Ever heard of a growth mindset? It’s not just a buzzy self-help term—according to Verywell Mind, it’s actually a powerful way of thinking that can transform your life. People with a growth mindset believe their abilities can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. It’s the opposite of a fixed mindset, where people believe their qualities are static and unchangeable. So, how do you know if you’ve got a growth mindset? Read on.
1. You embrace challenges
When you’re up against a difficult task, you don’t shy away—you lean all the way in. You see challenges as exciting opportunities to stretch your abilities and learn something new. This doesn’t mean you’re not nervous; it means you’re willing to push through those feelings because you understand that’s where growth happens.
Why it matters: This attitude helps you develop new skills, adapt to changing circumstances, and achieve things you might have once thought were impossible. It also builds resilience and self-confidence as you prove to yourself time and again that you can overcome anything.
2. You learn from criticism
If someone points out a mistake or area for improvement, your first instinct isn’t to get defensive or make excuses. Instead, you listen carefully and reflect on the feedback. You see criticism as valuable information that can help you grow, not as a personal attack or a sign of failure.
Why it matters: This openness to feedback accelerates your growth and learning. It also makes you more pleasant to work with and teach, which can open up more opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
3. You see your brain as a muscle that can be trained
Just as you know that physical exercise can make your body stronger, you believe that mental challenges can make your brain more capable. You seek out activities that challenge you, knowing that this “mental exercise” will make you smarter over time. According to Healthline, exercising your brain is crucial to keep it functioning at its best.
Why it matters: This perspective encourages you to persist even when things are difficult, knowing that this is how you get better.
4. You value the process over the outcome
While, of course, you care about results, you place even more importance on the process of learning and improving. You know that if you focus too much on outcomes, it’ll only lead to anxiety and a fear of failure.
Why it matters: This focus on process reduces stress and allows you to enjoy your efforts more fully. It also leads to more sustainable long-term growth and achievement.
5. You’re patient with yourself and others
You know better than anyone that meaningful change and growth take time. You’re patient with yourself as you learn and improve, and you show that same patience to others. You don’t expect perfection right away, just consistent effort and progress.
Why it matters: This patience allows you to keep going after long-term goals and to maintain positivity throughout it all.
6. You’re willing to admit when you don’t know something
You’re not afraid to say “I don’t know” or “I don’t understand.” You see admitting that isn’t a weakness, it’s the first step towards learning something new. You’re more interested in learning than in appearing to know everything.
Why it matters: This honesty allows you to ask questions and seek help when you need it, leading to more growth.
7. You believe in the power of “yet”
When faced with something you can’t do, you automatically add “yet” to the end of the sentence in your mind. “I can’t solve this problem… yet.” “I’m not good at public speaking… yet.” This simple word opens up possibilities and reminds you that your current abilities are not fixed.
Why it matters: This mindset keeps you open to future growth and improvement. It prevents you from labeling yourself and limiting your potential based on what you currently can achieve.
8. You find inspiration in the success of others
You don’t feel threatened or jealous when you see others succeed. Instead, you’re inspired and curious! You wonder what they did to achieve their goals and what you could learn from them. Their success is proof of what’s possible.
Why it matters: This allows you to learn from a wide range of people and experiences. It also creates a more positive, collaborative approach, rather than viewing everything as a zero-sum competition.
9. You cultivate a sense of purpose
You’re driven by more than just the desire to look smart or prove yourself. You have a sense of purpose that guides you—that might be a desire to make a positive impact, to create something meaningful, or simply to see how far you can push your own limits.
Why it matters: A sense of purpose provides long-term motivation that can carry you through difficult times. It also helps you make choices aligned with your values and goals.
10. You reflect on your learning and progress
You take time to think about what you’ve learned and how you’ve improved. This can look like journaling, discussing your progress with others, or just taking a few moments to reflect at the end of each day. You celebrate your growth, no matter how small.
Why it matters: This reflection helps reinforce your learning and boost your motivation. It also helps you identify patterns in your learning and areas where you might need to focus more attention.
11. You keep going in the face of setbacks
When things don’t go as planned, you don’t see it as a failure—you see it as feedback. You don’t give up, instead, you brainstorm new approaches, ask for advice, or try again. You might feel frustrated or disappointed, but you don’t let that derail you.
Why it matters: This resilience is crucial—it allows you to push through difficulties that might cause others to quit, ultimately leading to greater achievements and personal growth.
12. You take ownership of your attitude and effort
You don’t blame others or circumstances for your failures or lack of progress. Nope, you look at what you can control: your attitude and effort. If you’re not making progress, you ask yourself if you’re putting in enough effort or if you need to try a different approach.
Why it matters: This sense of personal responsibility empowers you to take action and make changes, rather than feeling helpless or victimized by circumstances.
13. You see intelligence and abilities as changeable
You know better than anyone that intelligence and abilities aren’t fixed traits, but qualities that can be developed over time. With effort and the right strategies, you know you can become smarter and more capable in any area.
Why it matters: This belief is at the core of the growth mindset. It opens up possibilities and motivates you to put in the effort to improve, rather than accepting your current abilities as unchangeable blocks.
14. You’re open to new experiences and perspectives
Shying away from new experiences or ideas that challenge your existing beliefs? Couldn’t be you. You’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and try pretty much anything! When you hear a perspective different from your own, you listen with genuine curiosity rather than immediately dismissing it.
Why it matters: This openness helps you develop a more nuanced understanding of the world and can lead to creative breakthroughs.
15. You’re excited about your potential for growth
Finally, you’re genuinely excited about your capacity to learn and grow throughout your life. You see your future self not as a fixed person, but someone full of exciting possibilities.
Why it matters: This enthusiasm for growth keeps you motivated and engaged in the learning process. It also leads to a more optimistic and empowered view of your future.
