Embracing a Growth Mindset

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research identified two fundamental mindsets that shape how we approach life:

Fixed Mindset: Believes that abilities are static—you're either smart or not, talented or not. People with fixed mindsets avoid challenges, give up easily, ignore useful feedback, and feel threatened by others' success.

Growth Mindset: Believes that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. People with growth mindsets embrace challenges, persist despite setbacks, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in others' success.

How Mindset Affects Outcomes

Your mindset determines how you respond to life's challenges:

• Challenges: Fixed mindset avoids them; growth mindset embraces them
• Obstacles: Fixed mindset gives up; growth mindset persists
• Effort: Fixed mindset sees it as pointless; growth mindset sees it as the path to mastery
• Criticism: Fixed mindset ignores it; growth mindset learns from it
• Others' success: Fixed mindset feels threatened; growth mindset finds lessons and inspiration

Developing a Growth Mindset

The good news: mindsets can change. You can develop a growth mindset by:

• Viewing challenges as opportunities to learn
• Replacing "I can't" with "I can't yet"
• Focusing on effort and learning rather than looking smart
• Seeking feedback and using it constructively
• Celebrating progress, not just outcomes
• Learning about brain plasticity—your brain can grow and change

Growth Mindset and Reentry

A growth mindset is essential for successful reentry. You will face challenges—setbacks, rejection, difficult learning curves. Your mindset determines whether you see these as proof you can't succeed or as part of the journey to success.