What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is a belief system or attitude that emphasizes the idea that abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed and improved through dedication, effort, and perseverance. This concept contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes that these traits are static and unchangeable.
The term “growth mindset” was popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck in her groundbreaking work on motivation and learning, particularly her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
Some ways to integrate a Growth Mindset in coaching
Set the foundations for coaching based on a Growth Mindset
- Introduce the concept of a growth mindset early in the coaching relationship.
- Emphasize that skills, behaviors, and outcomses can improve with consistent effort and strategic approaches.
- Support the client to normalize setbacks and frame them as valuable learning opportunities.
Encourage the client to strengthen self-awareness and reflect on their thought processes
- Help clients identify fixed mindset beliefs they may hold (e.g., “I’m not good at this” or “I’ll never be able to change”).
- Use reflection exercises to explore how past experiences of growth have led to success, reinforcing the belief in their ability to improve.
Reframe challenges and what clients perceive as failures
- Invite clients to view obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
- Use language that shifts focus from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet.”
- Celebrate small wins and incremental progress to build confidence and motivation.
Focus on Process Over Outcomes/Product
- Encourage clients to prioritise learning, effort, and strategy rather than solely focusing on achieving specific results or outcomes.
- Develop action plans that highlight milestones along the journey rather than the end product.
- Ask questions like, “What have you been learning from this experience until now?”, “How are you noticing your process so far?”,“What are some of the things that you have achieved until now?” or “How can you use this to continue to grow and evolve?”
Model your own sense of Growth Mindset as a coach
- Foster a coaching relationship built on trust, where your clients feel safe to take risks and make mistakes.
- Share your own experiences of growth and learning as examples.
- Demonstrate openness to feedback and adaptability in your coaching practice.
Growth Mindset Quotes – Carol Dweck
“Becoming is better than being”
“No matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.”
“I don’t mind losing as long as I see improvement, or I feel I’ve done as well as I possibly could.”
“This is something I know for a fact: You have to work hardest for the things you love most.”
“In the fixed mindset, everything is about the outcome. If you fail—or if you’re not the best—it’s all been wasted. The growth mindset allows people to value what they’re doing regardless of the outcome. They’re tackling problems, charting new courses, working on important issues. Maybe they haven’t found the cure for cancer, but the search was deeply meaningful.”
“It’s not always the people who start out the smartest who end up the smartest.”
“I derive just as much happiness from the process as from the results.”
“Praise should deal, not with the child’s personality attributes, but with his efforts and achievements.”
Séamus