The power of having a growth mindset
When I started Tardis Advice in 2013, to say I was outside of my comfort zone would be an understatement. I knew I was a pretty good technical adviser, but on the business building and marketing side of things, I felt completely out of my depth. From finding a premises, to getting a website built, to organising professional licensing … these were all things I’d never done before.
On one hand, this caused me a fair bit of stress. I tend to be someone who likes to be within my comfort zone. On the other hand, I knew if I wanted to run a successful business these were things I just had to do: I needed to be open to learning and developing the skills to make it happen.
One of the things that helped get me through was the concept of having a growth mindset – believing I could improve. I first came across this concept a few years ago, and have been really interested in the topic ever since.
Very simply, a growth mindset allows people to learn and build on their existing abilities. Rather than say, “I’m no good at XYZ”, it is reframed to, “I can get better at XYZ; I can improve on XYZ”.
It sounds simple, but in reality it can be hard to do.
One thing I like about a growth mindset is that it helps people to be open to opportunity and learning, even when things get challenging. It allows people to start working on one thing, and gradually move on to the next. Each small step gives them the confidence to take the next action, and keep on improving.
I didn’t learn how to use tools when I was younger. But as an adult, I’ve had a good Aussie go. I can now work wonders with an allen key and managed to hang my bike in my office, without breaking anything in the process.
At Tardis, people often come to me with spending problems. They think they’re hopeless with money and terrible at budgeting. The reality is it’s got nothing to do with how smart they are. They just don’t know how to manage money or budget, yet. They’ve never learnt the skill.
Rather than thinking, “I’m bad with money”, imagine if it was reframed to, “I’m learning how to be good with money” (something I now actively encourage with my clients). It is a far more constructive way to think about a problem. The impact of a subtle reframe can be very powerful.
Think, “I’m not there yet”, rather than “I can’t do that”.
If you’re keen to learn a bit more about this concept, Carol Dweck has a great Ted Talk on it.
Whether you’re on a specialist program and are worried about upcoming exams, or have begun working in private practice and feel overwhelmed, or just feel out of your comfort zone, I’d encourage you to focus on “not yet”. It’s something I try to do in my personal and professional life, and for me personally makes a big difference.
When you have a growth mindset, you tend to worry less about your talent and more about your effort. The reality is you will get better at it. It might never be easy for you, but it will one day be easier.
— Stef
