You may be familiar with the “growth versus fixed mindset.” Have you ever considered the impact that having the right mindset could have on your self-discipline? According to Stanford University psychologist and researcher Carol S. Dweck, there are two kinds of people in this world – those with a fixed mindset and those with a growth mindset. This article explores how your mindset can influence self-discipline.
What’s The Difference Between Fixed & Growth Mindsets?
For those of you who may need a refresher: People with a fixed mindset believe their characteristics, traits, and skillsets are permanent and, therefore, cannot be changed. They are more likely to attribute success to natural talent and feel attached to – and proud of – their current brilliance, skill, or brainpower rather than seeking to improve through hard work and focus.
However, those with a growth mindset believe talent, skill, and intelligence can change and grow with practice, learning, and hard work. They acknowledge that wherever they stand, they can continually improve. As such, they view success as attainable regardless of the starting point. No goal is too big.
A Fixed Mindset Is The Enemy Of Self-Discipline
If you follow Dweck’s model, it’s easy to see how a fixed mindset is the enemy of self-discipline. Let’s say, for example, that you want to lose weight. Maybe you compare yourself to a very slim or physically fit friend.
Suppose you’ve heard this friend say: “I’ve always been small,” “I have a fast metabolism,” and “No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to gain weight!” This person seems to eat and drink whatever they want, never exercise (as far as you know), and look fantastic. You, on the other hand, have always struggled with your weight, even as a child.
You accept that you probably “just have a slow metabolism,” “accept that you’re probably not meant to be any smaller,” and believe it’s outside your power to make the change you desire.
Your fixed beliefs are ultimately holding you back from reaching your big goal. A fixed mindset steals your power. It puts distance between you and the big idea that although it may take more effort than you’re accustomed to, you can change.
It’s all about perspective. More often than not, people who’ve achieved results you only dream of have generally put in much more work and effort behind the scenes than is evident on the outside. They don’t talk about it. They are too busy doing it.
How about “overnight celebrity.” Stories of people who seemingly come out of nowhere to instant stardom. You’ve never heard of them before, then suddenly you see them everywhere, and they make it look so easy. Yet, when you look into their past, you find that they’ve been working extremely hard for years, finally had a big break, and now are reaping the benefits of the seeds they’d sewn years before.
A fixed mindset is closed to hard work, patience, determination, persistence, delayed gratification, trial and error, and learning as you go. Yet, these are the very traits that define self-discipline.
A Growth Mindset Makes Self-Discipline Inevitable
Just as a fixed mindset is the enemy of self-discipline, a growth mindset supercharges self-discipline and positions it at the top of your goal-setting strategy. Let’s return to our weight loss example, assuming a growth mindset this time. What is the difference?
First, you acknowledge that you may have struggled with your weight, but you decide it has no bearing on your future. You know you can change.
Suppose you think you “have a slow metabolism” rather than assume it’s preventing you from losing weight. In that case, you’ll go to the doctor, have some tests run, and gain concrete evidence of your theory and recommendations for improvement.
Furthermore, you educate yourself on healthy, sustainable weight loss methods, considering your lifestyle, preferences, and limitations. You understand that the process may take some time, and it won’t always be fun, yet you’re aware of why you want to lose weight in the first place, commit to the process, and believe that with time, focus, and determination, you can and will make it happen.
Which Mindset Do You Have?
In Mindset: The New Psychology Of Success, Dweck explains that it’s common to have a fixed mindset in some areas and a growth mindset in others.
If you’re naturally introverted and shy, you may or may not have less confidence in social situations. Yet a growth mindset may push you to step outside your comfort zone and attend events where you’ll meet new people and try new things. On the other hand, since you’ve always been a little shy, perhaps you spent lots of time reading books and studying as a younger person, thus effortlessly achieving academic success. You may consider yourself “naturally smart” and have a fixed mindset in this area.
You Can Change Your Mindset
Good news: You can change your mindset. One of the first steps to improving your self-discipline is to become more self-aware. If you analyze your personality and find that you have a fixed mindset, know that you can change. Dweck explains, “Mindsets are just beliefs. They’re powerful beliefs but just something in your mind, and you can change your mind.” This is, indeed, very encouraging!
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx
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