From Fixed to Growth: Cultivating a Mindset That Drives Success

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Adriaan van der Walt, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

From Fixed to Growth: Cultivating a Mindset That Drives Success

Mindset is more than just a buzzword—it’s the lens through which we see ourselves, our abilities, and our potential to grow. According to insights from The NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI), mindset plays a critical role in shaping how we approach challenges, handle feedback, and ultimately succeed.

Inspired by Carol Dweck’s work on Mindset, here’s a deeper dive into what it means and how we can move from a fixed to a growth mindset.

What is a Growth Mindset?

At its core, a growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Instead of seeing talent as fixed, we view learning and challenges as opportunities for growth. This outlook drives resilience, adaptability, and a constant desire to learn—qualities that are essential for both personal and professional development.

What is a Fixed Mindset?

On the flip side, a fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities are set in stone—either you’ve got it, or you don’t. When we operate from a fixed mindset, we’re more focused on proving our intelligence or talent rather than improving it. This mindset tends to make us avoid challenges, reject feedback, and feel threatened by the success of others.

The Consequences of a Fixed Mindset

A fixed mindset, as The NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI) points out, can trigger our brain’s threat response. When we perceive challenges or feedback as threats, the limbic system kicks in, reducing the brain’s resources for problem-solving and innovation.

This can leave us feeling:

• Anxious or defensive
• Stuck on the problem instead of looking for solutions
• Bogged down by unnecessary details
• Emotionally drained or negative
• Likely to use avoidance strategies to protect ourselves
• Stuck in the status quo without making real progress

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. But the good news is that you can shift out of this mindset.

Shifting to a Growth Mindset

Shifting to a growth mindset doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with noticing the patterns in your thoughts. The NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI) research highlights that simply adding the word “yet” to your self-talk can transform your mindset. Instead of thinking, I’m not good at this, try saying, I’m not good at this yet. This small shift signals to your brain that improvement is possible, making it easier to embrace learning.

Why Growth Mindset Matters

A stronger growth mindset equips you to better handle mistakes, adapt to change, and learn from both success and failure. The NeuroLeadership Institute shows that people with a growth mindset are more resilient, open to feedback, and more likely to set stretch goals that push them beyond their comfort zone.

How Coaching Can Help You Shift

Making this mindset shift on your own can be challenging. As a coach, I help guide my clients through this process, offering tailored insights and strategies that move you from fixed to growth. Through coaching, we work together to break down limiting beliefs, embrace feedback, and build the resilience needed to tackle new challenges with confidence.

Final Reflection

Think about your own mindset:

Where could you add “yet” to your thinking?

The more you train your brain to see learning as a journey rather than a fixed destination, the more you’ll find that growth becomes second nature. If you’re ready to take that next step in your mindset journey, I can help guide you.

This article was written by Adriaan van der Walt, based on insights from the NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI).