How to Shift From a Fixed to a Growth Mindset

How to Shift From a Fixed to a Growth Mindset
Written by Teresa James

Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m never going to __________” (squat below parallel/get a strict pull-up/get my nutrition on track/run a sub 8:00 mile/etc.)?

This is a fixed mindset statement.

Now, try rewording this into a growth mindset statement.

“I don’t squat below parallel YET.”

This simple rephrasing gives you the power to develop your abilities “through dedication, perseverance, and the right strategy.”

With “a fixed mindset, you don’t have a chance to develop your potential”.

Stanford University professor psychologist Carol Dweck explains, “Mindsets are just beliefs. They’re powerful beliefs, but they’re just something in your mind, and you can change your mind.” She created this 4-step process below. 

How to Shift From a Fixed to a Growth Mindset

Step 1: Learn to hear your fixed mindset “voice.”

Step 2: Recognize that you have a choice.

Step 3: Talk back to it with a growth mindset voice.

Step 4: Take the growth mindset action.

Now that you have the notion in your mind, you will start to notice when you hear your fixed mindset voice. When you do notice, move on to the next steps. The more you do this, the more you will be able to notice and correct.

You can practice your voice during your training sessions to start. Listen to how you talk/think about prescribed weights and movements, comparing yourself to others, your results, etc. Change your language to use words like can, yet, will instead of can’t, never, won’t. 

As you examine this further, you might find that you have more of a fixed mindset in certain areas of your life more than others. What areas of your health and fitness do you want to shift from a fixed to growth mindset? Drop us a line in the comments!