Gaining Momentum with the Growth Mindset – Part One
I’m in the growth business. Whether it’s plants, people, or potential—I love watching things
grow.
Last month, I shared the story of Chris Nikic. Born with Down Syndrome, Chris didn’t let labels
limit him. At 18, he made a simple decision: get 1% better every day. That decision led him to
complete one of the world’s toughest endurance tests—the Ironman®. Chris wasn’t chasing
trophies. He just wanted to Be Better.
That’s the heart of what Dr. Carol Dweck calls the Growth Mindset. It’s the belief that talent and
ability can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s not about where you start—it’s
about your willingness to grow.
Contrast that with the Fixed Mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe their skills and
intelligence are set in stone. Leaders with this mindset often play it safe. They avoid challenges,
resist feedback, and give up when things get tough. Like Popeye, they say, “I yam what I yam.”
But leaders with a Growth Mindset? They lean in. They know setbacks are part of success.
They welcome feedback, pursue challenges, and see effort as the path to excellence. They
don’t have all the answers—and they’re okay with that. Because they’re focused on growing, not proving.
Now, don’t confuse this with just being positive. Positivity can help in hard times, but it’s the
Growth Mindset that gets us through the grind. Growth is about putting in the reps, learning from mistakes, and choosing progress—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Dweck’s research—and my own experience—shows us this: People often limit themselves by
what they believe they don’t have. But with a Growth Mindset, every challenge becomes an
opportunity to improve.
And that’s where leadership begins—with your mindset.
Are you choosing to grow? Ask yourself these questions to help you assess your Growth
Mindset:
1. What made me think hard today?
2. Is doing XYZ new learning for me? How can learning this impact my life?
3. What motivated me to make the effort?
4. How can I improve?
5. Am I taking full responsibility for my actions?
Next week, we’ll dive deeper into how to build momentum using the Growth Mindset.
Until then, keep growing,
Jeff
