Shawn M. Smith, MPA, MSW
Purpose Coach, Mediator
In a world where change is constant and challenges are inevitable, success often comes down to one key factor: mindset. Specifically, the belief that our abilities can grow and improve over time—a concept known as a growth mindset. Whether you’re striving for personal development, professional advancement, or simply trying to navigate life’s ups and downs, cultivating a growth mindset can be the catalyst that transforms obstacles into opportunities.
Here, Shawn Smith, Purpose Coach and Mediator, offers helpful information surrounding this outlook on life and how individuals can develop (and maintain) a growth mindset.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that you can improve and make a difference through effort, learning, and change. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes your abilities and circumstances are unchangeable and static. Smith provides an example.
“A person might say, ‘Okay, I’m not great with numbers, but I can learn, and I can prove to you that I can learn.’ Alternatively, a fixed mindset is, ‘I’m not good with numbers. That’s just how it is.’ You hear that a lot, right? We all share those limiting beliefs,” she explains. “They are usually like an ‘always or never.’ I’m just not good with numbers. I’m not a morning person. I’ll never have a relationship. Those types of thoughts.”
Using goal setting as a relatable framework, most people have dreams or aspirations. With a fixed mindset, challenges and change feel like roadblocks, making it hard to stay motivated. With a growth mindset, you’re open to change, willing to fail, and able to see failure as a step forward—or a way to “fail up.”
“Neuroscience now says that our brains can change. We can rewire and learn new things. So, if you are practicing or looking for a new goal or doing something that would be very meaningful in your life, understanding that you can change and learn and adapt is a much better mindset to have.”
Why Is It So Difficult to Overcome a Fixed Mindset?
Our brains are wired to protect us, a survival instinct rooted in ancient times. This creates a negativity bias—we fear risk and worry about others’ opinions because, historically, being safe and accepted by the group was crucial. Today, that shows up in concerns like social approval and fear of change. But the good news is, we can rewire our thinking to overcome these instincts and approach challenges differently.
How can people shift that ingrained attitude? Change often starts with small, consistent daily habits. One helpful technique is called “eat the frog,” based on a quote by Mark Twain: Tackle your hardest or most unpleasant task first thing in the morning. Doing so builds momentum, proves you can handle difficult things, and sets the tone for taking on the next challenge.
“When you let things sit, and fester, and get bigger and out of control, they’re so hard to tackle. That’s called procrastination. We all have that,” notes Smith. “Here’s an example. I had a bill I needed to pay. I wasn’t quite sure that it was the right amount. I didn’t feel like dealing with it. I let that sit for probably three weeks. You know how big that frog was? It was giant. It was right here the whole time. When I finally did make the call, it was a lovely conversation. It took thirty seconds.”
Smith also encourages people to engage in regular physical activity. “That changes everything in your mindset and in your body physiologically,” she adds.
To get more insights and advice, visit www.thepurposecoachshawn.com.
