If you’re a young adult just starting, you’ve probably been told you need “natural talent”, or you’re “probably not going to be good at anything.” But here’s the truth: the belief that talent alone is the key to success is a huge misconception. What actually sets successful people apart isn’t just their natural abilities—it’s their mindset, particularly their ability to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. This is what we call a growth mindset, vs a fixed mindset, mentality.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between a growth mindset vs fixed mindset, and we will challenge this fixed mindset that you need talent in order to win, and how we can harness the power of a growth mindset to create success in life.
What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. On the flip side, a fixed mindset is the belief that your skills and intelligence are set in stone—you’re either “good” at something, or you’re not. People with a fixed mindset tend to shy away from challenges because they fear failure. They don’t see failure as a learning experience but as proof that they aren’t talented enough.
To put it basically, if they are not naturally good at it they simply won’t try. And they use failure as the sign that they should not be doing it.
Real-Life Example of Growth Mindset in Action
When I was younger, I had a hard time with my speaking and people skills. I was always nervous and always avoided social interaction. My fixed mindset said that I am not outgoing and since I’m not outgoing I should avoid social interaction at all costs. As I got older I read the book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie and it changed my life.
I quickly learned that most powerful speakers are introverted! They discipline themselves to practice their speaking and have courage to talk to others if there is impact to be made. It wasn’t overnight, but every time I got up in front of people, I improved a little more. Now as a default I get compliments on my people skills and get asked if I was always good with people. Which is obviously a hard No.
Why Talent Alone Isn’t Enough
We often get caught up in the idea that certain people are just born talented. While talent can give you a head start, it’s not enough to carry you through challenges. The world is full of talented people who never reach their full potential because they don’t put in the effort to improve.
The Downside of the Fixed Mindset
When you operate from a fixed mindset vs a growth mindset, you’re more likely to give up when you encounter obstacles. It’s easy to say, “I’m just not good at this,” and move on to something else. But think about it: if every successful person stopped trying the moment they hit a roadblock, no one would ever achieve anything. The world would be full of average individuals
Take Michael Jordan, for example. He wasn’t picked for his high school basketball team at first. Instead of letting that define him, he worked harder than anyone else and became one of the greatest athletes of all time. Never getting tired of the basics, he continued to practice his free throws hundreds if not thousands of times a day. That’s the power of a growth mindset.
How a Growth Mindset Drives Continuous Improvement
One of the most powerful aspects of a growth mindset is its ability to drive continuous improvement. When you believe you can get better at something through effort, you’re more likely to stick with it, even when it gets tough. You’re not afraid to try new strategies or fail because every failure is an opportunity to learn.
Personal Growth Happens in the Struggle
Here’s a hard truth I’ve learned through my own experiences: growth is in the struggle. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but that’s where growth stagnates. I remember when I first started a new workout routine. I hated it at first—I felt weak, and it was embarrassing to struggle with weights that seemed easy for others. But over time, as I kept showing up and pushing myself, I got stronger. It wasn’t the easy days that made me better, but the hard ones where I felt like giving up. The weights don’t get lighter you just get stronger, same with challenges.
Key Differences Between Growth Mindset and Talent
It’s important to understand the difference between relying on talent and embracing a growth mindset. While talent can be a great asset, it’s not a sustainable strategy for long-term success. People who rely solely on their natural abilities often burn out when they face challenges they can’t easily overcome. Or develop insecurities around the other areas they aren’t naturally gifted at and don’t make the effort to be good at all things.
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Outcome
With a growth mindset, you learn to embrace the process rather than just focusing on the outcome. Whether you succeed or fail isn’t as important as what you learn along the way. This shift in thinking helps you stay motivated and resilient, even when things don’t go as planned.
How to Develop a Growth Mindset Today
So, how can you start cultivating a growth mindset? It all begins with small, intentional changes in the way you approach challenges. Here are a few practical steps you can take to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
Practical Tips for Shifting Your Mindset
- Challenge Yourself Daily: Try tasks that push you outside your comfort zone. This could be learning a new skill, taking on a project at work that stretches your abilities, or even tackling a personal challenge like exercising regularly or lifting heavier weights.
- Reframe Failure: Instead of seeing failure as a dead-end, view it as a stepping stone to success. Every setback is a chance to learn. If you want to become someone of great value understand that failure is inevitable embrace it!
- Cultivate Curiosity: People with a growth mindset are always learning. Read books, listen to podcasts, and ask questions. The more you know, the more capable you’ll feel of tackling new challenges.
Your Mindset in Career and Life Success
A growth mindset isn’t just about learning new skills; it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success in both your career and personal life. When you approach challenges with a willingness to learn and improve, you’re much more likely to find success, no matter where you start.
Long-Term Payoff of a Growth Mindset
In the long run, people with a growth mindset tend to achieve more because they’re always learning and adapting. They don’t get discouraged by failure; instead, they use it to fuel their progress. Whether you’re starting a new job, learning a new skill, or simply trying to improve in your personal life, a growth mindset will help you push through challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Conclusion: Talent is Great, but a Growth Mindset is Better
At the end of the day, talent is only a small piece of the puzzle. What really sets successful people apart is their ability to learn, grow, and persevere in the face of challenges. By adopting a growth mindset, you can unlock your full potential and achieve things you never thought possible. So, if you’ve been relying on talent alone, it’s time to make the shift. Start embracing challenges, learn from failures, and watch your growth take off. Also, join our community here at Permission Free Living where you can be inspired by other’s stories and share your own!
References:
- Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books, 2006.
- Murphy Paul, Annie. “The Key to Success? Grit.” TIME, 2013.
[…] fixed mindset can hold you back, making you fear failure and avoid challenges. On the other hand, a growth mindset opens you up to new possibilities, encouraging you to embrace learning and […]