How to Shift from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset

This week Jane Pettit and I wrapped up our latest Centred Excellence Academy cohort. We always finish with a session on mindset, and how to be successful at anything, we have to be the change. It's a common human tendency to look around and blame others when things aren't going as we'd like. Whether in business, personal life, or our careers, it's easy to point fingers at colleagues, bosses, family members, or circumstances beyond our control. This mindset, however, keeps us stuck and prevents growth. I've been reflecting on some of the outcomes of not only this session, but also my conversations this week in both my 1:1 coaching, consulting and networking. Shifting our perspective is one of the most powerful tools we have. Instead of waiting for others to change or for situations to improve on their own, we can choose to be the catalyst for the change we want to see. Here's my thoughts on how: 1. Take ownership: Recognise that you have control over your actions and reactions. While you can't always change external circumstances, you can change how you respond to them. 2. Identify what you can influence: Focus on areas where you can make a difference, no matter how small. This could be improving your skills, adjusting your attitude, or finding new ways to approach problems. 3. Ask for what you need: Many of us hesitate to ask for help or resources, fearing rejection or appearing incompetent. However, clear communication about your needs can lead to better support and outcomes. 4. Seek information proactively: Don't wait for others to provide answers. Take initiative to research, learn, and find solutions independently. This not only solves immediate problems but also develops your skills and knowledge. 5. Set an example: Be the change you want to see in your environment. If you want more positivity, be more positive. If you want better communication, communicate more effectively yourself. 6. Embrace continuous learning: View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Cultivate a growth mindset that sees setbacks as chances to learn and improve. 7. Take action: Don't wait for the perfect moment or for someone else to take the lead. Start with small steps and build momentum. 8. Reflect and adjust: Regularly assess your progress and be willing to adjust your approach as needed. Being adaptable is key to sustained change. By shifting our mindset from blame to ownership, from passivity to action, we empower ourselves to create positive change. This approach not only improves our own circumstances but can inspire others around us, creating a ripple effect of positive transformation in our workplaces, relationships, and communities. Remember, change starts with you. Be the change you wish to see, and watch how it transforms not just your own life, but the world around you. Have a great weekend everyone 🙂

During flight training, some of my most powerful lessons came from failures and mistakes. But I also spent a lot of time critiquing myself about those mistakes, worried about what others would think and whether I was living up to expectations. The truth is, we all fail. We all make mistakes. It’s not a matter of if, but when. The real question is, how do we learn to fail forward? 💡 Shift your Mindset: Think of mistakes and failure as opportunities to learn, grow, and advance. 💡 Ask the Right Questions: Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask, “What can I learn from this?” and then apply those lessons moving forward. 💡 Avoid the Fixed Mindset Trap: A fixed mindset might lead you to avoid challenges to protect yourself from failure. But you also miss out on opportunities to grow and improve. 💡 Adopt a Growth Mindset: It helps you thrive, especially during challenging times, by turning setbacks into opportunities for improvement. Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset during flight training was crucial for me. The mistakes were still painful, but they made me a better pilot and leader. If you allow it, failure can lead to incredible growth and success. 🚀 #FailForward #PersonalDevelopment #FlyingInTheFaceOfFear

In my career, I’ve often been the biggest enemy of my success. My mindset held me back for so long before I finally recognized and broke the pattern. I was trapped in a fixed mindset. When I first came to the USA as an international student, I often thought, "I'm just not good at this." That’s a fixed mindset in action. As a result, I was surrounded by: -my fear of failure -my imposter syndrome which destroyed my creativity and crushed my potential. Here’s how I finally broke free: ►Changed the way I talked to myself: As an international student, I was often my own harshest critic. I paid attention to my inner voice and changed how I reacted to failure and criticism. Instead of saying, "I can't do this," I started saying, "I can learn how to do this." ►The Power of 'Yet': It was a game-changer. It’s not that I couldn't pivot my career to product management or get interview calls for internships. it’s that I couldn't do it yet. This simple shift made a huge difference. ►Focused On Self-Improvement Regularly setting aside time to learn something new reminded me that my abilities were not fixed but could be developed. I kept learning. ►Surround Yourself with Growth Mindset Individuals: The people I spent the most time with influenced my mindset. I surrounded myself with people (my boss on campus - Joel Ramirez, Senior pastor Bryan Myers, and others.) who saw challenges as opportunities, who grew in the face of setbacks, and who saw the effort as the first step to mastery. Remember - the choice is yours: Be trapped by your limitations, or give your mind permission to embrace growth. For all international students and job seekers, building a growth mindset can transform your journey in the USA. Stay positive. Stay confident. And stay empowered. You’ve got this!

The Power of a Growth Mindset: A Game Changer for Your Career Have you ever doubted your ability to succeed in a particular field? Maybe you’ve failed at socializing, faced rejection in a job application, or felt like you weren’t “smart enough” to excel in a particular role. These moments can feel like roadblocks, but they are often just stepping stones—depending on your mindset. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career is the power of a growth mindset—the belief that skills, intelligence, and abilities are not fixed but can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Psychologist Carol Dweck contrasts this with a fixed mindset, where people avoid challenges and fear failure. In fast-evolving fields like finance and risk management, adaptability is crucial. Similarly, navigating job interviews at top firms like Deloitte has reinforced this lesson. Instead of seeing interviews as intimidating tests, I started viewing them as learning experiences—each one an opportunity to refine my communication skills, broaden my industry knowledge, and better position myself for future success. HOW TO CULTIVATE A GROWTH MINDSET IN YOUR CAREER 1. Embrace Challenges: Instead of shying away from difficult tasks, lean into them. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. 2. Learn from Feedback: Constructive criticism isn’t a personal attack—it’s a roadmap for improvement. 3. Adopt a “Yet” Mentality: Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” say, “I’m not good at this yet.” 4. Prioritize Learning: Stay curious. Take courses, read, and seek mentorship to continuously build your skills. 5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Results: Recognize small wins along the way to keep yourself motivated. FINAL THOUGHTS Your mindset is one of the most powerful assets you have. Whether you’re working towards professional certifications, navigating job opportunities, or striving for personal growth, adopting a growth mindset can transform obstacles into opportunities. So, the next time you face a setback, ask yourself: Is this the end, or is it just part of the journey? If you choose the latter, you’re already on the path to success. What’s a moment in your career where a growth mindset made a difference? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

🛠️ Is Your "Growth Mindset" Actually a Fixed Mindset in Disguise? I see more and more folks use "growth mindset" as an excuse to avoid accountability for current performance while promising future improvement that never comes. "I'm learning/growing." "I have a growth mindset about this." "This is part of my journey." Translation: "I'm performing poorly, but let's focus on my intentions instead of my results." 🔍 Growth Mindset Performance Gap: Dweck's research showed believing abilities can be developed and can lead to higher achievement. Somewhere between research and corporate America, growth mindset became a hall pass for mediocre performance. Meta-analysis by Sisk et al. (2018) examined 273 studies found growth mindset interventions had minimal impact - far smaller effects than claimed. Research by Yeager et al. (2019) show growth mindset only works when combined with systematic practice and clear performance standards. Case from my practice: A Series C Director kept missing quarterly targets but insisted on his "growth mindset" about performance gaps. 6mo of "learning and growing" while his team's metrics flatlined. ❌ Problem: Used 'growth mindset' as emotional comfort food instead of performance tool ✅ Solution: Apply the EXECUTE framework to bridge mindset+results ⚡EXECUTE Framework: Growth Mindset + Performance Discipline Evidence-based goals → Specific, measurable outcomes, not just "growth" Xecution tracking → Daily behaviors, not quarterly intentions Experiment rapidly → Test weekly, not "when ready" Correct course quickly → Adjust within 48hrs of getting data Upgrade systematically → Build capability through deliberate practice Track results → Measure outcomes, not just effort Eliminate excuses → Own performance gaps, don't romanticize them ⚙️The shift: Instead of "I'm growing in this area," ➡️ I'm hitting X metric by Friday or we pivot and ➡️ built systems to prevent predictable failures. Result: Hit next quarter's targets 3wks early, on track for H2. When Growth Mindset Becomes Fixed Mindset: 1. You're "learning" the same lessons repeatedly without changing behavior 2. You use growth language to avoid performance conversations 3. Your mindset is growing but your results aren't 4. “I'm working on it" is regular status, not temporary transition Bottom Line: 📈 Growth mindset without execution discipline is just expensive optimism. 📈 Real growth requires both the belief that you can improve AND systematic practice that proves you're doing it. Three questions to audit your growth mindset: 1. What specific skill have you measurably improved in the last 90 days? 2. Are you "growing" in the same areas you were "growing" in last year? 3 If someone looked only at your results, would they see evidence of growth? Rooting for you (and your measurable growth 🌲), SK Sources: Dweck, C. (2006); Sisk, V. et al. (2018). Psychological Science; Yeager, D. et al. (2019). Nature

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s nurtured by leaders who create the conditions for people to take risks, learn, and evolve. Here are three key practices to move your team from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset: 1. Create psychological safety - If your team is afraid to make mistakes, they’ll avoid the risks that lead to growth. 🔹Encourage open conversations about challenges 🔹Normalize learning through trial and error 🔹Ask “What can we learn?” instead of “Why did this happen?” 2. Celebrate effort and learning—not just results - Innovation thrives when people feel safe to experiment. 🔹Recognize creativity, persistence, and curiosity 🔹Celebrate the process, not just the outcome 🔹Shift the conversation from “Did it work?” to “What did we discover?” 3. Model a growth mindset yourself - Your team watches how you navigate change. 🔹Share your own learning moments 🔹Be transparent about your mistakes—and what they taught you 🔹Ask for feedback and emphasize continuous improvement When leaders lead with growth, teams follow with courage. What’s one mindset shift you’re modeling for your team this week?

Switching your mindset from "I can't" to "I'll learn" is life-changing because it fosters a growth mindset, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This shift encourages perseverance, acceptance of failure as a learning tool, and the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, ultimately unlocking potential and building confidence. Understanding the "I Can't" Mindset Fixed Mindset: This mindset believes abilities and intelligence are static and cannot be significantly changed. Avoidance: When faced with difficulties, this mindset leads to giving up to avoid failure and protect one's self-image. Focus on Limitations: It focuses on what seems impossible, rather than what could be possible through effort and learning. How the "I'll Learn" Mindset Creates Change Embraces Growth: The "I'll learn" mindset aligns with the concept of a growth mindset, which promotes the belief that one's abilities can be developed through dedication and effort. Sees Failure as a Lesson: Instead of viewing setbacks as definitive failures, this approach sees them as valuable learning experiences that provide insight and path the way for future success. Encourages Persistence: It fuels perseverance by shifting the focus from fixed limitations to continuous growth and improvement, leading to a willingness to try new things. Builds Confidence: Each time a challenge is faced and overcome through learning, it builds confidence and a belief in one's ability to adapt and improve. Promotes Action and Execution: This mindset moves people from excuses to action, fostering a determination to find a way forward despite obstacles. How to Cultivate This Mindset Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge imperfections and celebrate progress, no matter how small. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback to gain insight and improve, rather than for external validation. Model the Behaviour: Share your own learning moments and celebrate the process of growth. Keep a Growth Log: Document challenges, what you learned, and how you stretched yourself to see growth in real-time. Surround Yourself with Growth: Create an environment with people who value learning over perfection. 👉 What would you say you had a positive or a negative mindset and how does affect you? #mindset #overcome #positiveoutlook #personalgrowth

What if your talent doesn't fix your potential, but is multiplied by your perspective? In a world where professionals view abilities as static, neuroplasticity offers a revolutionary approach to personal development. Here are three ways to leverage your brain's growth potential for extraordinary results: 👉 Create a "𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻" inventory. Self-awareness of your neural adaptability enables strategic development of mental capabilities. Identify the thinking patterns where you consistently create unique insights and produce breakthrough results that others struggle to imagine. 👉 Implement "𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴." Combine complementary learning strategies to create compound cognitive capabilities beyond individual approaches. This neural pairing creates exponential rather than incremental growth in your mental performance and adaptability. 👉 Practice "𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴," not elimination. Building adaptive mental frameworks is more efficient than attempting to change fixed beliefs forcibly. Develop learning processes, seek diverse perspectives, or use cognitive tools to compensate for areas where your current thinking feels constrained. 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: focusing on neural plasticity activates different brain pathways than traditional fixed-mindset thinking, creating a more efficient and motivationally powerful route to personal growth. ✅ According to Stanford University's latest research, leaders with strong growth mindsets are 31% more likely to create high-performing teams and drive innovation. Your exceptional potential isn't predetermined—it's continuously created by your willingness to expand your perspective. Coaching can help; let's chat. Follow Joshua Miller Ready to discover your potential? 🚀 Download Your Free E-Book:  “𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀” ↳ https://rb.gy/37y9vi #executivecoaching #careeradvice #growthmindset

Some years ago I was a franchisee........ I wondered at the time why other franchisee peers close to my territory were not nearly as successful as me. When I began supporting franchisees it became apparent that all too often the success of one franchisees vs the not so successful was all to do with 'mindset' Fixed Mindset = Fixed Growth. I have always had a growth mindset. Im sure youve heard a franchisee say, “I’m just not good at sales” or “That won’t work for my territory”? These are classic signs of a fixed mindset and it’s one of the biggest threats to a franchisees success. Franchisees who fear failure will very often avoid risks, resist change, and struggle to pivot when market conditions shift. Instead of seeing challenges as learning opportunities, they see them as roadblocks. The result? ❌ Slow decision-making that stalls business growth. ❌ Avoidance of new strategies or technology that could improve performance. ❌ Frustration, disengagement, and, ultimately, a request to exit. But it is possible to shift that needle. Franchise support teams with the necessary skills can create a growth mindset: ✅ Encourage learning over perfection. Remind franchisees that success comes from consistent improvement, not from knowing everything from day one. ✅ Problems are opportunities to learn. If something doesn’t work, it’s not a disaster it’s data. What can be learned? What can be adjusted? ✅ Challenge limiting beliefs. Statements like “I’m not good at marketing” should be flipped to “I’m learning how to market better.” ✅ Celebrate progress, not just results. Growth-minded franchisees stay motivated by seeing incremental improvements, not just big wins. Franchisees who embrace change and continuous learning will always outperform those who resist it. ❓ How do you inspire a growth mindset in your franchise network? I would love to hear any strategies you have! At The Bridge, Nikki Senior and I help franchise support professionals shift franchisees out of fixed mindsets—because when franchisees grow, the whole network thrives. #GrowthMindset #FranchiseSuccess #FranchiseSupport #TheBridge