Some people find it difficult to learn new ways of thinking or accept change, while others seem to adapt easily to just about every situation. Is it possible to build upon what we know and how we usually think? Researchers believe that yes, just as we can learn techniques for better emotional regulation, we can also develop a growth mindset to help improve many aspects of our lives. Let’s explore this concept more closely.
Understanding a Growth Mindset
Many self-help and wellness trends focus on mental and emotional growth, but the distinction between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset has been around for decades. The idea of mindset was first introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck, a professor at Stanford, in the early 1970s. Her groundbreaking education research revealed that some students believe effort and practice can improve their skills, intelligence, and talent, and they see challenges as opportunities for growth. This mindset, which Dweck called the growth mindset, is linked to higher achievement, motivation, personal growth, and resilience.
On the other hand, some students believe their abilities are fixed and unchangeable. They shy away from challenges, preferring the safety of their comfort zone, which Dweck labeled as the fixed mindset.
Here are some key differences between fixed vs. growth mindsets highlighted by Entrepreneur, which we feature verbatim:
- Negative self-talk and defensiveness vs. constructive self-talk and openness to feedback.
- Jealousy or discouragement over others’ success vs. using others’ achievements as inspiration and motivation to learn.
- Belief in fixed abilities vs. the belief in potential growth through effort and learning.
Over time, Dweck’s research has been applied to various fields, including business and leadership, education, the arts, sports, and even behavioral psychology, helping people navigate challenges and fostering personal and professional development. Dweck’s studies show that understanding this concept and applying it effectively can lead to significant personal benefits.
What You Can Learn From Having a Growth Mindset
You’re a unique individual with personality traits that reflect your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Some of these characteristics are part of your core self. However, with a growth mindset, you can also evolve, maintaining certain strengths while building upon other areas. You recognize the value of improvement through effort and believe the eventual outcome is worth the journey. If you’ve received a dual diagnosis or are in recovery for substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), this frame of mind is valuable to your continued wellness.
In her book, Mindset: Changing the Way You Think to Fulfill Your Potential, Dweck explores the concept of a growth mindset as a way to fulfill potential. For example, ask yourself these questions:
- “What did I try hard at today?”
- “What did I learn today?”
- “What mistake did I make that taught me something?”
Dweck’s theory states that “the passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of a growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
The foundation of a growth mindset isn’t simply about acknowledging the success: it’s about reinforcing the effort that led to the success so you not only recognize your abilities but also use them to further progress.
Overcoming Obstacles With a Growth Mindset
How can shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset support your recovery journey? Here are some ways it can help.
It Enhances Your Resilience
This is the mental strength that enables you to recover from setbacks, accept what’s happened, and move forward with a new approach. You might even notice that your resilience is stronger now in recovery than it was before you began treatment.
You Tap Into Your Full Potential
It’s tempting to seek the easy way out, but there’s a deep sense of achievement in trusting yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone. This might look like:
- Having calm, meaningful conversations with family and friends about how to maintain your mental, emotional, and physical health.
- Becoming a sponsor in a 12-Step program.
- Speaking up in a support group.
- Seeking out a like-minded network of people and certain activities that support your recovery.
You Recognize Endless Possibilities
People in recovery, especially those dealing with AUD and SUD, may feel discouraged when setbacks or relapses occur. This is completely normal. However, by maintaining a growth mindset, you understand the value of what each experience teaches you. You can use that knowledge to guide you on a better path forward.
Does having a growth mindset mean you always look at challenges with pure positivity? Not necessarily. It’s okay to feel emotions in response to difficulties. But as Dweck points out, embracing a “not yet” mentality shifts away from a fixed mindset that sees situations as all-or-nothing. Instead, it helps you accept that you’re constantly evolving and learning as you progress.
In this video, she explains the “not yet” principle in more detail.
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