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Weekly Theme #5: Growth Mindset

  • Dec 30, 2025
  • 3 min read

Growth Mindset: What is it?

Growth mindset is a belief. It is a belief where one embraces challenges and setbacks as a part of the learning process and tries harder. Those with a growth mindset will have a framework of beliefs that their talents can be improved even through struggle; they believe that with enough work, they will succeed.

Studies have shown that a growth mindset has positive effects on a student’s motivation and academic performance. Another study by Dweck has also shown that students with a growth mindset academically outperformed the group specifically trained in study skills.


Growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset, in which people think that their intelligence is a fixed quality and inherently unchangeable over time.

Someone with a growth mindset will:

  • Improve without incentive

  • Embrace and persist through challenges

  • Value effort and learn from criticism

  • Have better coping skills, especially academically

  • Develop grit and find inspiration in setbacks



Neuroscience of a Growth Mindset

The key brain function of a growth mindset is neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of your brain to change and reorganize itself through the reforming of neural connections.


Having a growth mindset encourages new neural connections and strentgthens brain regions and connections for growth, therefore strengthening cognitive functions.

  • Embracing a growth mindset reduces activity in the amygdala, therefore reducing fear responses from challenges, failure, and lowering stress. This helps build resilience.

  • The prefrontal cortex (in charge of problem-solving) is enhanced with a growth mindset, fostering creative thinking and innovative solutions to problems.

Another function of your brain, dopamine, also helps with motivation for keeping up a growth mindset. This neurotransmitter releases to reward the “small wins” towards your growth journey.



Examples of Everyday Growth Mindsets

  • “I can learn if I set my mind to it”

  • “This is frustrating, but I can keep going.”

  • “Failure can be really upsetting, but I can learn from it.”

  • “Dedication and hard work can help me reach my goals.”

  • “If I need to, I’m not afraid to ask for help.”

  • “Making mistakes is a part of improving.”

  • “My progress is slow, but it still counts.”

  • “Effort matters. The true reward is the progress.”

  • “Growth isn’t linear.”

  • “Confusion is uncomfortable, but it’s a sign I can learn.”

  • “Trying again isn’t embarrassing—I just don’t want to quit out of fear.”

  • “I don’t have to be instantly good at something for it to be worth trying.”

  • “Everyone else seems to be getting it, but I’m sure they’ve worked hard to get there too.”



5 Small Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset

  • Start using “yet” more often: catch when you start self attacking. When you start to think “I can’t do this”, change it to “I can’t do this yet.”

  • Write down your goals: Growth mindsets are growth oriented, set clear and realistic goals with actionable microsteps. Make a list, not just one.

  • Appreciate the journey: Don’t focus so much on the ending. Savor the valuable moments. Remember, growth is progress, not the destination.

  • Reflect on your progress: At the end of each day, think back to both success and errors. Ask yourself why one went well and why the other didn’t. Think of one way to try to make both go well next time.

  • Focus on how far you’ve gotten, not how far you have to go: Many people fall into the trap of focusing on the gap between yourself and your goal. Don’t demoralize yourself, end each day answering one simple question: “What progress did I make today?”


You can do it. I believe in you.



References

Wester, L. (2022, August 18). 10 Steps to Developing a Growth Mindset. DRG. https://www.donorrelations.com/post/10-steps-to-developing-a-growth-mindset-1

Ng, B. (2018). The neuroscience of growth mindset and intrinsic motivation. Brain Sciences, 8(2), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci8020020

Purdue Global. (2024, January 8). What Is a Growth Mindset and How Can You Develop One? Purdue Global. https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/careers/develop-growth-mindset/

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