How can you develop a growth mindset as an adult learner?

1 Assess your current mindset

In order to develop a growth mindset, it is important to first assess your current mindset and recognize any fixed or limiting beliefs that you may have about yourself and your learning abilities. A fixed mindset is the complete opposite of a growth mindset, as it implies that your traits and talents are permanent and unable to change. This type of mindset can lead to the avoidance of challenges, giving up easily, disregarding feedback, and feeling threatened by others' success. To assess your current mindset, ask yourself some honest questions such as: how do you react to feedback or criticism? How do you cope with failure or mistakes? How do you approach new or difficult tasks? How do you compare yourself to others? If you find that you have a fixed mindset in some areas, don't worry. With practice and persistence, you can make the necessary changes.

2 Challenge your fixed beliefs

The next step to developing a growth mindset is to challenge your fixed or limiting beliefs and replace them with more positive and empowering ones. For instance, if you believe you are not good at math, you can try to reframe that thought by saying math is a skill that can be learned and improved with effort and practice, it is not a measure of intelligence or worth as a person, and it is a useful tool that can help solve problems and achieve goals. By challenging fixed beliefs, you can open your mind to new possibilities for learning and growth.

3 Seek feedback and learn from it

Developing a growth mindset involves seeking and learning from feedback. Feedback is an invaluable tool for identifying strengths and weaknesses, and making adjustments. However, it can also be difficult as it can trigger negative emotions. To develop a growth mindset, you need to embrace feedback and see it as an opportunity for growth, not a threat. This can be done by asking for feedback from various sources, listening to the feedback with an open mind, thanking the feedback giver, and reflecting on the feedback to decide what to do with it. By taking this approach to feedback, you can maximize your performance and reach your learning goals.

4 Embrace challenges and learn from failures

Developing a growth mindset involves embracing challenges and learning from failures. Challenges and failures are an essential part of learning and growth, as they can help you understand your capabilities, test your boundaries, and uncover new techniques. Although they can be intimidating, leading to feelings of inadequacy or discouragement, you must look at them as opportunities instead of obstacles. To do this, choose tasks that align with your interests and goals, yet push you beyond your comfort zone. Persevere in the face of difficulties and setbacks, asking for assistance when needed. Analyze your mistakes and understand what you can gain from them. Lastly, celebrate your accomplishments and reward yourself for your successes. By accepting challenges and failures and growing from them, you can increase your confidence and resilience, enabling you to reach your full potential.

5 Seek learning opportunities and experiences

The final step to developing a growth mindset is to seek learning opportunities and experiences. Reading books, articles, blogs, or podcasts that relate to your goals can enrich your knowledge and skills. Taking courses, workshops, webinars, or online programs can help you learn new concepts. Joining communities, groups, or networks can connect you with other learners or experts in your field or industry. Volunteering, mentoring, or coaching others can benefit you by challenging you to grow. Seeking learning opportunities and experiences will expand your horizons and keep your mind sharp and curious.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?