How a Growth Mindset Can Change Your Life
Picture your ideal self a year from now. Whatever your current goals are, you accomplished them. Be it a new promotion, a sculpted body, or even living a happier life. So how do you become that better version of yourself? You need to have a growth mindset.
What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset means you approach the world differently. You treat everything as a learning experience.
You constantly look for new things to learn, new ways to improve yourself, and open your mind to new ways of thinking. It’s a never-ending process, that will continuously take you to new heights.
With a growth mindset, you constantly grow and evolve into a better version of yourself. But only if you’re consistent. It’s the little things that add up.
Here are 5 life-changing benefits of having a growth mindset.
1. Keeps You Mentally Sharp
Everyone wishes they had a better memory. Fortunately, you’re not stuck with the memory you have now. Your memory can be honed and improved through practice. And that’s exactly what a growth mindset will do.
One study, for example, found that learning challenging new skills can significantly improve your memory (1). Consistent learning can even decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (2).
All forms of learning are like exercise for your brain. The more you do it, the better the results.
2. Boosts Self-Confidence
With a growth mindset, you constantly learn new skills and acquire new knowledge. This can improve your self-confidence.
An open-minded approach to life means you try new and challenging tasks. Scientists have found that whenever you complete a goal, it increases the levels of dopamine in your brain (3).
This release of dopamine can improve your mood and feelings of self-worth—two key ingredients of self-confidence.
3. Makes You Live in the Moment
How many times have you heard something along the lines of “I just can’t wait for my vacation next month! I’m counting down the days.”
Everyone does it. They look forward to an event with such intensity that the present moment seems nonexistent (or miserable).
The thing is, if you want to be happy in life, you need to learn how to enjoy each day. Looking at each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow means you live more in the moment.
That in turn, leads to greater satisfaction and happiness.
4. Makes You More Interesting
Think of the most charismatic person you know. Someone who naturally gets into deep conversations and quickly bonds with others.
Does this person often ask questions in conversation? Most charismatic people are curious people. By acquiring a learning mindset, you will naturally become this kind of person.
That’s because when you have more knowledge and a natural curiosity, you are can talk about a wider range of topics. This can result in better conversations and an overall improved social life.
5. Increased Financial Success
Another long-term benefit of a growth mindset is that you can earn more money and achieve greater success.
All the skills, self-confidence, and other benefits of a learning mindset make you a valuable asset. Perhaps the new skills you learned boosted your performance at work.
Even scientists have found more learning can lead to more success.
One survey, for example, found that 65% of adults who pursued professional learning activities expanded their professional network. And 47% claimed it helped them advance in their current company (4).
A growth mindset can have a profound effect on your life. You can experience more happiness, self-confidence, financial success, and even a better memory.
