According to the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by psychologist Carol Dweck, thinking has great power in realizing what we want. According to her, there are two main thinking models: progressive thinking and conservative thinking.

The Fixed Mindset

People with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence and creative potential are innate and cannot be changed. They also believe that success is just an “natural” result of these abilities. For them, success and effort do not have much connection with each other. Therefore, instead of developing themselves, these people often give up easily and constantly look for new opportunities outside.

The Growth mindset

In contrast to people with a fixed mindset, people with a growth mindset have a more open perspective on success . They do not see failure as a reflection of ability, but only as a starting point for experiences and ideas. Besides, they also believe that intelligence can develop over time and through effort. Therefore, they often tend to strive harder in work and life and achieve many good achievements.

How to practice a growth mindset?

1. See challenges as opportunities for personal development

For people with a growth mindset, any challenge is an opportunity for them to develop themselves. Even though it’s not easy, it will make us stronger and more mature. Challenges also allow us to discover potentials and strengths that we never knew existed. As for people with a fixed mindset, they often avoid challenges. Instead of finding solutions to problems, they fear, complain and see themselves as “victims” when things don’t go their way.

2. Believe in yourself

Success or failure, happiness or suffering is a very important thing. However, the most important thing is to be aware of the inner strength within each person. This strength comes from trust. When we trust ourselves, faith will give us strength to overcome all life situations. A bird sitting on a branch feels safe not because the branch is strong, but because it trusts its wings. Therefore, faith is not only a catalyst but also the first foundation to help us create what we desire.

 

3. Be curious

Scientist Albert Einstein once said: ” I don’t have any special intelligence, I’m just passionately curious .” Curiosity is the starting point of great inventions, the teacher who brings us new things through our desire to learn. Successful people are curious and often ask questions about things around them. When we truly want to explore, the door of knowledge will open so that wonderful things can come into our lives.

Look at life with excited eyes and live with a humble attitude. The famous sage Socrates said: ” I know only one thing, that is, I know nothing “. Inquisitiveness stimulates curiosity, making us want to learn and acquire more knowledge. Conversely, when we think we know everything, our brains will prevent us from seeking out more information.

4. Listen to other people’s opinions

To develop a growth mindset, in addition to being eager to learn, we also need to be open-minded and listen to the opinions of those around us. Because we live in a community, interaction and exchange between individuals is extremely important. People with a growth mindset are often open to other people’s opinions. They believe that learning is not only limited to books and theory but also through practice and sharing from those around them. Meanwhile, people with a fixed mindset do not want to listen to suggestions because they always see themselves as “victims” living in a world full of doubt and lies.

5. Celebrate other people’s successes

We also need to understand that success is not limited to material or financial aspects but is a combination of many factors. Each person will have a different definition of success. Therefore, do not impose other people’s opinions on your values ​​and then be “imprisoned” in negative emotions of jealousy. Our minds at that time no longer had room for great and creative ideas. Therefore, when we see someone successful and happy, instead of being jealous, we should sincerely share the joy and use it as motivation to strive.