What is a mindset and how does it develop?
A mindset is the way in which we think about things, approach problems, and create new ideas. Our mindset determines our choices and behaviour and is influenced by our values, assumptions, and beliefs, which are shaped by who we are, how we grew up, and what we've experienced in life.
What does your mindset have to do with self-belief?
Self-belief is a person’s belief in their ability to complete tasks and overcome challenges. Positivity and negativity make a big difference to our lives. Your mindset affects the way you view challenges: whether you see them as a good thing or a bad thing!
What does Islam say about self-belief and mindsets?
“And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is Allah for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.” (65:3)
Muslims are encouraged to tie their camels and put their trust in Allah. This means, doing what is in our ability as well as asking for Allah’s assistance. Hope, trust, hard work and effort are all strongly encouraged in Islam.
What is a fixed and growth mindset?
Psychologist, Carol Dweck, proposed that there are two types of mindsets which describe the beliefs people have about learning, intelligence and creativity.
A fixed mindset: Believes that talents, abilities, and intelligence are fixed at birth. Success is about proving yourself to be smart and intelligent.
A growth mindset: Believes that talents, abilities, and intelligence can grow and develop. Success is about learning new things and developing.
Praising and labelling by parents and teachers in childhood is largely responsible for the mindset that we develop.
How do you develop a fixed mindset as a child?
Feedback that we are given as children can either encourage us to choose a challenge or look for an easy way out. Praising children’s intelligence by telling them they are smart, encourages a fixed mindset. It leads them to avoid challenges or experiences that may expose them as less than and instead play ‘safe’ in their comfort zones to avoid failure/mistakes.
How do you develop a growth mindset as a child?
In childhood, praising hard work and encouraging effort helps children develop a growth mindset. People with a growth mindset have a passion for learning more than a passion for approval. They embrace challenges and enjoy the process of learning and making mistakes.
How does the fixed mindset view failure?
Failure means you are not smart or talented enough. It is a source of shame and embarrassment and something to be afraid of. The fear of it stops you from trying new challenges. Having to put in effort means you are not intelligent enough.
How does the growth mindset view failure and effort?
Not only are people with this mindset not discouraged by failure, but they don’t actually see themselves as failing in those situations — they see themselves as learning. Failure means you are not putting in enough effort and pushing yourself hard enough. Effort is what makes you talented.
Can you change your mindset?
We can indeed change our mindset from fixed to growth, and when we do, it leads to increased motivation and achievement. It starts with accepting that our brains can develop and grow throughout our lives.
Listen out to the voice in the back of your mind that causes you to self-sabotage and rewire your brain to think positively instead.
Throw yourself into the deep end (with compassion!) and be willing to learn from mistakes.
The more you challenge the negative voice, the weaker the voice will become, until having a growth mindset becomes second nature!