Fixed to Growth Mindset Transition.

Yes, you read that right. Of course, there is definitely a good deal of learning that comes as a derivative of adapting to a growth mindset. But before that, there is something else that one must do, to even get started with the transition from a fixed to a growth mindset!

First, a quick introduction to the concept of Growth Mindset. I, like many of you, came across this term through Dr.Carol S.Dweck’s book “Mindset”. Of course, I had heard many leaders and colleagues mention this term often in the past, but I did not deep dive into understanding it further. In simple terms, growth mindset is simply about not having a fixed mindset.

Here is a light-hearted comic strip, that depicts fixed mindset in a simple manner.

Kit’s thought process is an example of how a fixed mindset thinks. We can replace this scenario with any new situation, challenge or opportunity that comes our way. Most of us tend to think like Kit, based on what we already know or depending upon our past experiences. This is a ‘resistance to change’ phase. This might also be ‘I already have learnt this one way, and I am sticking to it so that I am safe’ phase. This is also the “staying in comfort zone” phase and growth is minimal in this zone.

Now, here is a representation of what a Growth mindset looks like, in Kit’s situation.

I always thought that mindset shift occurs while we try to “learn” new things. For instance, here we have Kit trying to learn about Max, by slowly stepping out of the comfort zone and testing the water. But learning does not help in the transition phase. There is something else that one needs to practice, to even get to the transition phase!

Think about it, you need to question all that you know, if you want to get started with the transition phase. Be it what you think you know about yourself, your belief, your judgement — everything should be doubted and if necessary, UNLEARNT, for the mindset shift to begin. Because without unlearning, there will be conflicting thoughts and opinions, which may hinder the smooth transition and complete shift to the growth mindset!

Let us see what this transition might look like for Kit!

If we break down Kit’s thought process while he is trying to “unlearn”, here is what he goes through:

All the above process happens while he is alarmed about losing his yarn ball and his brain exploding!

At certain situations, there are repeated stages of learning and unlearning that happens, before one achieves their end goal. From my personal experience, here is what happened to me while I had to transition to a growth mindset.

End Goal: Wake up at 5.00 a.m. every morning.

Fixed Mindset thought: I am not a morning person.

Transition 1 : ‘Unlearn’ the belief that I am not a morning person. It was very very diffucult to let go of a belief about me, that I carried throughout my childhood and adulthood!

Learning 1: It is not that I am not a morning person, maybe I am just lazy, and if I try I will be able to wake up at 5.00 a.m.

Learning 2: Learnt that change in certain habits will assist in waking up early. So started going to bed early and avoided having caffeine in late evenings.

Growth Mindset Phase 1: I woke up at 5:00 a.m. for 3 days in a row.

Transition 2: Unlearning the thought that I am not lazy. Realizing that I will do it, if I am sincere about it.

Learning 2: How to ensure that I am sincere about this? By creating a meaningful and favorite routine (e.g. meditation, exercise or reading) to be done at 5:00 a.m. I motivated myself to be sincere about this goal.

Growth Mindset 1.1: Woke up at 5:00 a.m. for almost 1.5 months, performed favorite routine. Felt confident about myself.

But this is not the end of the story. I often go back to my old habit of waking up late. I even go to the extent of waking up at 4:00 a.m. to turn off the alarm at 5:00 a.m.! It requires a good amount of practice and hardwork to stay in the growth mindset until it becomes a norm, and to master any new habit , skill or process! So, setting a new goal now: Growth Mindset 2.0 - To wake up at 5.00 a.m. for 3 months in a row! Looking forward to my unlearning and new learning journey to achieve the target.

The fixed to growth mindset transition phase is full of uncomfortable sensation, fear, doubt and needs a lot of unlearning to be done. But once you are in the process, the results are amazing , the learning gives you confidence, and it is worth every step! Good luck with your journey!

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