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.
Which one do you think you are??
People with fixed mindsets believe their traits, talents, and skillsets are permanent and cannot be changed. They are more likely to attribute success to natural talent and feel attached to – and proud of – their current level of brilliance, skill, or brainpower, rather than seeking to improve through hard work and focus.
People with growth mindsets assume that talent, skill, and intelligence are changeable and can grow with practice, learning, and hard work. They acknowledge that wherever they stand, they can always improve. They view success as attainable regardless of the starting point. No goal is too big!!
Right away, you may see yourself as one vs. the other. Right?
Keep reading… this is fascinating!!
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 fit friend.
What if you hear this friend say things such as “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. While you, on the other hand, can’t seem to lose weight no matter what. 😩
You conclude that you “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.
The truth is…
Your fixed beliefs are holding you back from reaching your goals, nothing more.
Your fixed mindset steals your power.
It puts distance between you and the big idea that although it may take a bit more effort, you CAN change.
It's all about perspective. More often than not, people who’ve achieved results you dream of have generally put in much more work and effort behind the scenes than you may realize. They just don’t talk about it.
Think about an “overnight celebrity.” Tales 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, even decades, 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 ideas of hard work, patience, determination, persistence, trial and error, and learning as you go. Yet, these are the very traits that self-discipline is all about!!
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 as the top tool in your goal-setting toolbox. 🚀
Ok so back to my example of weight loss, assuming a growth mindset this time.
What changes?
Well, first of all, you acknowledge that you may have struggled with your weight in the past, but you decide that it has no bearing on your future. You know you can change.
If you do think you “have a slow metabolism,” rather than assume it’s preventing you from losing weight, you’ll perhaps have some tests run and gain concrete evidence of such along with seeking recommendations for how to improve.
Furthermore, you’d educate yourself on healthy, sustainable weight loss methods. You’d make some healthy changes, and start stacking healthy habits. 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 goal and believe that with time, focus and determination, you can make it happen.
Which Mindset Do You Have?
It’s actually common to have a fixed mindset in some areas and a growth mindset in others.
If you’re naturally introverted and more on the shy side, you may have low confidence in social situations. Yet a growth mindset may push you to step outside your comfort zone and go to events where you’ll meet new people and try new things, even be on stage speaking!
On the other hand, since you’ve always been 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.
Do you see how both can benefit you IF and WHEN you gain control over how to use them as a superpower?
You Can Change Your Mindset
One of the first steps to improve your self-discipline is to become self-aware. If you analyze your personality and find that you have a fixed mindset, know that you can change.
“Mindsets are just beliefs. They're powerful beliefs, but they're just something in your mind, and you can change your mind.” - Carol S. Dweck
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🍏 Elise
Integrative Health Practitioner, level 2
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None of the statements on my blog, in my programs, or within my emails are intended to be medical advice. All of my content is based on my own experience and advice from my own doctor, and through my personal research. Always consult your Dr. if you have concerns or a medical need.
