Fixed-mindset posture vs growth-mindset. First I should say, I don’t think I or people are 100% growth-mindset or fixed-mindset. I think we all have different degrees of how and where. Someone could have a fixed-mindset with learning a new language but growth-mindset with learning to cook. But maybe we’re not aware of these distinctions within ourselves, they’re just stories we tell ourselves.
A fixed-mindset, a limiting belief. I can’t get into college. I don’t deserve this job. People’s perceptions of me, my perception of myself. Change is hard, change is impossible. What if I don’t have it, what if I can’t do it, what if it doesn’t work? Why should I change? Give me one good reason. Wouldn’t changing mean, I was wrong this whole time? What will people think? I’ve built up this reputation, I am who I am, now what? I’m supposed to change? I’m afraid though, what if I can’t do it, what will people think of me? What will I think of myself? How do I even do it?
A fixed-mindset conversation feels closed off to the curiosity of the question “What if?”