Mindset plays a critical role in building confidence.
According to Dr Carol Dweck, there are two main types of mindsets: fixed and growth. A fixed mindset believes that abilities and intelligence are static and cannot be changed, leading to a fear of failure and a reluctance to take on challenges.
On the other hand, a growth mindset embraces challenges, sees failure as an opportunity to learn, and believes that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Adopting a growth mindset is essential for building lasting confidence.
Take the mindset assessment below to determine whether you lean more towards a fixed or growth mindset. Reflect on how your current mindset may be impacting your confidence levels and your willingness to pursue your goals. Remember, even if you currently have a more fixed mindset, you have the power to change it.
Mindset Assessment
Rate each statement on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree):
I believe my intelligence is something very basic about me that I can't change very much.
I believe I can always substantially change how intelligent I am.
No matter how much intelligence I have, I can always change it quite a bit.
I believe I can always improve my talents and abilities through effort and learning.
I often get frustrated when facing challenges and might give up.
I see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
When I fail at something, I tend to question my abilities.
I believe that effort is more important than talent for success.
I avoid taking on new challenges because I'm afraid of failing.
I believe that my potential is determined at birth and doesn't change much.
Scoring: Add up your scores for questions 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Subtract your scores for questions 1, 5, 7, 9, and 10. A positive total indicates a growth mindset, while a negative total suggests a fixed mindset.
Begin by paying attention to situations or thoughts that trigger a fixed mindset response. These may include facing a new challenge, receiving criticism, or comparing yourself to others. When you notice these triggers, acknowledge them without judgement and remind yourself that you have a choice in how you respond.
When you encounter a fixed mindset thought, such as "I'm not good enough" or "I'll never be able to do this," practice re-framing it from a growth mindset perspective. For example, instead of thinking "I'm not good enough," try "I'm learning and improving every day." By consistently challenging your fixed mindset thoughts, you'll gradually train your brain to adopt a more growth-oriented perspective.
To fully embrace a growth mindset, it's essential to take actions that align with this perspective. This means stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing challenges, and viewing failures as learning opportunities. Start small by setting achievable goals and celebrating your progress along the way. As you build momentum, gradually increase the difficulty of your challenges and remember to praise yourself for your efforts, not just your outcomes.
Develop a genuine curiosity about the world around you and approach new experiences as opportunities to learn. Ask questions, seek feedback, and actively pursue knowledge in areas that interest you. Keep a "learning journal" to document new insights, skills, and experiences you gain each week.
Whenever you find yourself thinking or saying "I can't do this" or "I'm not good at that," add the word "yet" to the end of the statement. This simple addition transforms a fixed mindset statement into one that acknowledges the potential for growth and improvement.
By consistently applying these strategies, you'll begin to shift your mindset towards a more growth-oriented perspective, which will serve as a strong foundation for building lasting confidence.