Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
- Mary Clare O'Brien
- Sep 25
- 1 min read
A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through effort, strategies, and support. This mindset promotes adaptive behaviors such as persistence in the face of setbacks, openness to feedback, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. It supports emotional regulation and resilience, which are protective factors for mental health.
A fixed mindset, on the other hand, involves the belief that abilities are innate and unchangeable. You’ll hear things like “that’s just the way I am.” Individuals with a fixed mindset may avoid challenges, fear failure, and interpret setbacks as reflections of their self-worth, which can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and disengagement.
Understanding and shifting toward a growth mindset can play a powerful role in therapy, education, and personal development by fostering a healthier self-concept and promoting long term psychological well-being.
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