5 Fixed Mindset Trigger that keep us from developing and strengthening a Growth Mindset ❌

In the last blog post, we learned about the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. 👉🏼 Click here to get to the blog post.

However, before we can focus on ways to strengthen a growth mindset, we should first take a look at the trigger of a fixed mindset.

In the following, we will therefore look at 5 fixed mindset trigger that are widespread in society:

🧑🏾‍💻 Having to work hard

If hard work is one of your mindset triggers, you may get overwhelmed by tasks that require a long, sustained effort—and you will be more likely to give up.

Another sign that hard work may be a mindset trigger for you is if you tend to compare yourself to others, and you feel discouraged when it seems like it requires less effort from them to achieve the same goals.

Note: If having to work hard is one of your mindset triggers, it doesn’t mean that you’re lazy. It just means you have a self-limiting belief—that you think that no matter how much work you put in, some people are just more talented than you are.

😔 Facing Setbacks

Setbacks are extrinsic (vs. a challenge that is intrinsic): We get sick, we can lose a job, there can be an oversight, a mistake, an accident.

Let's look at an example: You have the new goal to go for a run twice per week. Unfortunately it’s been raining all week - running won’t be as nice with this kind of weather. You decide to skip the run. You basically let something like the weather disturb your plans. In your mind, a setback is not a setback, it’s a roadblock.

😕 Getting negative feedback

Everyone is handling critique differently. Some of us struggle to separate our performance from our identity. If we don’t do well, we often think we’re not good enough.

Think about how you react to critique - Is it one of your mindset triggers?

🤯 Being challenged

Being out of your comfort zone is one of the best signs you are learning and growing, but some people are not comfortable being on the edge of their competence.

If your mindset trigger is being challenged it means that when you try to work on something and the solution you try doesn’t work, you believe that the goal itself is too hard - and you may quit altogether.

🚀 Seeing success in others

This is one many of us have a hard time admitting to. We would look at someone who was either more senior or had more experience, and we would compare ourselves to them. Often we are feeling jealous. What our brains didn’t seem to realize is that these people had been working on their success for a long time, and there was no reason why we wouldn’t get to a similar level if we put in the effort too.

It can be intimidating to hang out with people who are more advanced than you in their journey - that’s why it’s a mindset trigger for many of us.

Time for some self-reflection: Which fixed mindset trigger are you prone to the most? 🤔

Do you already want to learn strategies for developing a growth mindset? Then register now completely free of charge for your first 30-minute whylab group coaching session and exchange ideas with like-minded people who understand and support you! 👉🏼 Click here to register.💙