Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

I was recently stuck on my couch for four days with a fever (not my finest moment!), watching everything on Netflix. And there I was, watching this totally unexpected movie that taught me something profound about how our mindset shapes everything we do. That got me thinking about the contrast between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset.

Here’s the thing – every single day, we’re operating on one side of the growth mindset vs. fixed mindset spectrum. These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the invisible forces that shape every decision we make, every risk we take (or don’t take), and every dream we pursue (or let slip away).

Let me break down what I mean and why understanding the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset matters so much for you as a leader.

What’s Really Going On in Your Head?

Before we dive deep, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about when we compare a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset. Think of them as two different lenses through which you view yourself and the world:

Fixed Mindset:

“I’m either good at something, or I’m not”
“Failure means I’m not capable”
“Feedback is criticism”
“My abilities are set in stone”
“Success should come naturally if I’m talented”

Growth Mindset:

“I can learn and improve with effort”
“Failures are opportunities to grow”
“Feedback helps me develop”
“My potential is unlimited”
“Success comes from practice and persistence”

The Real-Life Impact

Let me tell you about two of my clients who perfectly demonstrate this growth mindset vs. fixed mindset difference. Names have been changed so I’m not calling anybody out!

One client, Kelly, (fixed mindset) came to me believing she wasn’t “a natural leader.” When her team faced challenges, she took it as proof that she wasn’t cut out for leadership. She’d say things like, “I guess I’m just not good at this,” or “Maybe I should step back and let someone else lead.”

Then there’s Mary (growth mindset). When she faced similar challenges, her response was completely different: “What can I learn from this?” “How can I approach this differently next time?” They have the same situations but two totally different outcomes because of their mindsets.

Signs You’re Stuck in a Fixed Mindset

Sometimes, we don’t even realize we’re operating from a fixed mindset. As a coach, I see these patterns show up all the time – even in the most successful women! Let me share some of those sneaky signs I see regularly:

You Avoid Challenges Because You’re Afraid of Looking Incompetent: I had a client who turned down a huge speaking opportunity because she wasn’t “a natural public speaker.” Instead of seeing it as a chance to grow, she let that fixed mindset convince her she’d embarrass herself. Sound familiar? We often stick to what we know we’re good at, missing chances to expand our skills and influence.
You Give Up Quickly When Things Get Hard: This shows up a lot in business! Maybe you try something new – like running Facebook ads or launching a program – and when it doesn’t work perfectly the first time, you decide, “I’m just not good at marketing,” or “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” That’s your fixed mindset talking, convincing you that if it’s not easy, it’s not for you.
You See Effort as Fruitless: This is the classic “either you have it, or you don’t” thinking. I see this especially with things like leadership skills or business acumen. Women tell me, “Some people are just natural leaders” or “I’m not good with numbers.” But here’s the truth: nobody starts as an expert. Every skill takes practice and effort.
You Ignore Useful Feedback Because It Hurts Too Much: Oh, this is a big one! When someone offers constructive criticism, do you get defensive or shut down? I recently worked with a leader who would literally change the subject when her team tried to give feedback. She was so afraid of not being “perfect” that she couldn’t see feedback as a gift for growth.
You Feel Threatened by Others’ Success: This shows up in subtle ways – maybe you stop following someone on social media because their success makes you feel bad, or you find yourself thinking, “They just got lucky,” when someone else succeeds. Instead of being inspired by others’ achievements, you feel diminished by them.
You Hold Yourself Back from Big Goals: This is one I didn’t mention earlier, but it’s crucial. With a fixed mindset, you might set “safe” goals that you know you can achieve, rather than stretching for what you really want. It’s like having an internal ceiling on your potential.

The tricky thing about these signs is that they often masquerade as being “realistic” or “practical.” We tell ourselves we’re just being sensible when really, we’re letting that fixed mindset keep us playing small. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the difference between growth mindset vs. fixed mindset, so you can figure out which one you’re using and break free when you need to.

Here’s a quick exercise I do with my clients: For the next week, every time you catch yourself in one of these patterns, pause and ask: “Is this a fixed mindset moment? What would be possible if I looked at this situation with a growth mindset instead?”

Breaking Free: How to Develop a Growth Mindset

The good news? A growth mindset isn’t something you’re born with – it’s something you can develop. Here’s how:

Get Curious About Your Narrative: What stories are you telling yourself? Like in that movie I watched (yes, still talking about that!), sometimes we carry narratives from our past that don’t serve our future. Challenge those old stories. Ask yourself: “Is this still true for me? Does this help me become who I want to be?”
Embrace the Power of “Yet:” This is my favorite mindset hack! Instead of saying “I can’t do this,” add “yet” to the end. “I’m not good at public speaking… yet.” “I haven’t mastered financial planning… yet.” That one word opens up possibilities.
Reframe Challenges: When you face a difficult situation, pause and ask:
- What can I learn from this?
- How will this help me grow?
- What skills will I develop by working through this?
Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes: Start noticing and appreciating the work you put in, not just the results you get. Did you try something new? Take a risk? Push outside your comfort zone? That’s worth celebrating!
Seek Growth-Oriented Environments: Like I always say to my clients – look at the rooms you’re in. Are you surrounded by people who believe in growth and possibility? Who challenge you to think bigger? Who support your development?

The Hidden Benefits of a Growth Mindset

When you shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, amazing things start happening. I’ve seen this transformation countless times with my clients, and let me tell you – it’s like watching someone step into their full power for the first time.

You Become More Resilient in the Face of Challenges: Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, you start seeing them as valuable data points. One of my clients went from crying in her car after a tough client meeting to saying, “Okay, what can I learn from this?” She started keeping a “lessons learned” journal and now actually gets excited about challenges because she knows they’re making her stronger. That’s what true resilience looks like!
Innovation and Creativity Flow More Naturally: When you’re not afraid of “getting it wrong,” you allow yourself to experiment and play. I love watching this happen! A client who used to agonize over every Instagram post, worried about perfection, now tests new content ideas freely. She’s actually having fun with it, and guess what? Her engagement has skyrocketed because her audience can feel that authentic energy.
Your Leadership Impact Expands: This is huge. When you operate from a growth mindset, you stop trying to prove yourself and start focusing on developing others. One of my clients went from micromanaging her team (because she thought everything had to be “perfect”) to empowering them to solve problems creatively. Her team’s productivity doubled, but more importantly, they’re more engaged and innovative than ever.
You Inspire Others to Grow, Too: This is the ripple effect that gets me excited! When you model a growth mindset, it’s contagious. I’ve watched leaders transform entire company cultures just by changing how they approach challenges. Instead of hiding mistakes, they create environments where learning is celebrated. Their teams start taking more initiative, sharing ideas more freely, and supporting each other’s growth.
Your Potential Feels Limitless: This isn’t about becoming superhuman – it’s about removing those self-imposed limits. A client recently told me, “I used to think I couldn’t run a million-dollar business because I’m not good with numbers. Now I realize I can learn whatever I need to learn.” She’s not just dreaming bigger; she’s taking concrete steps toward those dreams because she knows she can develop the skills she needs.
You Start Seeking Out Challenges: Here’s a bonus that surprises many people: you actually start looking forward to difficult situations! One of my clients recently volunteered to lead a major company transition – something she would have avoided like the plague before. Why? Because she now sees it as an opportunity to grow rather than a chance to fail.
Your Relationships Improve: This is an unexpected benefit I see all the time. When you stop operating from fear of judgment and start embracing growth, your relationships become more authentic. You’re more open to feedback, more willing to be vulnerable, and more supportive of others’ journeys.

The most beautiful part? These changes create a positive feedback loop. Each time you approach a situation with a growth mindset and see positive results, it becomes easier to maintain that mindset in the future. It’s like building a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Just last week, I was working with a client who looked at her quarterly results, and instead of beating herself up about missing some targets (which she would have done six months ago), she got excited about all the new strategies she could try next quarter. That’s the power of a growth mindset in action!

A Personal Note About Mindset Shifts

Let me be real with you – even as a coach, I catch myself slipping into a fixed mindset sometimes. Just recently, I was faced with a new challenge in my business and caught that little voice saying, “Maybe you’re not cut out for this.”

But here’s what I’ve learned: recognizing those thoughts is half the battle. The other half is choosing, consciously and deliberately, to shift to a growth perspective. To get curious instead of critical. To ask “how can I?” instead of declaring “I can’t.”

Your Turn to Grow

So here’s my challenge to you: This week, notice when you’re operating from a fixed mindset instead of a growth mindset. Just notice – no judgment! Keep a little note in your phone or journal about what triggers those fixed mindset moments.

Then, practice shifting. It might feel uncomfortable at first (growth usually does!), but stick with it. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all working on it together.

Ready to dive deeper into your mindset work and uncover the difference between growth mindset vs. fixed mindset? Let’s connect! Book a call with me, and let’s explore how we can transform those limiting beliefs into launching pads for your success.

Remember, the question isn’t whether you can develop a growth mindset – it’s when and how. You’ve got this, leading lady!

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Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: Which One Is Holding You Back?