Growth mindset is not an either/or concept.
It's context-dependent and it's complex.
Many people believe in their ability to change and grow when it comes to their career, or specific skills, or intellect.
But... they may not see their ability to change when it comes to how they react to stress, or certain types of social situations, and relationships challenges.
A person might also believe THEY have a growth mindset for themselves: that with effort, learning, and persistence, they can evolve and improve. They honor the human brain's capacity to update itself based on its experiences and social interactions.
But... they may not apply this same belief to someone else.
Instead, they might:
- view a person (or group of people) through a lens of labels and categories;
- dismiss any possibility that a person in their life has the capacity to change;
- seek to confirm what they already believe about another person or group of people, rather than intentionally look for nuance, exceptions and micro-progress.
What are areas of life where you totally believe in your capacity to get better? And what are areas where you doubt that you could make much change?
Where do you see other people having an easier time believing they can change?
No matter what area of life it is, where could you stay open to microscopic improvements? Staying open to these can help us move into a mindset that motivates us to keep showing up, even if we still feel like change is hard.
#growthmindset #complexity
