Learning Mindset v. Fixed Mindset
One of the things that really has struck me during the Inner Development Goals course was about having the Learning Mindset. I have heard about this in a few classes as well and I wanted to share what I have learned about it and how it resonates with me.
I have always been a perfectionist. So although, I try to embrace the learning process, I often see mistakes and small setbacks as a complete failure. This has been a very toxic mindset for me as I go about adulthood. This also makes it hard for me to try and learn anything new because I am scared of failing (which is bound to happen!) All of this is what would be considered a fixed mindset. Believing we are not capable of certain activities, projects, and goals.
But with the flexible or Learning Mindset, you change your mentality to embrace mistakes, setbacks, and other things we may deem as "failures" as part of the learning journey. There is nothing that we can not learn! There are no inherent abilities or inabilities. We embrace this idea that we are capable of anything if we work towards it. So I have decided to adopt this mindset. Of course it will be a challenge, and I will have to reframe my all-or-nothing thinking to something more rational and reasonable. But I think I am willing to start this journey of unlocking my true potential!
Discussion: What are things that you think you are inherently good at? What things do you think you are inherently bad at or unable to learn? How can you change your mindset to be more open to learning the things you are "bad" at?
@sierrarain03
Discussion: What are things that you think you are inherently good at? What things do you think you are inherently bad at or unable to learn? How can you change your mindset to be more open to learning the things you are "bad" at?
I am good at making mistakes and I am bad at controlling my emotions sometimes. I get frustrated when I do some mistakes. Just like you. I can change my mindset by changing my thoughts patterns about the various experiences.
For example, instead of saying I am failure , I can say that my mistakes help me grow, my mistakes teach me lessons. Being willing to learn that lesson can take one upward. Saying that I am failure shows that one is not confident in the self. Remembering that I am human and that I make mistakes will help me learn a thing or two or more from these mistakes.
@Admirablerainbow2825 Thank you for your contribution! I definitely can relate with easily feeling like a failure with perfectionism. But I am glad that you also know how to practice a healthier mindset by giving yourself more ease. :)
You're welcome 😃
@sierrarain03 Discussion: What are things that you think you are inherently good at? What things do you think you are inherently bad at or unable to learn? How can you change your mindset to be more open to learning the things you are "bad" at?
I think I am good at putting myself first. I use to be bad at it, but within time I have learned to put myself first. I think i am pretty bad at art. I could never paint in the lines or even draw good. I think I can change my mindset to be more open to art by practicing it, and getting coloring books to practice staying in the lines.
Thank you for your contribution! I am glad to hear that you have been putting yourself first. That can be difficult to do! And I believe in you for getting better at art. Art is definitely one of those things that take lots and LOTS of practice and isn't just something you're born with. (Even people with a "natural talent" need to practice to get better) I encourage you to have an open mindset like you said, you'd be surprised with how much you can do with that mindset! 😊
@sierrarain03 Thankyou for sharing this prompt.
Discussion: What are things that you think you are inherently good at? What things do you think you are inherently bad at or unable to learn? How can you change your mindset to be more open to learning the things you are "bad" at?
Everyone has natural strengths, things that come easier than others, for me communication has always been one of these things. I am inherently a very communicative person and enjoy healthy communication even if I do not necessarily agree with what a person is saying. It is so important to me to communicate with people and thankfully this is something that comes easy to me. However, on the opposing side of things I would say that I am not naturally good at would be creativity in alot of aspects. Unfortuanley when people ask me to draw even the simplest of things I will always respond and say, "Yes, but you probably won't be able to tell what it is". However, if I shift my mindset from "I can't do this" but instead "I can improve on this", it will allow me to not be so hard on myself and in turn genuinley want to try harder.
Thank you for your contribution! I can understand the notion of "natural strengths" as this is something I still struggle to change my mindset from. But at the end of the day, hard work and change of mindset can make you better at something! Even people with natural strengths have something to improve on. I am happy to hear you are a great communicator. It is a wonderful trait to have. I'm sorry to hear you don't feel that you are good creatively. With you changing your mindset in the example you gave though, I think you could make strides in progress towards a more creative mind!
@sierrarain03 The thing I'm good at is listening to others and understanding them. Something I'm struggling with is understanding my own emotions sometimes, which is kind of an irony. I've always found it easier to understand and support other people better rather than myself, but I hope that I can improve that too, with lot of self-love and patience. 😊
@helianthus19 Thank you for your contribution to the forum! Also, I am glad that you are a great listener! I am sure your loved ones appreciate that! I am sorry that you have trouble identifying your feelings. I think that it is a hard thing to reflect on sometimes! Especially because we could be feeling a multitude of emotions for many reasons! Give yourself grace and you will get there! Maybe journaling could help? Good luck!
@sierrarain03 Your reflection on the Learning Mindset is so powerful! The shift from a fixed mindset to a growth-oriented one truly makes all the difference in how we approach challenges and personal growth.
For me, I’ve always felt inherently good at creative expression—whether it’s through writing, content creation, or storytelling. It comes naturally to me, and I find a lot of joy in it. But on the other hand, I’ve often believed that I’m just not good at certain technical skills, like complex math or coding, and that has made me hesitant to even try learning them.
To change this mindset, I remind myself that no one starts as an expert. Just like creative skills took practice to refine, technical skills can also be learned with patience and persistence. Instead of focusing on immediate success, I try to celebrate progress, even if it’s small. Also, surrounding myself with people who encourage learning (instead of just results) helps me stay motivated.
How do you plan to remind yourself to embrace mistakes and setbacks as part of the journey?
@sierrarain03
tysm for such a wonderful post
What are things that you think you are inherently good at?
I’m really good at creative writing and expressing my thoughts and emotions through words. I’ve even received an "Expresser of Creativity" award for it, which was a huge confidence boost. I also feel pretty comfortable with public speaking—connecting with people and sharing my ideas is something that comes naturally to me.
What things do you think you are inherently bad at or unable to learn?
One thing I tend to struggle with is trusting people too easily. I have a tendency to believe the best in others and give them my trust without always assessing the situation properly. While this can sometimes lead to great connections, it has also led to disappointment and being let down when people haven’t been as reliable or sincere as I expected.
How can you change your mindset to be more open to learning the things you are "bad" at?
I’m working on becoming more mindful about who I trust and taking time to evaluate people’s actions, not just their words. Instead of automatically trusting everyone, I can learn to build trust over time and pay attention to red flags. It’s about finding a balance between being open and being cautious, so that I can still maintain positive relationships without overextending my trust too quickly.
