Our mindset shapes how we approach life, learning, and challenges. Whether we realise it or not, the way we think affects everything from our career growth to our conversations with have with people. At the heart of this is a choice between two powerful concepts: a fixed mindset and an open (or growth) mindset.
Having worked with professionals at various career stages, going from a fixed mindset to an open mindset can open new doors. Let’s explore the distinction between these mindsets and discuss why cultivating an open mindset is essential for achieving personal and professional success.
What Is a Fixed Mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and talents are static, no matter how hard you try you feel stuck. People with this mindset often think:
“I’m just not good at this.”
“I’ll never be able to do that.”
“That's the way it is, and I can’t change it.”
This way of thinking can create barriers. When someone with a fixed mindset faces challenges, they may avoid them for fear of failure, criticism, or discomfort. The result? Stagnation. Opportunities are missed, growth is suppressed, and you never wonder about what your potential could be like.
What Is an Open Mindset?
An open mindset, often called a growth mindset, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. People with an open mindset see challenges as opportunities and failures as stepping stones to success. They say things like:
“I can learn to do this.”
“This is hard, but it’s helping me grow.”
“I’m not there yet, but I’ll get there.”
This mindset encourages resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks, all of which are crucial for achieving your goals.
The Science of Mindsets
The concept of fixed and growth mindsets was popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. Her research found that individuals with a growth mindset tend to achieve more because they focus on improvement rather than proving themselves. When we embrace an open mindset, our brain actually changes. Neuroscientists call this neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways. Each time we tackle something new or challenging, we’re rewiring our brains to become more adaptable and capable.
How Mindsets Show Up in Real Life
Let’s look at how these mindsets play out in common scenarios:
1. Facing Challenges
Fixed Mindset: “I can’t do this. I’m just not good at public speaking.”
Open Mindset: “This is tough, but I’ll improve with practice and feedback.”
In my work as a voice and communication coach, I’ve met many clients who initially believed they’d never feel confident speaking in front of others. Once they shifted to an open mindset, they started to see progress, not overnight, but through steady, intentional effort.
2. Receiving Feedback
Fixed Mindset: “This feedback is criticism, I must have done something wrong.”
Open Mindset: “This feedback is a chance to learn and grow.”
Early in my career, I found feedback negative. I saw it as a sign that I wasn’t good enough. But when I began viewing it as a tool for growth, everything changed. Feedback became an opportunity, not a threat.
3. Tackling Something New
Fixed Mindset: “I’ve never done this before, I don't think I can do it.”
Open Mindset: “I’ve never done this before, I'll give it a go.”
When I started working as an ambassador for the Canary Wharf Entrepreneur Group, I had no prior experience in that kind of role. At first, I doubted myself. But I told myself, “You can learn.” That mindset helped me connect with incredible people, gain confidence, and expand my skills in ways I never expected.
Shifting from Fixed to Open: Practical Steps
Changing your mindset isn’t an overnight process, it’s a journey. Here are some steps to help you cultivate an open mindset:
1. Embrace “Yet”
Add the word “yet” to your self-talk. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I can’t do this yet.” This small shift opens the door to possibility.
2. Reframe Challenges
See challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to avoid. Each difficulty is a chance to learn something new.
3. Seek Feedback
Actively ask for feedback and view it as a gift. The insights you gain can help you refine your skills and approach.
4. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Success
Focus on the process, not just the outcome. Celebrate the hard work you’re putting in, even if you haven’t achieved your goal yet.
5. Surround Yourself with Open-Minded People
The people you spend time with influence your mindset. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage growth, challenge you, and inspire you to be your best self.
The Benefits Of An Open Mindset
The shift to an open mindset can transform every area of your life. Here’s what you can expect:
Resilience: You’ll bounce back from setbacks more quickly because you’ll see them as part of the learning process.
Adaptability: You’ll embrace change with curiosity rather than fear.
Confidence: The more you grow and learn, the more confident you’ll feel in your ability to tackle challenges.
Opportunities: By being open to new experiences, you’ll attract opportunities you never thought possible.
Better Decision Making: You become more mentally strong to choose the decisions that are the best for you.
Mindsets In Action: A Personal Story
When I first started growing my business, I struggled with a lack of confidence. I was passionate about helping people find their voice and improve their communication, but deep down, I felt like I didn’t know how to grow a business. I kept thinking: I’m too young to be an expert, aren't experts meant to old with grey hair with 20 years of experience?
I worried that clients wouldn’t take me seriously and that someone older and “more qualified” would always be chosen over me. This fixed mindset led me to second-guess myself constantly. I hesitated to put myself out there and missed opportunities because I didn’t feel “ready.”
Eventually, I realised the only thing standing in my way was my own thinking. I decided to approach my insecurities with an open mindset. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I reminded myself of what I did bring to the table: a deep understanding of voice and communication, a passion for helping others, and a track record of positive results.
The change wasn’t immediate, but over time, I started challenging those self-doubts. I sought feedback, invested in learning, and put myself in situations where I could grow. With every client success story and every new opportunity, my confidence grew, not because I magically became “older” or “more experienced,” but because I allowed myself to see growth as a process.
Now, when I look back, I’m so glad I didn’t let my fixed mindset hold me back completely. Switching to an open mindset allowed me to step into my potential, and it’s a shift I encourage everyone to make. If you’re telling yourself you’re not ready, remember this: You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to be willing to grow.
Which Mindset Will You Choose?
The beauty of an open mindset is that it’s available to anyone, at any time. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow. If you’re ready to embrace an open mindset and take your personal and professional communication skills to the next level, visit my website. I’ve got tips, resources, and strategies to help you overcome challenges and step into your full potential.
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