Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m just not good at this” or “I’ll never be able to change”? These thoughts might be more than just passing frustrations—they could be signs of a fixed mindset.
Understanding the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset is one of the most empowering shifts you can make on your self-care and personal development journey. Let’s break it down together.
🌱 What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset, a term popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed over time through effort, learning, and persistence.
People with a growth mindset tend to:
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Embrace challenges instead of avoiding them
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Learn from criticism rather than taking it personally
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Keep going in the face of setbacks
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Celebrate effort as much as outcome
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See failure as a stepping stone to success
In short, a growth mindset helps you view yourself as a work in progress—not in a negative way, but in a hopeful, evolving, empowered way.
🧠 What is a Fixed Mindset?
On the flip side, a fixed mindset is the belief that your qualities—like intelligence, creativity, or confidence—are set in stone. You’re either born with it or you’re not, and there’s not much you can do about it.
People with a fixed mindset might:
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Avoid challenges for fear of failing
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Give up easily when things feel difficult
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Take feedback as a personal attack
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See others’ success as a threat instead of inspiration
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Believe effort is pointless if you’re “not naturally good at something”
Sound familiar? We all slip into a fixed mindset from time to time—especially when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or doubting ourselves.
🌻 Why Does It Matter?
The mindset you adopt can have a massive impact on your self-worth, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
A fixed mindset can keep you stuck—telling you stories about who you are and what you’re capable of that simply aren’t true. A growth mindset, however, opens the door to possibility. It reminds you that small, consistent steps matter and that you’re capable of incredible change, even if it’s slow.
For example:
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Fixed mindset: “I’ve always struggled with sleep. That’s just how I am.”
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Growth mindset: “Sleep has been tough, but I’m learning how to create routines and tools that help me rest better.”
See the difference? One keeps you trapped. The other gives you a path forward.
💡 How to Shift Towards a Growth Mindset
The good news? You can train your brain to think in more growth-oriented ways. Here are a few simple tips:
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Notice your inner dialogue – Are you saying things like “I can’t” or “I’m not the type of person who…”? Try reframing with “I can’t do this yet” or “I’m working on it.”
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Celebrate effort – Instead of only focusing on results, praise yourself for showing up, trying again, and making progress.
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Use setbacks as feedback – Every challenge is an opportunity to learn something about yourself and your process.
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Surround yourself with encouragement – Whether it’s inspiring books, journaling prompts, podcasts, or affirmations, keep your environment supportive.
✨ Final Thoughts
Mindset isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about recognising that you have the power to evolve, grow, and care for yourself—especially when life feels hard.
If you’re on a journey of healing, habit change, or self-discovery, adopting a growth mindset can transform not only how you think, but how you live.
You are capable of change. You just have to believe it.
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