Mindset

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: how our inner attitude enables development

Why do some people seem to find it easy to deal with change, try new things, or learn from setbacks, while others feel blocked more quickly, start to doubt themselves, or withdraw inwardly?

Often, the difference lies less in skills or talent and more in the inner attitude with which we approach challenges. This is exactly where the concept of the fixed vs. growth mindset comes into play.

Two ways of thinking, two inner worlds

The term “mindset” describes the fundamental attitude with which we view ourselves, our abilities, and our development. This concept was strongly shaped by the work of Carol Dweck.

She distinguishes between two central ways of thinking.

The fixed mindset

People with a more fixed self-image assume that abilities, intelligence, or talent are largely unchangeable.

Typical inner beliefs include:

• “Either I can do this, or I can’t.”

• “If I fail, it says something about me.”

• “If it takes effort, it means it’s not for me.”

Challenges are often experienced as a risk. Mistakes feel threatening because they call one’s self-image into question.

The growth mindset

In a growth mindset, learning, development, and the ability to change are at the center.

Inner dialogues tend to sound more like this:

• “I can’t do this yet.”

• “I learn from mistakes.”

• “Effort is part of growth.”

Challenges are seen as opportunities for further development, not as proof of a lack of competence.

Mindset is not a label, it is flexible

An important point: no one has only a fixed mindset or only a growth mindset.Our attitude can vary depending on the area of life, the situation, or our experiences.

You may have a strong learning mindset in a professional context and experience yourself as more cautious or self-critical in private life, or the other way around.

Mindset is not a box we fit into. It is a dynamic process, and this is exactly where the strength of this concept lies.

Why this topic is especially relevant in a business context

In a working world shaped by change, complexity, and uncertainty, mindset becomes particularly visible:

• How do we deal with feedback?

• What happens when something does not work immediately?

• How do teams respond to mistakes or new demands?

A growth mindset encourages:

• willingness to learn instead of justification

• development-oriented conversations instead of blame

• psychological safety instead of pressure to conform

At the same time, it is important not to judge the fixed mindset. It often serves a protective function, especially where fear of evaluation, overload, or loss of control is present.

A thought to take with you

A growth mindset does not mean constantly pushing beyond your limits or seeing everything in a positive light. It means allowing yourself to develop, with uncertainties, detours, and open questions.

Perhaps the most important difference between a fixed and a growth mindset lies right here: not in what we can do, but in how we deal with what does not yet work.

• In which situations do you speak to yourself in a limiting way?

• Where could you allow yourself to try something without the expectation of doing it “right” immediately?

• And what might change if learning became more important than evaluation?

Development rarely begins with big decisions. Often, it begins with a different inner sentence.

If you would like to reflect on this inner attitude more consciously or develop it further, for yourself, in your role, or within a team, I am happy to support you.

Yours, Johanna