Ever wonder what sets high achievers apart from the rest? The answer lies in a simple, yet profound concept: the growth mindset. Having a growth mindset may just be the “secret sauce” to your career success.
Let’s take a look at what a growth mindset is, why it’s important to your success, and practical steps to cultivate this empowering mindset.
What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is a belief system that talent and ability can be developed through continuous practice and learning. In contrast, a fixed mindset believes that skills and abilities are innate and unchangeable. Embracing a growth mindset means understanding that challenges are opportunities to learn and failures are necessary steps towards growth.
Why is Having a Growth Mindset Important?
Having a growth mindset is important to your professional development because it fuels continuous learning, resilience, and the drive to overcome challenges. Some benefits of embracing this way of thinking include:
1.) increasing your happiness and success at work
2.) unlocking untapped potential
3.) reducing fear of failure
4.) sparking creativity and innovation
5.) building positive relationships
Developing a Growth Mindset
Developing a growth mindset requires intentional effort and a willingness to embrace change. Here are some practical ways to start cultivating a growth mindset today:
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Invest in yourself. Expand your knowledge and broaden your skills by reading books, listening to podcasts, and/or completing online courses in subject matters that interest you. Take note of how you can implement your new learnings into your work, and then go do it.
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Challenge yourself. Request to take on a stretch project outside of your primary responsibilities at work or find a volunteer project that pushes you beyond your comfort zone. Learn as you go, seek support from subject matter experts when needed, and appreciate the opportunity for growth
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Ask for feedback. Ask your peers, supervisor, clients, and direct reports (if applicable) for constructive feedback. In what areas do you come across as confident? What skills do you need to develop? Listen to their feedback, make a game plan for how you’ll take action on their feedback, and check in with yourself periodically to measure your progress.
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Network. Engage and learn from people in your industry by connecting with professionals at networking events (such as Austin Women in Technology), reaching out to 2nd- and 3rd-degree connections on LinkedIn for informational interviews, and/or setting up in-person/virtual coffee chats with colleagues at work. Get to know them, ask for their professional advice, take action, and keep in touch.
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Work with a mentor or coach. Seek support and find a mentor or coach who will provide encouragement, guidance, and accountability on your growth journey.
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Embrace failure. View failure as a part of the growth process. When you fail, ask yourself: What did I learn? What would I do differently next time? Adjust your approach and then keep moving forward.
Summary
In a world that is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges, the ability to adapt and grow is crucial to your professional success. With a growth mindset, you have the power to create your future. Start developing your growth mindset today by investing in yourself, challenging yourself, asking for feedback, networking, working with a mentor or coach, and embracing failure.
About the Author: Rachael Leaf is a multi-passionate professional with expertise in business operations, account management, project management, and habit coaching. Rachael holds a BS in Marketing and Supply Chain Management from the University of Maryland. Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn and find more of her work on her website.
