There has been much said recently about the benefits of a growth mindset. But what is it actually?
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and skills can be developed and improved over time regardless of the starting point. This has flow on positive effects to self-confidence, productivity, motivation and achievable outcomes.
The opposite of this is a fixed mindset believing that skills and intelligence are static and not able to be advanced.
If we examine this through the eyes of veterinarians, vet nurses and business owners, having a growth mindset can set you up for a successful career and business.
With a growth mindset:
· It is believed that improvements can be made in skills and knowledge through effort and action. This manifests as a person who is a lifelong learner. The vet or nurse will regularly participate in continuing education and workshops. New goals will be set, and new skills will be practiced until they are mastered. Business owners will utilise mentors and improve business acumen. They will request feedback from clients and staff with the goal of improving services and outcomes. Business metrics will be measured and goals set.
· Challenges are embraced.
· The success of others is viewed not as competition but as inspiration.
· When feedback is provided it is viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve. It is not considered as criticism.
· Failures experienced are viewed as opportunities for reflection and improvement. An adverse surgical outcome might present an opportunity to review techniques or protocols.
· An individual has higher resilience and ability to cope when failures occur.
In contrast having a fixed mindset may lead you to avoid challenges, make less effort, give up more easily, feel shame with failure, be less resilient and feel threatened by other people’s successes.
Changing mindset is possible.
“I can’t do this,” becomes “I can’t do this yet, but I can practice until I can.”
“I’m not good at this,” becomes “I’m not good at this now, but if I get more information and keep practicing, I will improve and get better.”
“My business is not growing," becomes “My business is not growing now, but what steps can I take to change this and achieve growth.”
“I can’t find staff," becomes “Staff are hard to find at the moment, however, what can I do to make our clinic and the role offered, more attractive to the staff I wish to attract.”
With a change to a growth mindset, motivation, resilience and overall performance can be increased. Isn’t this something we all strive for?