The Different Types of Mindsets
As we discussed in our last blog post, mindset effects everything. We are usually not aware of the default mindsets we adopt as we go through life. Now that we are aware of how mindset impacts our life, let's look at the types of mindsets. There are many types of mindsets, but some of the most common are:
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Positive mindset: People with a positive mindset focus on the good in themselves and in the world around them. They are optimistic and hopeful, and they believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
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Negative mindset: People with a negative mindset focus on the bad in themselves and in the world around them. They are pessimistic and doubtful, and they believe that they will never succeed.
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Entrepreneurial mindset: People with an entrepreneurial mindset are always looking for new opportunities. They are creative and resourceful, and they are not afraid to take risks.
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Abundance mindset: People with an abundance mindset believe that there is enough for everyone. They are generous and giving, and they believe that the world is a place of plenty.
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Scarcity mindset: People with a scarcity mindset believe that there is not enough for everyone. They are competitive and hoarding, and they believe that the world is a place of competition.
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Mindful mindset: People with a mindful mindset are aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment. They are non-judgmental and accepting, and they live in the here and now.
When there's a setback, someone with a fixed mindset will start thinking, 'Maybe I don't have what it takes?' They may get defensive and give up. A hallmark of a successful person is that they persist in the face of obstacle, and often, these obstacles are blessings in disguise. - Carol Dweck
There are two other types of mindsets I want to give more attention to. They are probably the most important mindsets of all - growth mindset vs. fixed mindset. Dr. Carol Dweck wrote extensively on mindset in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. She explains these types of mindsets as:
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Growth mindset: People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through effort and hard work. They are not afraid of challenges, and they see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
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Fixed mindset: People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities are fixed and cannot be changed. They are afraid of challenges, and they see them as threats to their self-esteem.
Growth mindset and fixed mindset are so important because they have the greatest impact on our ability to develop and achieve our highest potential in the long run. Someone with a growth mindset is willing to take on the world. Someone with a fixed mindset tries to make the world fit into their own preconceived box of ideas. Someone with a growth mindset is usually positive and optimistic, while someone with a fixed mindset usually has a negative mindset and has difficulty responding to challenges.
You can have a growth mindset in some areas and a fixed mindset in others. For example, I believe that I can overcome any challenge I face in my work. Give me enough time and I will figure out the problem and overcome it. However, if it comes to repairs around the house that require the use of tools, I battle with a fixed mindset. I have a hard time figuring out how to solve the problem and I fear messing up and being unable to complete the project.
For many years I believe you had either a growth mindset or a fixed mindset. This belief was challenged when my wife and I were undergoing a minor project in our laundry room. As we were measuring boards and trying to figure out where to place the mounts for the wall, I totally stressed out and felt like I was incapable of completing the project. I got angry with myself and with the project. My wife questioned me about why I was responding to the challenge the way I was and this lead to me evaluating my beliefs about mindset and realizing someone can have both. Completing projects around the house is still a major challenge to me, but I go into it with my eyes open, knowing that my fixed mindset about my abilities arise and that I must address them in order to complete the repair project.
If you are a high achiever, it is vital that you embrace and cultivate a growth mindset. Some ways to do this include:
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Challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs.
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Focus on your strengths.
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Surround yourself with positive people.
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Set challenging goals for yourself.
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Persevere in the face of setbacks.
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Learn from your mistakes.
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Celebrate your successes.
As you embrace and cultivate your growth mindset, you will experience one or all of the following:
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Achieve you goals
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Be resilient in the face of setbacks
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Have a positive attitude
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Be more successful in school and in your career
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Be happier and healthier
Now that you understand the types of mindsets, set aside some time to evaluate your mindset. There are assessments you can find online to help you determine your type of mindset. Carol Dweck's assessment is one of the best and can be found here.
You cannot know where you need to go if you do not assess where you are. And as we have discussed, we are usually blind to our mindset. However it is vital to figure out your current mindset and the mindset that you want to have. Take some time to evaluate where you are and set a course for where you would like to go.
