Monday, 19 May 2025

The role of growth mindset in career growth

By Olamide Adedara on May 19, 2025

In today's fast-changing work environment, technical skills alone are not enough. What truly sets professionals apart is their mindset—specifically, a growth mindset. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.

Why a Growth Mindset Matters in Your Career:

It fuels continuous learning and adaptability.
It helps you embrace challenges instead of avoiding them.
It builds resilience in the face of failure or setbacks.
It encourages constructive feedback as a tool for improvement.
It opens the door to new opportunities and innovation.

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset at Work:

Fixed Mindset	Growth Mindset
"I'm not good at this."	"I can learn how to do this."
"Feedback means I failed."	"Feedback helps me improve."
"I avoid challenges."	"I see challenges as chances to grow."
"My skills are limited."	"My skills can be developed over time."

How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

Reframe Failure: See mistakes as data—not defeat. Reflect on what you can learn rather than what went wrong.
Ask More Questions: Curiosity leads to growth. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know—yet."
Set Learning Goals: Instead of just outcome goals (e.g., "get promoted"), set goals like "master project management tools by Q3."
Surround Yourself with Learners: Work with and learn from people who challenge and inspire you.
Track Progress: Document how far you've come, what you've learned, and how you've overcome obstacles.

Real Career Impact:

Professionals with a growth mindset are more likely to take initiative, volunteer for stretch assignments, and pursue new skills. Over time, this mindset leads to higher performance, greater job satisfaction, and more career mobility.

Conclusion:

Your mindset shapes your career more than you think. By choosing to believe in your potential for growth, you open the door to a career that evolves with you—not despite you.