Fixed Mindset Characteristics
Knowing what fixed mindset characteristics are can be a game changer.
Why I hear you ask……
It can help you understand your own mindset and how you can change.
If you feel frustrated with being unable to change, this blog will help you to identify your fixed mindset characteristics and how to change them.
This post is about fixed mindset characteristics.
What Is A Fixed Mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that your intelligence, talents and abilities are set in stone.
If you have a fixed mindset, you might find yourself saying things such as, “I’m not smart enough to do that“, or “I’ll never be able to do that“.
This way of thinking can show its self up in all areas of your life. It will be holding you back from going for a job promotion or trying new hobbies.
That’s why it’s important to understand the key fixed mindset characteristics. Once you can identify these, you can start to change them.
That’s right, you can change your fixed mindset. These behaviours and thought patterns can be changed and I’m going to show you how.
Characteristics of a fixed mindset
There are 6 main characteristics of a fixed mindset:
1. Fear of failure
A fear of failure is a fear of not being good enough.
You’ll see failing, not as an opportunity to learn, but it will feel personal and discouraging. This will stop you from going for new jobs, or holding back and staying quiet.
2. Avoiding challenges
You won’t want to expose any weaknesses. Staying with routines that feel comfortable, even if they aren’t fulfilling anymore, helps you feel safe, but keeps you stuck.
3. Giving up easily
When things seem a bit hard, you’ll find yourself saying, “this isn’t for me“.
Instead of persisting with new things, you’ll give up quickly rather than pushing yourself.
4. Feeling threatened by other’s success
If your friends or work colleagues are succeeding, you will see this as a reflection of your failures.
Jealousy will be your initial reaction. You’ll believe that whilst others succeed, there is limited space for you to succeed.
5. Talent matters more than effort
Another key characteristic is believing that other success is based on their talents, rather than effort.
Believing that effort doesn’t count and talent or success comes to some people easily because they are born with it.
6. Negative self talk
Your negative self talk will sound something like:
“I’m just not good at this.”
“I’ll never figure this out.”
“This is just how I am.”
This constant and consistent negative self talk will make you believe that all of this is true.
Fixed mindset vs growth mindset
Understanding the difference between a fixed and growth mindset allows you to understand there is a choice on how you choose to think and what you believe.
If you have a growth mindset you see challenges, not as threats but as opportunities to learn. You’ll know that effort is needed to get from where you are to where you want to be.
You’ll be open to feedback, with an understanding that change takes time, but through learning new skills and steeping outside your comfort zone, anything is possible.
To define a growth mindset is to understand that change is possible.
Understanding where your fixed mindset has comes from
It’s important to remember that a fixed mindset is learned, and therefore can be changed.
Through experiences, environment and messaged received throughout our lives shape our mindset. Understanding where and what has shaped our mindset allows us to fix it.
Here are some areas to consider:
Childhood experiences
What our parents have said to us as children can stick with us through to adulthood.
Looking back and seeing what ‘labels’ our parents gave you can help identify these fixed mindset characteristics.
Past failures
Any past failures can could act as proof that you are not capable.
If you’re unable to learn from these failures, this can significantly impact your mindset.
Perfectionism
Mistakes can seem scary to you if you are constantly seeking perfectionism.
This can lead to procrastination and therefore not starting anything.
Fear of judgement
Fearing what others might think of you will hold you back.
The fear of looking silly or your friends judging tends to be the main focus, rather than chasing your dreams.
Understanding the characteristics of a fixed mindset gives you the understanding of where your doubts may stem from.
With this you can begin to change these though patterns and beliefs. Because you can change, you can shift your mindset to allow yourself you grow and change.
This takes time, and you need to be kind to yourself, but know that’s its possible.
