Have you ever heard the term ‘growth mindset’?  

Well, if you haven’t… it’s exactly what it sounds like – someone making an effort to grow and develop mentally. The goal is to become stronger and more resilient with your thoughts, knowing our actions and ultimately quality of life will follow!  

But, it’s human nature to stay the same, adopt habits we grew up around and keep the familiar self-talk we hear and see. That’s called a fixed mindset – not moving/changing.  

Fixed mindset vs. Growth Mindset  

Fixed: “I could never learn how to do that, I’m already behind everyone else who started learning years ago!” 

Growth: “It’s never too late to learn… I am smart and able to learn something new” 

Fixed: “That’s way too hard, I’m not even going to try.” 

Growth: “It’s okay if I fail at something, at least I learned along the way.” 

Fixed: “I’m afraid of making a mistake. Plus, I’m fine where I’m at with things.” 

Growth: “I can always improve if I try.” 

Fixed, or limiting thoughts are totally normal, for all of us. However, throw in a few negative experiences in life, unhealthy relationships, and failed attempts at something and those fixed thoughts tend to pop up in our minds a lot quicker than positive thoughts. 

This is when a growth mindset is even more important than ever. Because our thoughts are so important when it comes to our self-esteem and self-worth. 

We’ve all had those days when we feel down about ourselves… What typically happens on those days? We might make unhealthy choices that keep us from our goals. We might miss out on a life-changing opportunity. We tend to ignore the good around us. And ultimately, we enjoy life less.  

At ACCS we want YOU to enjoy your life to the fullest! Oftentimes that starts with working on your mindset. Here are a few things you can start TODAY for a growth mindset.  

1. Pay attention to your thoughts and words + call them out for what they are: limiting self-talk that holds you back 
2. Replace the lie that you are “failing” with the truth that you are “learning” when thinking of your current life circumstances  
3. Spend time focused on the growth you want to see. Whether that is through prayer, journaling, walking, driving with the widows down – whatever space allows you to pause, reflect and set intentions 

If you want someone to talk to, our team of professional counselors are always here for you!