Cultivating a Growth Mindset for New Year's Resolutions Success
As the calendar turns the page to a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and contemplating the future. It's the season of resolutions, where we set ambitious goals with the intention of making positive changes in our lives.
In the pursuit of our goals, it's not just about the actions we take or the strategies we employ; it's also about the mindset we bring to the table. The power of mindset in shaping the outcomes of our goals has been a topic of growing interest in both psychology and neuroscience. Let’s explore the powerful connection between mindset and New Year's resolutions, and how adopting a growth mindset can pave the way for lasting change.
Understanding Mindset
One of the pioneering studies on mindset was conducted by psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her groundbreaking work on the concept of "fixed" and "growth" mindsets. In her research, Dweck and her colleagues found that individuals with a growth mindset—those who believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—tend to outperform those with a fixed mindset.
The study revealed that individuals with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. On the contrary, those with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, and see effort as fruitless. This research highlights the profound impact our beliefs about learning and intelligence can have on our ability to achieve our goals. Embracing a growth mindset can foster resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn—essential qualities for reaching ambitious objectives.
The Pitfalls of a Fixed Mindset
When it comes to setting resolutions, a fixed mindset can be a significant obstacle. People with a fixed mindset may shy away from challenges, fearing failure and viewing setbacks as a reflection of their abilities. This mindset can lead to a cycle of disappointment and the abandonment of resolutions when faced with obstacles.
Embracing a Growth Mindset
On the other hand, adopting a growth mindset can be a game-changer for New Year's resolutions. Embracing challenges, learning from failures, and persisting in the face of setbacks become second nature with a growth mindset. Instead of viewing abilities as fixed, individuals with a growth mindset believe in their capacity for improvement, fostering resilience and determination.
Setting Realistic and Purposeful Goals
A growth mindset can also influence the way we set resolutions. Rather than focusing solely on specific outcomes, individuals with a growth mindset prioritize the process of growth itself. Setting realistic and purposeful goals aligns with the principles of a growth mindset, emphasizing the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone
One of the most transformative aspects of a growth mindset is its perspective on failure. Rather than seeing failure as the end of the road, individuals with a growth mindset view it as a stepping stone to improvement. This shift in perspective encourages resilience and adaptability, essential qualities for navigating the challenges that inevitably arise during the pursuit of New Year's resolutions. Carol Dweck did a Ted Talk in 2014 discussing growth versus fixed mindsets where she began by talking about a high school in Chicago that gave students a passing grade or a “not yet” grade instead of a failing grade.
While I think that failure is an important part of life, it is certainly challenging for people who may have a fixed mindset. If we can reframe these instances of failure by saying not yet instead, what would we be able to achieve? Let’s say you set a goal to get in shape for the new year. January 17th rolls around and you have given up your goal because you haven’t seen results yet so you failed. But you did not fail! You are just not yet there AND there are still 50 1/2 weeks left in the year to get better and achieve your goals.
Cultivating a Positive and Persistent Attitude
A growth mindset fosters a belief in one's ability to overcome obstacles, reinforcing the importance of effort and perseverance. This optimistic outlook can make the journey toward resolutions more enjoyable and sustainable. Now I want to be 100% clear that you are human, you have emotions, and these emotions are not going to be positive all the time. That is okay! The goal is not to be peppy Penelope all the time, the goal is to recognize the emotions for what they are but not let them stop you from achieving your goals.
As we embark on a new year filled with possibilities, it's essential to recognize the profound impact of mindset on the success of our resolutions. By cultivating a growth mindset, we empower ourselves to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and persist in the pursuit of our goals. So, as you pen down your New Year's resolutions, remember that the key to success lies not only in the goals you set but in the mindset with which you approach them.
Do you need an accountability buddy? Reach out to me! Whatever your goals are this year, I guarantee there is some way that I can support you with Chinese medicine.
Want to learn more about a growth vs. fixed mindset from Carol Dweck?
Book/ Audiobook: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Video: Talks at Google - 47 minutes
Podcast: Search “Carol Dweck” into the search bar of whatever podcast platform you use and there will be tons of options.