Researchers have praised the growth mindset for decades as a means of assisting people in overcoming obstacles, cultivating perseverance, and even raising successful children. The most alluring aspect may be that adopting a development mentality instead of a fixed one is a major predictor of success, perhaps even more so than skill and IQ.
“Anything you can think of that you’ve accomplished in your life, it’s because you developed a certain ability, habit, or mindset,” Jay Shetty, presenter of the top-rated health and wellness podcast on the planet, On Purpose, tells Fortune.
Growing through challenges: How a positive mindset, from Carol Dweck to Jay Shetty, can transform your journey
A growth mindset, as defined by famous psychologist and Stanford professor Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., enables individuals to view setbacks as a chance to develop new abilities and perspectives. Its tenets prioritise passion and inquiry over rivalry and gain.
Dweck’s 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success popularised the concept of flourishing in the face of adversity. Since then, influential works in the field have supported this theory, such as James Clear’s book Atomic Habits and Angela Duckworth’s ‘grit’ studies. And most recently, Shetty emphasises that we actively contribute to reaching our objectives.
Having conducted interviews with notable figures on overcoming obstacles and discovering one’s voice, such as Michelle Obama, Tom Holland, and Selena Gomez, Shetty feels that individuals tend to blame themselves when they don’t achieve their goals or New Year’s resolutions.
According to Shetty: “We frequently believe it’s because we’re not smart enough, good enough, or we didn’t try hard enough,” Fortune is told. “What I’ve discovered over time is that, in reality, it’s because we failed to develop the ability, routine, attitude, and discipline required to accomplish that goal.”
Fortunately, obstacles can be overcome by changing our perspective. In a new video series titled 7 Days of Growth, Shetty—who also holds the position of chief purpose officer at Calm, a mental health company that provides mindfulness exercises and other resources—will demonstrate to viewers how to cultivate a growth mentality.
Here are his three suggestions for starting down the path of development:
- Develop a new vocabulary for self-talk
Ever heard the saying “You are your own worst critic”? According to Shetty, there is an omnipresent voice that tries to intimidate us into accomplishing our objectives. It makes fun of how far we still have to go, makes allusions to the heroes who came before us, and dwells on all the obstacles in our way.
On the contrary, a growth mindset emphasises accepting the process of education and skill development—even understanding when to change course. We can begin by speaking kindly to ourselves, just like we would a friend.
“We are changing the way we think about ourselves so that it becomes a more encouraging voice, one that pushes us, follows up with us, and recognises all of the hard work that has been done,” Shetty explained. “It’s someone who understands that the procedure might need to be adjusted or modified.”
Studies have shown that positive self-talk, particularly affirmations, can increase confidence by igniting the brain’s reward system and reducing stress hormones. Affirmations centred around people’s values, like “I love how I prioritise hosting dinner parties with my friends” (even if I burned the chicken on the last one) or “I am proud of myself for learning how to play pickleball” (even though I feel like I let my partner down), were the most potent.
- Engage with individuals who are on a similar journey
Shetty claimed that surrounding oneself with like-minded people is another essential to developing a growth mentality. He claimed that “community and accountability are so underappreciated and underestimated, and I feel they can have the biggest impact”. Even if someone doesn’t share our objective, we can remain dedicated if we share our mentality shift with them and they value our drive to progress.
Who can motivate us to enrol in that first volunteer position, pick up a new language, or take that pottery class? Growth-minded people can support us in keeping our attention on the essential components of our objective and in accepting setbacks as a necessary part of the journey. It doesn’t hurt that we frequently have greater motivation to attend when we are aware of the fact that we may let our loved ones down as well.
Additionally, research indicates that having an accountability partner increases our chances of finishing the race.
“Although it can be difficult to get to the gym every morning on your own, you’re more likely to show up if you know your friend will be waiting for you,” Shetty claimed.
- Establish an intention as the first thing in the morning
Unread emails, a never-ending news cycle, and the allure of social media approval make it all too simple to wake up and join the pandemonium right away. “We’re not thinking about growth as we begin our day. We’re thinking about negativity, noise, and notifications when we wake up, as well as what we haven’t done, claimed Shetty.
An instant stress response brought on by overwhelm can confuse our goals for progress and put our bodies on high alert. On the contrary, making time each day to practise mindfulness and deep breathing can help us present ourselves more truthfully. Shetty advised making a decision as soon as you wake up. It reminds us to remain in the now and look for opportunities for personal development in less than 30 seconds.
Anything from “my goal is to lead with positivity today” might be used. “Today, I want to lead with an attitude of gratitude” or “To be present wherever I am,” Shetty declared.
Various digital resources, like the Intelligent Change app that generates the 5 Minute Journal, might encourage us to jot down three expressions of appreciation together with a plan for our day’s activities first thing in the morning. We can be inspired to create intentions by the morning meditations offered by mental health services like Calm and Headspace, as well as by Shetty’s Daily Jay.
Even though it could take some time, making even little changes to our thinking can have a big impact on how we live and approach our goals in life. “What’s beautiful is you’re planting lots of seeds, and you have no idea as to what they’re going to grow into in the future,” Shetty said.
(Tashia Bernardus)