In life’s journey, everyone faces a variety of challenges and opportunities. How we respond to these challenges and how we view our own abilities and future often depend on the mindset we hold. Our mindset not only shapes how we see ourselves, but also influences how we interact with the world.In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, psychologist Carol Dweck outlines two fundamental ways of thinking: the growth mindset and the fixed mindset.These two ways of thinking profoundly affect our attitudes toward success, failure, learning, and growth.

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

A fixed mindset assumes that a person’s talents are innate and unchangeable. Under this mindset, individuals often tie their abilities directly to outcomes. Success is seen as proof of talent, while failure is taken as evidence of inadequacy. People with this mindset tend to avoid challenges and fear failure because they believe failure will expose their shortcomings.

In contrast, a growth mindset holds that abilities can be continually developed through effort and learning. Those with a growth mindset have a more positive attitude toward failure and challenges, viewing them as opportunities to learn and improve rather than as the end of their abilities. For them, success is not merely a display of talent, but the result of persistent effort and self-improvement.

Growth Mindset in Groundhog Day:

In the movie, the protagonist Phil experiences countless repetitions of the same day. At first, he feels confused, angry, and hopeless. Although each day’s circumstances are identical, he eventually changes his way of thinking—pursuing self-improvement, learning the piano, reading books, and helping others. In the end, he earns both respect and love. Phil’s transformation is a journey from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

In our daily lives, while we can’t experience an endless time loop like Phil, we often encounter repetitive work or routines that leave us feeling stuck. Finding opportunities for growth in such situations is precisely the power a growth mindset can bring. By changing the way we think, we can discover endless possibilities in ordinary life, continuously progressing and surpassing ourselves.

Why Cultivate a Growth Mindset?

Different mindsets have a profound impact on our lives. A fixed mindset can trap us in self-imposed limits, making us believe our abilities can go no further. A growth mindset, on the other hand, unlocks our potential and helps us see boundless possibilities.

Take the example of renowned inventor Thomas Edison. He was not a natural-born genius, but through continuous effort, learning, and challenging himself, he achieved groundbreaking inventions. Edison never treated his abilities as fixed limits; instead, he kept experimenting, failing, and learning from his experiences until he succeeded. This perseverance and willingness to take on challenges lie at the heart of the growth mindset.

Moreover, a growth mindset affects not only personal development but also leadership and team culture. Leaders with a growth mindset tend to focus on their employees’ growth and development, encouraging innovation and risk-taking. Leaders with a fixed mindset, however, may rely too heavily on talent and existing achievements, overlooking the potential for employee growth. This difference in mindset directly shapes an organization’s culture and direction.

Pathways to Transforming a Fixed Mindset into a Growth Mindset：

Changing your mindset is not an overnight process, but you can gradually cultivate a growth mindset through the following steps:

1. Welcome challenges: Approach life’s difficulties head-on, viewing them not as obstacles to dodge but as stepping stones for personal growth.

2. Learn from failure: Recognize the value of failure, drawing lessons from it rather than viewing it as proof of inadequacy.

3. Keep learning and improving: Stay curious and passionate about learning in any field, continuously enhancing your abilities.

4. Maintain a positive attitude: When faced with difficulties and setbacks, remain optimistic and believe in your ability to overcome and surpass them.

Through these actions, we can steadily nurture a growth mindset, face every challenge life presents, and become better versions of ourselves in the process of growth.