A growth mindset is a critical skill for success in business or even life.
Having a "growth mindset" is a belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication.
It encourages you to overcome obstacles and view setbacks or failures as learning opportunities.
In today's world, this mindset has never been more important.
By changing the way you think, you can change the way you learn but this is often overlooked.
Believing your skills and knowledge can be developed ultimately allows you to explore, experience and achieve more in life.
Here are 3 ways in which you can begin to develop a growth mindset.
Cultivate Resiliency
It's key to prepare yourself for difficult situations and failures.
In particular, get comfortable with being uncomfortable in all aspects of your life.
To be successful, you must be willing to face these moments with a different perspective and cultivate self-acceptance.
View challenges as opportunities to grow.
View mistakes and failures as lessons learned.
Understand your emotions and what triggers different feelings.
Failed entrepreneurs will always tell you there was a lesson learned or enhanced personal growth from adversity.
How you bounce back from failure is what will set you apart from others.
“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”
– Bill Gates
Anticipate Risk
Challenges and obstacles are opportunities that propel you forward toward your goals.
People with a fixed mindset are often fearful to take risks and worry about failure or the perceptions of others.
Those with a growth mindset know that risk is imperative to success.
You must face challenges head-on.
Risk avoidance is what will keep you stuck in a fixed mindset.
Approach risk with optimism and always be open-minded.
Avoid the comfort trap and seek discomfort.
“You cannot overtake 15 cars in sunny weather, but you can when its raining.”
- Ayton Senna
Become a lifelong learner
People with a growth mindset hunt for learning opportunities.
You must have a desire to develop your knowledge and skills and believe in self-development.
Stay curious about everything.
Ask questions.
Try new ways of doing things.
Lifelong learning is about creating and maintaining a positive attitude towards learning, both personally and professionally.
The possibilities are endless.
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
- Benjamin Franklin
Always pursue opportunities that land just outside of your comfort zone.
Always improving this mindset isn't easy but it's definitely worth it.
It can not only help your personal and professional development but you'll also find a better/happier way to live life.
Further reading
Despite their record profits, why the stocks of four incredible businesses are having a lousy year
3 ways this recession is different
What I'm reading #34: Business, relationships and life - 45 years' worth of lessons
How to live longer and happier with this financial planning secret
The 7 truths of my basic investment philosophy
