Mindset Shift

Turning challenges into opportunities for growth

BySteve Hasenmueller
operator growthmindset

Almost every key concept discussed — like motivation from the last article in this series — triggers an affirmative head nod, an agreement that, yes, of course, this is important. Acknowledgment isn’t the goal; the objective is to generate an ultraawareness of these concepts that motivates us to practice, train and embody them. In other words, to actually do them, not just agree you know them.

The book “The Knowing-Doing Gap” says that the gap between knowing something and taking action is a more difficult gulf to traverse than the gap between ignorance and knowledge. The problem isn’t simply about what we don’t know; it’s what we know and do nothing about. Understanding the traits of a fixed or growth mindset can be the difference between a flailing or sustainable career.

A fixed mindset is the belief that a person’s abilities, intelligence and talents are inherent traits that cannot be developed or changed. 

People with this mindset tend to:

  • Shy away from complex tasks
  • Believe they are either naturally good or bad at something
  • Attribute poor performance to inherent limitations
  • Avoid situations that might expose their perceived weaknesses
  • Ignore all feedback
  • View effort as meaningless

Creating immobilizing obstacles, like fear of failure, self-doubt fueled by negative thoughts and unrealistic expectations, contributes to increased stress and burnout. 

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence, abilities and talents can be developed through dedicated effort, learning and persistence. People who embody a growth mindset:

  • View challenges as opportunities for growth
  • Embrace effort and the learning process
  • See mistakes as learning moments
  • Believe skills and abilities can be enhanced through practice

This approach leads to personal growth and fosters resilience, motivation and continuous learning. No one is completely one or the other, and where we fall on the spectrum is shaped by psychological, social and environmental factors, such as our beliefs and experiences, our views on intelligence, the feedback of teachers, parents and peers, family background and education, personality, neuroscience and motivation. It’s a lot. A growth mindset is a skill, and any skill can be learned and developed. To develop it, focus on:

  • Raising your standards
  • Eliminating self-limiting beliefs
  • Developing a better strategy

While the process may sound simple, it’s not easy. However, with dedication and the right mindset, it’s a journey worth taking.

Regular self-reflection is a key part of this journey. It allows you to track your progress, identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategies accordingly. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth. And most important of all: Shift your perspective on effort. Effort is the path to mastery, not something futile or burdensome.

Consistently apply these strategies, put in the reps and stack the days when your growth mindset is more significant than your fixed inclinations. You will see the concept’s magic and achieve more substantial work and life satisfaction.

Steve Hasenmueller writes and speaks about what it takes for businesses and employees to thrive in the demanding and ever-changing marketplace. With over 35 years of experience in front-line selling, he has conducted seminars and keynotes in nine countries, delivering challenging and uplifting messages along with real-life solutions for improvement. Hasenmueller retired and devotes his full-time efforts to speaking, training, writing and philanthropy. He currently resides in Belize with his wife Jane.

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