Growth Mindset & Achievement
Growth Vs. Fixed Mindset & Defining Achievement
A growth mindset is a learned thought pattern people develop when they are more optimistic during challenges or setbacks and are open to critique and changeability. They do not personalize their failures but instead use their mistakes as lessons to keep learning. They know their abilities are not set in stone and can improve over time with effort. People with growth mindsets are more resilient, thus less susceptible to depression, anxiety, and chronic stress, and more likely to sustain long-term happiness.
A fixed mindset is a learned thought pattern people develop when they believe they cannot grow from challenges or setbacks. These people believe they are born with certain abilities that cannot change over time, and they are less open to learning new things because they have a preconceived notion of how they will perform. People with fixed mindsets personalize their failures and thus are more susceptible to depressive rumination, chronic stress, depression, and anxiety.
Achievement is having a sense of meaningful accomplishment in one's life. A sense of achievement is important to our well-being because it allows us to feel proud of our abilities, interests, and purpose. We feel best when our achievements are not tied solely to extrinsic goals, such as money or fame, but instead when we are driven by internal goals, such as connection or growth. We are better able to sustain long-term happiness when our intention to achieve goals is tied primarily to the passion for learning or growth and when we do not derive our value from the size or amount of our external goals. A growth mindset is essential in sustaining one's achievements in life.
Benefits of Growth Mindset & Achievement
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Increases Psychological and Physiological Resilience
- Improves Ability to Handle Change
- Greater Self-Esteem and Confidence
- Greater Openness to Critique
- Higher Sense of Purpose and Meaning