Characteristics of a Growth Mindset

Have you heard about the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset? A fixed mindset believes that human nature, behavior, and abilities are hardwired by genetics and can’t change. A growth mindset believes just the opposite, that while people may receive certain tendencies through genetics or upbringing, everything is subject to change with experience and practice. A growth mindset has many other positive characteristics as well. Here are the top five.

1.) Believing in Oneself

People with a growth mindset believe in themselves, their abilities, and the things they can do more than those with a fixed mindset. This enhanced self-confidence usually leads to more success in every aspect of life. People with a growth mindset are more likely to try new things and take calculated risks than their counterparts with a fixed mindset.

2.) A Passion for Learning

A growth mindset leads naturally to a lifelong passion for learning. Those with a growth mindset love to learn new things. They cultivate new skills throughout their lifespan. Some accumulate knowledge as a matter of course in their daily lives, while others seek formal instruction on any topic that strikes their fancy.

3.) Higher Resiliency

People with a growth mindset have more resiliency to stress and adversity. Negative life events and failures affect them like anyone else, but they don’t react as strongly and experience less of the physical and psychological symptoms. They rebound faster than those with a fixed mindset and are more likely to see an obstacle as a challenge rather than something insurmountable. They see failures as learning opportunities instead of a sign they should quit and try something else. They’re less likely to experience stress-related physical and mental illnesses as well.

4.) More Positivity

Having a growth mindset leads to a more positive attitude and outlook on every aspect of life. They’re almost always highly optimistic individuals and usually surround themselves with like-minded people. This inherent positivity helps them overcome challenges and adversity faster than those with a fixed mindset.

5.) Living in the Moment

The majority of people either focus their minds on the future or spend a lot of time dwelling on the past. People with a growth mindset, however, are much more likely to keep their minds focused on the present moment and what they should be doing day-to-day. This is the outlook most likely to lead to success and happiness in life.