Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: The Way You Think Shapes Your Life
Have you ever caught yourself saying something like:
“I’m just not good at this.”
“I’ll never be able to do that.”
“That’s just the way I am.”
These statements might sound harmless, but they reflect something deeper—a fixed mindset. And it might be holding you back more than you realize.
Understanding the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset is one of the most powerful tools for improving your mental health, relationships, and ability to overcome challenges.
What Is a Fixed Mindset?
Coined by psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, a fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and traits are set in stone. People with a fixed mindset often believe:
You’re either born with talent or you’re not.
Struggle means failure.
Feedback is criticism.
Success is a sign of worth; failure is a sign of inadequacy.
With a fixed mindset, mistakes feel threatening, challenges are avoided, and personal growth often stalls—because deep down, change doesn’t feel possible.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that your abilities and traits can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. It sounds like:
“I’m not good at this... yet.”
“What can I learn from this mistake?”
“This is hard, but I’ve done hard things before.”
With a growth mindset, you’re more likely to take healthy risks, learn from feedback, and bounce back from setbacks. You’re not threatened by failure—you see it as a part of the process.
Why Mindset Matters for Mental Health
Your mindset doesn’t just impact your performance—it shapes your self-talk, how you handle emotions, and how you view yourself in moments of struggle.
A fixed mindset can lead to shame, avoidance, and self-sabotage.
A growth mindset supports resilience, self-compassion, and long-term wellbeing.
When you believe you can grow, you're more likely to ask for help, try new coping strategies, and stay with the discomfort of healing—instead of shutting down or giving up.
Mindset in Action: Common Examples
SituationFixed MindsetGrowth MindsetFacing anxiety“I’m just an anxious person. I’ll always be this way.”“I’m struggling right now, but I can learn to manage this.”Relationship issues“I’m bad at relationships.”“I can learn better ways to communicate and connect.”Starting therapy“I should be able to handle this on my own.”“Seeking help shows strength and a desire to grow.”
How to Shift Into a Growth Mindset
Notice your inner dialogue. Start catching the “I can’t” or “I’m just not good at this” thoughts.
Reframe challenges. Replace “I failed” with “I’m learning.”
Praise effort, not outcome. Acknowledge your progress, not just results.
Get curious about setbacks. What did they teach you? What could you try differently next time?
Surround yourself with growth-minded people. Their mindset can influence yours.
Final Thoughts
You’re not stuck. You’re becoming.
Your mindset is not a label—it’s a lens. When you shift from fixed to growth thinking, everything changes: how you see yourself, how you respond to struggle, and how you define success.
The path to growth isn’t always easy, but it is always possible. And it starts with believing that you—and your brain—can change.
Working with a therapist offers a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns—so you can grow, heal, and feel more like yourself again. Whether you're navigating stress, relationships, or simply want to understand yourself better, therapy can help.
Click here to book a session and begin your journey.
