two lifetimes to master dressage.”
He understood the power of a growth mindset—always learning, always refining. If one of the greatest riders in history believed in continuous learning, why wouldn’t we apply the same mindset to our careers and lives?
3 Ways to Assess Your Mindset
How do you handle challenges?
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- Fixed Mindset: Avoids challenges, fearing failure.
- Growth Mindset: Embraces them as learning opportunities.
How do you respond to feedback?
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- Fixed Mindset: Gets defensive or ignores it.
- Growth Mindset: Seeks feedback to improve.
How do you view success?
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- Fixed Mindset: Feels threatened by others’ achievements.
- Growth Mindset: Feels inspired and motivated to learn.
My Final Thoughts…
A growth mindset is the secret to a successful life. Whether you’re in recruitment, riding horses, or running a business, the key is staying green—always learning, always growing.