From fixed mindset to growth mindset: the complete guide

From fixed mindset to growth mindset: the complete guide

In her seminal book Mindset, American psychologist Carol Dweck explains the two main mindsets we have when approaching new challenges—or even life in general. Fixed mindset — “In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. Growth mindset — “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”

The idea is that what is commonly called intelligence can be “grown” incrementally by means of hard work, positivity, resilience, and training, and that people can be placed on a continuum according to their implicit views of where their abilities come from. Contrary to what many people think, the adult brain is not “hard-wired” with fixed neuronal circuits. It’s actually very plastic. Neuroplasticity can be defined as the ability of the brain to change continuously throughout your life. It means your brain keeps on changing, adapting, and forming new connections even as you grow older. More importantly, it means your cognitive abilities are not fixed.

Before we explore ways to foster a growth mindset, it’s crucial to be able to spot your own fixed mindset triggers. Having to work hard. Facing setbacks. Getting negative feedback. Being challenged. Seeing success in others. “In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you’re not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn’t need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.”

When you have a growth mindset, the hand you are dealt is just a starting point for personal growth. Remember the concept of neuroplasticity. Don’t say failing, say learning. Place growth before speed. Grow with others. Having a growth mindset is related to having an open mind. Instead of seeing your abilities, skills, knowledge, and values as fixed, you always push into the unfamiliar, to ensure you are always learning. What am I struggling with right now? What is one thing I will try that will get me out of my comfort zone? What new strategies did I try? What mistake did I make that taught me something?

【大湯俊介】起業家の心に、圧倒的に寄り添った存在でありたい

「異文化における宗教とビジネス」みたいなのを学ぶために1年間くらい留学することにしました。人生で初めてレールを外れましたが、いざ海外に住んでみると、みんなTシャツ短パンで働いているし、常識みたいなものにとらわれていなくて自由だったんですよね。宗教の勉強をしていた関係で週末ミサに行ったり礼拝に行ったりしたのですが、そこでも「人は自由だ」というのを気づかされました。

こういうのって採用と同じで5人採用して5人が完璧に成功するみたいなことってなくて、1/1で当てにいっても成功しないので、結局PDCAじゃないですか。でもなぜか共同創業者には1/1を求めがちで。そうじゃなく、肩肘張らずに一緒にやってみて、うまくいけば共同創業者としてやれば良いと思っています。僕らの場合は偶然、1/1が当たってしまったというだけで運が良かったなと思っています(笑)。「死ぬほど必要としてくれる人がいるか」がめっちゃ大事。

僕たちはそのサービスを作るために週7日朝から晩まで働いているのに、ユーザーインタビューをして行く中で「趣味として、週末に良い感じにモノが作れればいいんです」という声を聞くことが多く、そこに熱量の差を感じてしまいました。それが、クローズしようという意思決定につながる最後の大きなひと押しでしたね。

逆に、起業とかサービスづくりって「辞めなければ勝てる」と思っています。だから、出来るだけ辞める理由がないことをしないといけない。そういう意味で「誰かが死ぬほど必要としてくれている」という状態は「辞める理由」を減らしてくれるのかなと思っています。そういう「中途半端に固執したピボット」というのがお金と時間を使いすぎるパターンだと思うので、残すものと捨てるものをちゃんとはっきりさせたら良いと思いますね。

知らない業界に投資をして、自分が経験してきたことを活かして起業家の力になる代わりに、知らない業界のことを教えてもらおうと。ただ、数社投資して気づいたのですが、そういう目的は合致しないんですよね。別にこちらから情報開示を高頻度で求めるわけでもないし、第一僕自身が起業家として数日おきに細かいことを聞かれるのが煩わしいというのをわかっているので、聞きません。だから、エンジェル投資を「一次情報を得るため」と捉えるのは少し違うと感じました。

起業家が投資家を選ぶ上でのファクターは3つあると思っていて、

1. 資金量（どれくらいの資金を投資できるか）
2. スキルセット（どこに特筆性があるのか。どういう知見を得たいのか）
3. アクセシビリティ（投資家としてどれくらい”使いやすい”か）

Combining the two contents, we can see that the concept of a growth mindset applies not only to personal development but also to entrepreneurship. Both emphasize the importance of hard work, resilience, and the ability to adapt and learn from setbacks. In a fixed mindset, people believe that success is based on innate abilities and talents, while in a growth mindset, individuals understand that their skills and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort.

One common point between the two is the idea of pushing oneself out of the comfort zone and embracing new challenges. In the context of personal growth, this means constantly seeking opportunities for learning and development. In entrepreneurship, it means being open to exploring new industries and acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Another common point is the importance of perseverance and resilience. Both the growth mindset and entrepreneurship require the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. In a fixed mindset, setbacks are seen as evidence of lack of ability, while in a growth mindset and entrepreneurship, setbacks are seen as opportunities for learning and improvement.

So, how can we foster a growth mindset in ourselves and in our entrepreneurial endeavors? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Instead of shying away from difficult tasks, embrace them as chances to learn and develop new skills. Seek out challenges that push you out of your comfort zone and encourage personal growth.

2. Emphasize effort and hard work over innate abilities. Instead of focusing on innate talent or intelligence, focus on the effort and dedication you put into your work. Recognize that success is a result of hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from failures.

3. Surround yourself with a supportive and growth-oriented community. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for personal growth and entrepreneurship. Seek out mentors and advisors who can provide guidance and support on your journey. Collaborate