What Is a Growth Mindset and Why Does It Matter?

A growth mindset isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a powerful way of thinking that can significantly change how we approach life and its challenges. Psychologist Carol Dweck coined the term in the early 2000s after years of research into motivation and personal development. The idea is simple but profound: people with a growth mindset believe they can develop their abilities through effort, learning, and persistence. It’s the opposite of a fixed mindset, where people see their intelligence or talents as static and unchangeable.

Think of it like learning to ride a bike. At first, it feels impossible—you wobble, fall, and get frustrated. But with practice, you slowly get the hang of it, and soon, you’ll be pedalling away confidently. A growth mindset works the same way—it’s the belief that even if you aren’t good at something, you can improve with time, effort, and perseverance.

So, why does it matter? Having a growth mindset can transform the way we view challenges and setbacks. Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, we recognise them as opportunities for learning and growth. It’s about changing your self-talk from “I’m bad at this” to “I’m not good at this… yet.” That one tiny word, “yet,” shifts the focus from fixed limitations to possible improvement. This shift is crucial whether you’re learning a new skill, navigating relationships, or building a career.

In essence, a growth mindset helps us deal with life’s ups and downs with resilience, patience, and an openness to learn.

How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

While the idea of a growth mindset may sound great in theory, how can you actually start developing one? Here are a few effective strategies:

1. The Power of “Yet”
   It might seem like a tiny word, but “yet” can make a massive impact on how you approach challenges. Adding it to your thoughts can transform them from limiting beliefs to ones filled with potential. For example, instead of saying, “I’m not good at public speaking,” try reframing it as “I’m not good at public speaking yet.” That tiny tweak shifts your mindset from feeling stuck to believing that improvement is possible. That small shift moves you from feeling stuck to believing improvement is possible. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that learning is a process, and no one is perfect immediately.
   
   In fact, the way we word things can dramatically affect our confidence. Dweck highlights that using words like “yet” or “not yet” provides people—both adults and children—with a path forward, fostering persistence and resilience. The next time you face a challenge, try adding “yet” to your self-talk and notice how your mindset changes. 
   
   Don’t just take our word for it—try it. Think of one thing you’ve always believed you can’t do and add “yet” to it. It might just open up a whole new way of thinking! 
   
   

2. See Failure as Stepping Stones
   

   Let’s be honest; no one enjoys failing. But failure is an inevitable part of learning and growth. Instead of seeing it as a dead end, think of failure as feedback—a way to understand what didn’t work and how to improve next time. It’s not failure; it’s just information.
   
   

   This perspective shift can be life-changing. Thomas Edison famously said this about his lightbulb invention: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Every so-called failure brought him closer to success, refining his approach with each attempt.

   
   

   In Buddhism, there’s a phrase that encapsulates this idea: “Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” Life will throw curveballs, but how we react to them defines our experience. A growth mindset encourages us to view failure as part of the process, not the final outcome. With each stumble, we’re one step closer to mastering something new.

   
   

   The next time you face a setback, instead of feeling defeated, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” This question can turn what feels like a failure into a valuable learning moment.
   
   

3. Embrace Learning
   

   Having a growth mindset means embracing the idea that learning is a lifelong journey. Just like the bonsai tree, we are constantly growing and changing. Whether you’re learning a new hobby, picking up a language, or developing skills for your career, there is always room to improve and evolve, no matter your age.

   Buddhist teachings emphasize the importance of staying present and being open to new experiences. When we adopt a beginner’s mindset—approaching situations with curiosity and openness—we remain teachable and adaptable. This is essentially the foundation of a growth mindset: treating every experience as an opportunity to learn rather than assuming we already know everything.

   So, how can you embrace lifelong learning? You can start by being curious. Sign up for that course you’ve been eyeing, try out a new hobby, or ask for feedback at work. By making learning a regular part of your life, you’ll always be moving forward and growing. 
   
   

4. The Power of Environment
   

   This aspect is often overlooked when building a growth mindset ––the environment you surround yourself with. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to learn and grow can reinforce a growth mindset. When you’re in a setting that values improvement, collaboration, and continuous learning, you’re more likely to adopt those values for yourself.

   Workplaces that emphasise mentorship, ongoing education, and positive reinforcement can be instrumental in fostering a growth mindset. On a personal level, spending time with people who support your growth and challenge you to improve can have an equally profound impact.

   While mindset is deeply personal, it’s also influenced by the environments we create and participate in. 

Growth is a Journey, not a Destination

Developing a growth mindset is a lifelong practice, much like caring for a bonsai tree, which requires constant attention and care. By embracing the idea that we’re constantly evolving, we can face life’s challenges with greater resilience, curiosity, and optimism. The Buddhist teaching of impermanence reminds us that nothing stays the same forever. This flux allows us to grow, adapt, and thrive in new ways. 

So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, think of it as a new branch on your bonsai tree—a direction you hadn’t planned on but one that could lead to unexpected growth.

Ready to start cultivating your growth mindset? Here are a few steps to get you started:

• Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Take note of any limiting statements you make about yourself and reframe them with “yet.”

• Embrace Failure: Next time something doesn’t go as planned, see it as a learning opportunity instead of a roadblock.

• Seek Out New Learning Opportunities: Pick up a new hobby, enrol in a course, or commit to being more curious daily.

By making these small changes, you'll be on your way to developing a growth mindset and discovering new possibilities. Start today—you never know where it might lead!