Have you ever whispered to yourself, “I’m just not that kind of person,” or “This is too hard, I’ll never get good at it”? I know I have. Those moments feel like heavy chains, holding us back from even trying. But what if I told you that those chains are only in your mind? And you have the key to breaking them.
Today, let’s explore the growth vs fixed mindset, see why it matters, and learn how breaking out of comfort zones and doing hard things can completely transform your life.
Growth vs Fixed Mindset: What Is the Difference?
Psychologist Carol Dweck, in her groundbreaking research at Stanford University, explained that people generally fall into two mindsets:
- Fixed mindset: A fixed mindset believes that traits like intelligence or talent are set in stone—you either have it or you don’t. Failure feels like proof of weakness, so challenges are avoided.
- Growth mindset: A growth mindset trusts that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Mistakes aren’t the end; they’re lessons along the way.
According to Dweck’s studies, people with a growth mindset are more resilient, more likely to embrace challenges, and often achieve more in the long run (Stanford Teaching Commons).
Why a Fixed Mindset Keeps You Stuck
A fixed mindset is like planting a tree near a concrete wall; the roots can’t spread, and growth is stunted.
Here’s how it often shows up in life:
- Avoiding challenges for fear of failing.
- Giving up quickly when things get hard.
- Feeling threatened by other people’s success instead of inspired.
- Believing effort is pointless because “I’m just not good at this.”
In fact, research published in BMC Medical Education found that students with a fixed mindset were less resilient and more likely to struggle under pressure compared to those with a growth mindset (BMC Medical Education Journal).
What a Growth Mindset Unlocks
Switching to a growth mindset is like removing the wall so the roots can spread. Suddenly, new possibilities open up:
- Courage to take on challenges even when success isn’t guaranteed.
- The ability to see failure as feedback, not proof of weakness.
- Resilience when setbacks come—because they will come.
- Better performance in learning, work, and relationships.
Neuroscience backs this up too. Studies on brain plasticity show that the brain continues to grow and adapt when challenged with new and difficult tasks (Mindset Health).
Breaking Out of Comfort Zones
Comfort zones are cozy, but nothing grows there. Hard things feel uncomfortable at first, but that’s where true transformation happens.
- Think of muscles: They don’t grow by staying relaxed. They grow when pushed, stretched, and challenged.
- Think of a baby learning to walk: Falling again and again isn’t failure, it’s part of learning balance.
In the same way, stepping into discomfort builds inner strength.
Practical Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset
Here are everyday ways to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset:
| Practice | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Reframe Limiting Beliefs | Add the word yet. Say: “I don’t know how to do this… yet.” | “Yet” turns a closed door into an open one. |
| Celebrate Effort Over Outcome | Praise persistence, strategy, and learning, not just results. | It makes failure less scary and progress more motivating. |
| Face Small Discomforts | Do one thing each week that stretches you—speak up, try a new skill, ask a tough question. | Builds confidence step by step. |
| Embrace Feedback | Ask trusted people what you can improve, and reflect after mistakes. | Mistakes become lessons, not verdicts. |
| Anchor in Faith | Meditate on verses like Romans 12:2 (“renew your mind”) or James 1:2-4 (trials build perseverance). | Spiritual strength fuels resilience. |
Why Doing Hard Things Changes You
A study published in Acta Psychologica found that people who deliberately stretched themselves with harder tasks actually improved their long-term learning capacity (ScienceDirect).
This is why doing hard things, whether it’s speaking in public, starting a business, going back to school, or parenting through challenges, transforms you. The discomfort you feel today becomes confidence tomorrow.
Living Both-ways
Living in a fixed mindset is like trying to run uphill with weights tied to your feet. But choosing a growth mindset is laying those weights down and walking freer, stronger, and braver.
So here’s my challenge for you: pick one hard thing you’ve been avoiding. Do it this week. You may stumble. You may feel uncomfortable. But on the other side, you’ll meet a stronger version of yourself.
Your Turn
I’d love to hear from you:
- What is one area where you’ve been stuck in a fixed mindset?
- What’s the hard thing you’ll commit to this week?
Share your thoughts in the comments, or send me a message. And if this inspired you, please share it with a friend, sister, or colleague who needs a gentle nudge to believe in their own growth.
featured Image by Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
