Building your personal growth mindset – one thought at a time
Post 5 of the series: unlocking potential with a growth mindset
Big changes at work often trigger small, silent doubts:
"What if I can’t keep up?"
"I’ve never done this before."
"Others are probably better at this than me."
If that sounds familiar – you’re not alone. A growth mindset isn’t about being fearless. It’s about learning to stay open, even when you feel unsure.
Mindset is a practice, not a personality
Many people believe mindset is a trait you either have or don’t. But the truth is: it’s something you build. Like a muscle. Like a habit.
And like any habit, it starts with noticing.
Where fixed mindset shows up
Even if you’re usually confident and curious, fixed mindset thoughts can still creep in – especially in moments of uncertainty or pressure:
Avoiding new tools or systems
Not speaking up in meetings
Feeling defensive when receiving feedback
Telling yourself "I’m just not good at this"
These thoughts aren’t weaknesses – they’re signals. And with practice, you can respond to them differently.
Small ways to shift your thinking
You don’t need a grand plan to build a growth mindset. Start small:
Notice your self-talk. When you hear “I can’t do this,” try adding “…yet.”
Ask one curious question a day. Curiosity helps replace fear with possibility.
Reflect on progress, not perfection. What did you try this week that stretched you?
Share what you’re learning. Learning out loud builds confidence – and invites connection.
Celebrate effort. Remind yourself: trying is winning.
A mindset – not a mood
You won’t feel positive every day. That’s not the goal. The goal is to stay open to learning, even when things feel hard. To be kind to yourself when you're struggling. And to remember: you’re growing – even if it’s not visible yet.
Want to explore your own mindset habits? Choose one small practice from this post and try it for a week. See what shifts – gently, gradually, in your own time.