Shifting from a Fixed to a Growth Mindset

curiosity growth intention life hacks mindset self-care self-love standards vision therapist musings vision therapy Jan 06, 2025

Hello, wonderful souls, and welcome to the beginning of an invigorating new chapter. A chapter that will ignite passion, connection, curiosity, self-love, adventure, joy and growth!

As I sit here, energised and a little sweaty from completing my first official workout of 2025, I feel an incredible sense of renewal coursing through me. Recommitting my gym membership and intentionally moving my body felt like an act of self-love—a reminder of how powerful it is to honour ourselves through movement.

                                 

Whether it's a mood boosting cardio session  at the gym, a liberating run, the rhythm of intuitive dance, the connection created through a gentle hatha or a gentle hatha flow, a more intense vinyasa flow or a soul-soothing walk in nature—moving each day with intention reminds me of the power of choosing to honor and love my body and the extraordinary things our bodies are capable of. This year, with this same spirit of self-love and intentionality I invite you to embrace and explore a mindset that celebrates growth, resilience and the beautiful, endless journey of becoming the best version of ourselves..

Get ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment as we explore the concept of mindset and how shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset can and will open up a whole new world of possibilities. By adopting a growth mindset, you can enhance your ability to learn, grow, and achieve your dreams.

The time is here to dive into what these mindsets are, why they matter and how you can make the shift.

A fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities, intelligence and talents are static traits that cannot be changed. People with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, and feel threatened by the success of others. They often believe that effort is futile if you don’t naturally possess the talent.

A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and perseverance. People with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and view effort as a pathway to mastery. They see failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

Adopting a growth mindset can transform your approach to life and significantly impact your personal and professional development.

Here are just a few reasons why making this shift is crucial to a life filled with prosperity and vitality:

With a growth mindset, learning and development is enhanced as you are far more open to learning new skills and acquiring knowledge. You understand that improvement comes from effort and persistence.

A growth mindset shows us that there is resilience in the face of challenges. A mindset that helps you view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. You become more resilient and capable of overcoming difficulties.

Believing in the potential for growth motivates you to put in the effort needed to achieve your goals. This belief fosters increased motivation and productivity, and also ensures you are far more likely to stay committed and productive.

A growth mindset fosters more meaningful relationships. You are more likely to support others, celebrate their successes and choose to work collaboratively when moving, breathing and thinking from a growth mindset.

Embracing a growth mindset leads to greater fulfilment and success both personally and professionally. You are continuously and consciously evolving and achieving new levels of potential.

Choosing to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset requires self-awareness, a whole lot of practice and persistence.

Here are 10 simple steps to help you make this empowering transformation: 

Recognise and Challenge Your Fixed Mindset: The first step is to become aware of your fixed mindset tendencies. Pay attention to your thoughts and beliefs about your abilities. When you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m not good at this,” challenge these thoughts. Ask yourself if they are truly accurate or if they are limiting beliefs. 

Embrace Challenges: Instead of avoiding challenges, start embracing them as opportunities for growth. Understand that challenges are a natural part of the learning process. When faced with a difficult task, remind yourself that overcoming it will help you grow and improve.

Cultivate a Love for Learning: Develop a passion for learning and self-improvement. Seek out new experiences, take on new projects, and learn new skills. View learning as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. Celebrate the process of learning, not just the outcome. 

Reframe Failures and Mistakes: Shift your perspective on failures and mistakes. Instead of seeing them as evidence of your limitations, view them as valuable learning experiences. Ask yourself what you can learn from each setback and how you can apply those lessons moving forward. 

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself as you work on shifting your mindset. Understand that growth takes time and effort, and it is okay to make mistakes along the way. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend.

Focus on Effort and Process: Instead of solely focusing on outcomes and achievements, pay attention to the effort and process involved in reaching your goals. Acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and dedication you put into your endeavors. Recognise that effort is a key component of success. 

Surround yourself with a community of people who have a growth mindset and who support your journey. Engage with mentors, friends, and colleagues who inspire you to grow and challenge yourself. A supportive community can provide encouragement and valuable insights.

Set Growth-Oriented Goals that are focused on growth and development rather than fixed outcomes. For example, instead of setting a goal to “become an expert,” set a goal to “learn and improve in this area.” Break your goals down into actionable steps and track your progress. 

Choose positive affirmations to integrate into your daily routine to reinforce a growth mindset. Repeat affirmations such as “I am capable of learning and growing,” “Challenges help me improve,” and “My effort leads to success.” These affirmations can help rewire your thinking patterns.

Regularly reflect on your progress with your journey of growth. Take time to acknowledge how far you have come and the progress you’ve made. Reflecting on your achievements, no matter how small, can boost your confidence and reinforce your growth mindset.

Shifting to a growth mindset is a transformative journey that empowers you to reach your full potential. Remember, this shift is not about becoming perfect but about embracing the process of continuous growth and improvement. By cultivating a growth mindset, you open yourself up to endless possibilities and a more fulfilling, resilient, and successful life.

As you embark on this journey, be patient and gentle with yourself.

Celebrate your progress, learn from your experiences, and stay committed to your growth.

Your mindset is a powerful tool—empower it, and watch as it transforms your life.