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Home > Where do They Come From?

Where do They Come From?

Mindsets

As with many of our beliefs they are shaped and influenced by our life experiences and our current and past environment. This includes our childhood which is when we are still in the process of forming our beliefs about the world and the way it works. This isn’t to say that the people around us in childhood, and since then, are to blame for our mindset. It is more to consider that understanding how our beliefs have come about allows us to understand that we can continue to change and influence our beliefs and the way we see things.

The emphasis when discussing mindset isn’t to suggest that as long as a person puts enough effort into what they’re doing, that this is all that they need to achieve their goals. However, it can be helpful if our beliefs are getting in the way of taking steps towards our goals to try and foster a growth mindset. We all have some things where our thinking is fixed and some things where our thinking is changeable. It is important then to consider if a fixed mindset is getting in the way of something we want to do.

Growth and fixed mindset

Fixed mindset:
I’m a failure. I couldn’t pass that maths test. It’s all my fault. I’m worthless.
I’m too old to learn new things. I just have to accept that.
I’ll never be able to swim. I was terrible at it as a child.
The teacher doesn’t like me. I just can’t do French. What’s the point in trying?


Growth mindset:
I love learning new things, particularly as I age. There is so much still to do.
I failed a maths test. Normally I’m good at maths, so maybe I need a little extra tuition.
If I start going to beginner swimming classes , maybe I will be able to learn.
I’m slowly improving at French though I find it very difficult. I am hopeful.


Can an old dog learn new tricks?

Mindsets Aren’t Fixed

Carol Dweck has researched mindset in relation to children learning at school, but also applied this model to thinking about sports performance, business matters and leadership, as well as relationships. For example, in relationships a person may adopt a fixed mindset and this could manifest itself as believing that not only your qualities but those of your partner and the relationship itself are fixed. Someone with a fixed mindset towards their relationship may take the view that, if it has to be worked on then it probably isn’t good. On the other hand longevity in relationships is often linked to growth and change in both individuals and relationships which is indicative of a ‘growth mindset’ .