Two Roads for One Pair of Legs: Choosing Between Fixed and Growth Mindsets
The way people perceive the world shapes their growth and life path, especially when they encounter difficulties, failures, and challenges. Different mindsets lead to distinct outcomes.
No matter where you start or how talented you are, having a growth mindset keeps you moving forward and unlocking new opportunities. But a fixed mindset? That’s a roadblock—it holds you back and stunts both personal and societal progress. It’s time to let it go.
I. What is a growth mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. People with this mindset embrace challenges, see failure as an opportunity to grow, and constantly push themselves to improve.
Not only that, but people with a growth mindset tend to be more open, inclusive, and naturally inclined toward trust and collaboration. But why so?
At its core, a growth mindset is rooted in mutual care and openness. True growth requires inclusivity, diverse perspectives, and an understanding of others—all of which stem from a foundation of love and connection.
When people care for each other, they create an environment where ideas flow freely. In this space, mistakes aren’t seen as failures but as opportunities to learn, and individuals are more willing to take risks and try new things. Mutual care encourages respect for differing opinions, a willingness to listen, and a mindset of continuous learning—all of which are at the heart of a growth mindset.
Realistic optimism is also a crucial element of a growth mindset. It is about staying positive while having an honest perspective on reality, avoiding the trap of overestimating your abilities. When you find that balance, you are more likely to approach challenges with effort, strategy, focus, and persistence—emerging stronger and more resilient along the way.
II. A growth mindset VS a fixed mindset
People with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence and abilities are limited and can’t be significantly improved through effort. When faced with challenges, they often feel frustrated, thinking they’re « not capable » or « stupid, » which leads them to shy away from or give up on the task at hand.
They fear failure, avoid taking risks, and resist feedback. They tend to see failure as proof of their own inadequacy, rather than an opportunity for growth.
A fixed mindset is essentially driven by fear and arrogance. People are afraid of failures for they believe that failures reveal their weakness. So instead of trying new things and accepting challenges, they choose to stay in the comfort zone.
Arrogance leads people to think they are naturally better than others, so they resist admitting mistakes or learning anything new. If someone is convinced they are already ahead, they see no reason to change—because change would mean questioning themselves and possibly proving their past beliefs wrong.
The combination of fear and arrogance keeps people stuck. Some fear being proven wrong, so they resist new ideas. Others have inflated egos and refuse to accept criticism or acknowledge the need for growth. Over time, this mindset not only deprives individuals of opportunities for progress, but also hinders their long-term development in both society and their careers.
The differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset:
- A growth mindset is open and adaptable, while a fixed mindset is closed off and resistant to change.
- A growth mindset stems from love, whereas a fixed mindset often arises from a lack of self-acceptance and appreciation for others.
- Those with a growth mindset learn and improve through all kinds of feedback, while those with a fixed mindset only accept positive feedback, making it difficult for them to grow.
III. Why is a growth mindset so important?
A growth mindset has a profound impact on learning, career success, and mental well-being.
Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research shows that students with a growth mindset are more willing to take on challenges, demonstrate greater resilience in the face of difficulties, and ultimately achieve better academic results. Neuroscience further supports this idea, proving that the brain is highly adaptable—intelligence and skills can continue to develop over time.
Beyond education, a growth mindset also strengthens adaptability and resilience. In a constantly changing world, those who embrace challenges and see setbacks as learning opportunities are better equipped to navigate uncertainty.
Moreover, a growth mindset can help reduce anxiety and depression by shifting the focus away from self-labeling as a « failure » and toward learning and growth from setbacks.
This mindset isn’t just about individuals—it also applies to the development of communities and societies. The more closed-off a place is, the more likely its people are to have fixed, outdated ways of thinking. In contrast, big cities thrive on diversity and openness, where the exchange of ideas and the blending of different perspectives drive progress and vitality.
How to develop a growth mindset?
Few people are born with a growth mindset—it is largely shaped by environment and self-reflection. This means that anyone can develop it.
So where do we begin?
It starts with becoming aware of our own thinking patterns:
- When facing challenges or failures, pay attention to your initial reaction: Do you immediately think you’re not capable and that this isn’t for you? Or do you believe you can improve through effort?
- When receiving criticism—whether it’s valid or not—observe your inner response and behavioral choices: Do you feel defensive or frustrated right away? Or do you see it as an opportunity to learn and grow?
- In a team setting, when someone suggests a new idea, do you resist it simply because it’s unfamiliar? Or do you approach it with an open mind and consider its potential?
- When you hear about someone else’s success, do you feel threatened? Or do you find inspiration and motivation from their achievements?
If you found yourself choosing the first option in the questions above, it is likely that you are deeply influenced by a fixed mindset.
The good news is, through awareness and practice, you can gradually break free from these mental limitations and proactively adjust and redirect your mindset.
By becoming aware of your thinking patterns, you will soon realize that you have the power to make better choices. Reflecting on the past becomes the fuel for continuous growth.
This takes time and consistent effort. Above all, it is crucial for everyone to tap into the love within themselves, allowing positivity and passion to fuel their growth and success, both personally and professionally.
As an educator, how can you cultivate a growth mindset in students?
The language teachers use and the way they praise their students can have a subtle but powerful impact on their thinking and emotional development. To this day, I still hear misguided guidance that hurts a child’s cognitive growth and emotional well-being, yet many teachers are unaware of the effect their words have.
Here are some teaching strategies to foster a growth mindset in students:
- Praise students for their effort, not their intelligence. Instead of saying things like « You’re so smart » or « You’re great at math, » focus on applauding their persistence, curiosity, and determination.
- Encourage students to take on challenging tasks, framing these challenges as exciting opportunities rather than boring chores. For example, one parent I know, while helping her child with a vocabulary memorization plan, maintains a light and positive tone. She talks about the achievements of learning new words and makes the process more enjoyable for the child.
- Guide students to view mistakes as part of the learning process, not as a sign of failure. Many teachers react emotionally to students’ errors, which is understandable, but this can make students fear failure. The right approach is to reassure students that mistakes don’t reflect a lack of ability or intelligence. On the contrary, mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.
- It’s essential to clearly introduce the concept of a growth mindset to students, helping them realize that intelligence isn’t fixed—it can grow through effort and learning. This is like planting a seed of positivity and resilience in their hearts, setting them up for future success.
- Emphasize that learning is a dynamic, ongoing process of growth, not a fixed outcome. Encourage students to track their progress and make adjustments based on feedback.
- Teach students how to bounce back from failure by encouraging them to reflect on their mistakes, ask themselves questions, and learn from the experience—rather than getting stuck in the negative emotions that come with it.
Cultivating a growth mindset is a long-term process. The principles of a growth mindset should be woven into all subjects and lessons, encouraging positive self-talk and effort-based praise at every level.
By fostering a growth mindset, people can break through barriers in learning, careers, and life, leading to richer and more rewarding experiences. Embracing love, openness, a willingness to take risks, and a dedication to lifelong learning unlocks our true potential, setting the stage for a brighter, more expansive future.
