How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset | The good news: you just took a huge step. Developing a growth mindset is one of the most valuable things you’ll ever do, and committing to it is a massive part. If you’re reading this because you’re ready, you’re on the right track.
There’s no exact definition for having a growth mindset, but more or less, it means that you value bettering yourself. That you are not content to stay stagnant in life. In other words, intentionality. Unfortunately, there’s no switch you can flip to rewire your mind, but there are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a growth mindset.
Personal development and growth are more than just the self help industry. Choosing to work on yourself is healthy, incredible, and Biblical. What good is it to recognize your brokenness if you aren’t prepared to try and work on it?
Perfection is not something anyone should strive for — but being the strongest, kindest, most loving version of yourself you can be? Yes please.
If you couldn’t tell, I’m pretty passionate about this. On my own journey, I’ve discovered these next tips to be incredibly helpful. I hope they do for you what they’ve done for me! Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and if there’s anything I should add!
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How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Be Open Minded
First, You have to be open to new ideas. This doesn’t mean becoming a yes-man, but allowing yourself to have different experiences and explore things you may not have been open to before. Hear people out before you disagree with them, try new routines and habits and see what helps, hurts, and sticks.
You can’t move forward if you’re stuck in the same place. Step out of your comfort zone, branch out to new possibilities, and watch as the world transforms around you.
Ask Questions
Part of opening your mind up is questioning both your own beliefs and the things around you. This might mean digging into beliefs you have about yourself, other people, relationships, etc. It gives you a chance to reevaluate where you’re at and what you want.
Don’t just question yourself though. A growth mindset is one that looks at where you’re going, and not exclusively what’s brought you here. Take note of the things and people who inspire you. Look at what others have done and be encouraged, inspired, and motivated by their journeys.
Whatever you do, keep learning! The world is big and weird and complicated, and it’s up to you to learn about it and about your role.
Acknowledge Your Strengths & Weaknesses
You’re a broken person. But you’re also a valuable person. Arrogance leaves no space to develop a growth mindset, but neither does self-deprecation. Get comfortable with both your strengths and weaknesses.
If you need help labelling either, ask the people closest to you. Embrace your strengths, and face your weaknesses head on. Perfection is not attainable — but dedication to growth leads to emotional maturity, strength, and typically, contentment and happiness.
Set Goals
Because how can you grow if you’re not going anywhere?! Intentional living is all about working towards a life you love, whatever that looks like.
As you develop a growth mindset, think long and hard about what it is you want to work towards. [If goal setting is new to you, check out this post on How to Set Successful Goals !] Be honest, specific, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Give yourself action steps with end dates — this way you have a plan and some built in accountability.
Read Books/Listen to Podcasts
Remember that whole “keep learning” thing? Reading books and listening to podcasts are great ways to do just that. Hearing from other people’s perspectives on things you may not know about is always worthwhile, and has led to some of the biggest changes in my life.
This book changed my entire life (not kidding) and actually inspired my passion for living intentionally. I wouldn’t be writing this, and probably wouldn’t have stuck with blogging had I not received it as a birthday gift a year and a half ago.
Both reading/listening to podcasts are great brain stimulants, and will add to your life in so many ways. If you’re not sure where to start, I actually have a post on the Top 10 Books on Intentional Living and the 5 Best Podcasts for Any Twenty Something.
Keep a Journal
Maybe this is the Words-of-Affirmation in me, but physically penning my thoughts & feeling has been lifechanging. Keeping a journal gives you an outlet. A built-in space to process that won’t and can’t criticize, mock, or disregard you. It’s private, personal, and is a really cool keepsake to have.
I can’t look back on old journals and not cry. It’s a really cool thing, to be able to see exactly where you were and how far you’ve come. Written-down evidence of what the Lord has carried you through, the darkness you’ve overcome, and the beautiful moments that can so easily get lost in the shuffle. All that to say: get a journal. You won’t regret it! I personally have gone through several moleskine journals, and I kind of like the uniformity, but there’s TONS of other cute ones on Amazon or at any bookstore.
Write in a Planner
So simple, and yet, so helpful. Writing in a planner is one of the best tricks I’ve found for bringing peace to my mind and sticking to my goals. Over the last few years, I’ve developed what I believe is the perfect planning system (literally takes 5 minutes), which you can read all about here, but planning is also entirely customizable.
Similar to journalling, it’s tangible evidence of your growth. At the beginning, it might feel a bit overwhelming to build in so many new practices — but looking back, it feels damn good.
Join My Email List
Okay, okay, so this one’s a bit of a shameless plug. But in all seriousness, I write content all about relationships, mindset, and what it means to live an intentional and purposeful life — and twice a month, I send you an email recapping what you’ve missed. I don’t have TIME to spam you, but they’re usually filled with good information that will absolutely support your journey to cultivate a growth mindset.
In case no one’s said it, I’m so proud of you for taking this step and committing to being better. You’ve totally got this!
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