What mindset do you bring to work?
I sometimes get a bit of flack for being overwhelmingly positive and having a "can-do" attitude.
I can only see the bright side—and I get that can be frustrating for those around me, who have had their nervous system rail-roaded by obstacles, set backs or reasons why something can’t be done and the problem at hand. Just like the late Steve Jobs, I don’t spend much time in the ‘problem’ space, I shift pretty quickly to ‘solution’ - ‘how can we…’ ‘what are our options, what do we need to make this possible?’ and even the simple shift in language can relieve the pressure hugely.
My secret? I have a deeper knowing that things are happening for me, not to me. So I start looking for evidence of what this might uncover in terms of bigger picture opportunities. Every single ‘bad’ thing that has happened to me has always opened up more opportunities than I had before it. My guess is this energy is a welcome burst in most workplaces. At the end of the day, being worried about something is like paying a debt you didn’t rack up—the issue may not even prevail, so why sweat the small stuff?
In life, challenges are inevitable. Whether it's a career setback, a strained relationship, or personal doubts, how we respond to these obstacles often defines our path forward. Oprah Winfrey’s wisdom—“Be responsible for the energy you bring into a room”—serves as a powerful reminder that our mindset and energy influence not only our own outcomes but also the people around us.
A growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort—is a powerful tool to help individuals overcome challenges and thrive.
As a life coach, fostering a growth mindset in clients can lead to profound personal transformation. Here, we’ll explore what a growth mindset is, why it matters, and how mindset coaching can empower individuals to embrace challenges and achieve their goals.
Oprah Winfrey she encouraged her production team to ensure they were responsible for the energy they bring.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
The concept of a growth mindset was popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is rooted in the understanding that effort, learning, and perseverance lead to improvement and success.
Key Characteristics of a Growth Mindset:
Embracing Challenges: Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth.
Persistence: Staying motivated even when progress is slow.
Seeking out Constructive Criticism: Ask, ask and ask again for this, what can I not see, what am I not hearing? Use feedback constructively rather than taking it personally - when you ask for it - it also hurts less.
Celebrating Effort: Valuing the process of learning over the immediate result.
Why Does a Growth Mindset Matter?
A growth mindset is transformative because it reshapes how individuals perceive failure, effort, and success. Honestly there were a few jobs that I had where I was ‘quiet fired’ other people were hired and I was soon not needed- but I was more interested in what’s next, and only later in life it landed- but I was so happy because these nudges helped bring me here, to my passion.
Here are some of the benefits of a growth mindset:
Resilience: A growth mindset fosters adaptability, helping individuals bounce back from setbacks.
Increased Motivation: When people believe they can improve, they’re more likely to invest effort into their goals.
Enhanced Problem-Solving: Challenges are approached with curiosity and creativity, leading to innovative solutions.
Improved Relationships: A growth mindset encourages open communication and the willingness to grow together with others.
Carol S Dweck, author of Mindset and creator of the “Growth Mindset”
How Mindset Coaching Develops a Growth Mindset
As a coach, I guide my clients to adopt a growth mindset involves practical strategies and consistent support:
1. Cultivating Awareness
The journey begins with self-awareness. I encourage clients to reflect on their current beliefs about their abilities and challenges. Questions like, “How do you typically respond to setbacks?” or “What beliefs do you hold about your potential?” can reveal fixed-mindset tendencies.
2. Reframing Limiting Beliefs
Then it’s import to help my clients identify and reframe limiting beliefs. For example, a client who thinks, “I’m just not good at public speaking,” can reframe it as, “I can improve my speaking skills with practice and feedback.”
In this process, it’s important to address the emotional barriers that often underlie fixed mindsets. Financial expert Suze Orman highlights three major internal obstacles to success and growth: fear, shame, and anger. These emotions don’t just block financial progress but also personal development:
Fear: This might manifest as reluctance to take risks or try something new, rooted in a fear of failure.
Shame: Clients may feel unworthy or incapable, leading to self-doubt and avoidance of challenges.
Anger: Resistance to change or past grievances can keep individuals stuck in a fixed mindset.
By helping clients reframe these emotions as opportunities to learn and grow, it enables them to move past these internal obstacles and embrace a growth mindset. For example, fear can be seen as a signal of meaningful growth ahead, while shame can transform into self-compassion through reflection and support.
3. Fostering a Learning-Oriented Approach
I encourage clients to see every challenge as a learning opportunity. Techniques like journaling about lessons learned after a setback or celebrating small wins to reinforce the value of effort.
4. Using Positive Language
It's important to then guide clients to use empowering language. Replace “I can’t” with “I’m learning to” or “This is too hard” with “This is a chance to grow.”, or my personal favourite "I get to”. Words shape perceptions, and perceptions shape reality.
5. Goal-Setting and Accountability
I work with clients to set achievable, bite-sized growth-oriented goals. We break larger ambitions into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate progress along the way. Regular check-ins ensure accountability and provide opportunities to recalibrate as needed.
“Fear, shame and anger are the three biggest internal obstacles to wealth”
Suze Orman
Real-Life Applications of a Growth Mindset
Example 1: Career Challenges
A client struggling with imposter syndrome at work can benefit from mindset coaching by focusing on their achievements and reframing mistakes as learning opportunities. By adopting a growth mindset, they might take on new challenges with confidence, do more things regardless of the fear being present, leading to professional growth.
Example 2: Personal Development
An individual feeling stuck in their personal life can use growth mindset principles to reframe their self-perception. By celebrating small steps—like learning a new skill or developing healthier habits—they build momentum toward a more fulfilling life.
Example 3: A classic case of Jilly
When I was in my late teens, I broke my finger at cheerleading, lifting someone up, holy taledo- did it hurt. A few weeks after with my hand in a splint my dream job that I was still in probation it- the grocery store, terminated my job! Thanks alot- but I knew it wasn’t my life taking me in the right direction - I couldn’t deal with the overhead clinical white lights anyway, so I asked my interior design mentor at the time, “can I come an spend time with you and learn about your business” - she took me under her wing, which lead me quickly to the next thing - working in a textile house- and then working at a private design studio for three years before I got a one-way flight and hiked my way around Canada, surfed through Morocco and skii’d to my hearts content in Switzerland for another three. Where would I be if I didn’t snap little finger that day???? WHERE. I don’t even want to imagine another walk of life.
Wrapping Up: Start Your Journey to a Growth Mindset
Developing a growth mindset is not about eliminating challenges but about transforming how we approach them. Through mindset coaching, individuals can shift their perspective, embrace growth, and unlock their potential. As a coach, I have the privilege of guiding this transformation, empowering clients to navigate life’s hurdles with resilience and optimism.
So let me ask you this - how would you describe your energy and mindset that you bring to work- or home - each day? From flat battery drainer to electric energiser bunny, where do you sit, and are you happy with where you’re at?
Are you ready to uncover a growth mindset and help others do the same?
Let’s begin— Book an intro call and start your coaching journey today.
