Cultivating a growth mindset is pivotal for personal and professional development, so we’ve gathered insights from founders, CEOs, and other experts to guide you. From documenting your growth journey to embracing positivity and self-awareness, explore the eighteen transformative practices these leaders use to foster resilience and continuous learning.
- Document Your Growth Journey
- Admit Knowledge Limits, Engage Experts
- Adopt an Experimental Mindset
- Learn From Failure
- Question Opportunities for Growth
- Focus on Effort, Use Visualization
- Incorporate ‘Yet’ for Possibility
- Embrace Joyful Discovery, Not Just Growth
- Appreciate Perfect Timing in Development
- Seek Discomfort for Growth
- Start Days With Inspirational Content
- Take Challenges One Step at a Time
- Embrace Continuous Learning and Feedback
- Join Peer Groups for Growth Mindset
- Practice Mindfulness and Reflective Analysis
- Reframe Setbacks as Learning Steps
- Use Reflective Journaling for Growth
- Embrace Positivity and Self-Awareness
Document Your Growth Journey
One effective practice for fostering a growth mindset is to regularly document the steps you’ve taken and the achievements you’ve made. In the pursuit of self-improvement and reaching larger goals, it’s easy to overlook the progress you’ve already achieved. By noting down your accomplishments and milestones, you gain a broader perspective on your growth journey. This practice not only helps you recognize and celebrate your successes but also reinforces your ability to overcome challenges and learn from setbacks. It serves as a reminder of how far you’ve come and motivates you to continue pushing forward.
Harsh Kushwah
Founder, menPsyche
Admit Knowledge Limits, Engage Experts
One piece of advice I have for personal development is—admit that you do not know it all.
For a long time while growing my business, I was pretty much working on my own. That unconsciously enforced in me a habit of doing everything on my own, be it recruitment and employee management, marketing, client engagement—even dealing with clients personally. But when I shifted gears and transitioned to a new sub-sector, I realized that not all of my knowledge is transferable, and that some processes cannot be done by myself.
Instead of trying to do everything, it’s better to rope in the experts and let them guide you or take over some aspects of management themselves. This helps you focus on your own professional and personal development.
Manasvini Krishna
Founder, Boss as a Service
Adopt an Experimental Mindset
Adopting a mindset that views everything as an experiment, rather than approaching situations with pre-existing expectations, has significantly transformed my journey of personal development. A key aspect of this shift is distancing myself from the preconceived notions of who I think I want to be or should be.
This experimental approach has been incredibly effective in both my personal and professional life, leading to the following unexpected outcomes in personal growth:
- I have been able to release long-held beliefs that were not serving me well.
- I can now analyze cause-and-effect relationships in my behavior and business, enabling me to make logical decisions rather than emotionally driven ones.
- I’ve developed a curiosity-first attitude in all my endeavors. The question “What if?” has evolved from being a source of anxiety to a prompt for exploration.
This mindset has opened up new avenues in my life that I never imagined possible. It has broken the constraints of traditional thinking patterns and fostered significant personal development.
Sumarie Engelbrecht
Registered Counsellor, Wholistic Mental Health Care
Learn From Failure
One mindset shift that has significantly contributed to my development is embracing the concept of “learning from failure” rather than viewing failures as a negative endpoint.
This shift involved understanding that setbacks are not indicators of my inability, but opportunities for growth and learning. It’s helped me not to fear challenges but to approach them with curiosity, asking myself, “What can I learn from this situation?”
Kate Burroughs
Strategic Project Manager
Question Opportunities for Growth
Would this be practicing completely outside of my competency? Can someone else do this significantly better than me? What would happen if I said no? These are the questions I ask myself before diving into a new opportunity in my personal and professional life. The reality is that even in the places where I feel unsure, I am selling myself short with my initial desire to say no and stay in my safety zone.
However, I have to remind myself that growth only occurs in the spaces of discomfort and ambiguity. Embracing that discomfort and ambiguity has led to unique and amazing opportunities and has fine-tuned these questions, meant to highlight the strengths and experience I bring to the table.
Ashley E. Poklar
Clinical Director, Sentinel Foundation
Focus on Effort, Use Visualization
I’ve learned that focusing on effort rather than outcomes is helpful in nurturing a growth mindset in both my personal and professional endeavors. I keep an effort journal where I document the hard work I put into tasks, regardless of the immediate outcomes. This practice helps me stay focused on the process, paying attention to the value of perseverance and ongoing learning. Acknowledging the effort I make builds a deep sense of pride and motivation, which is important, especially during tough times.
I also use visualization techniques to promote a growth mindset. I imagine myself surpassing challenges and achieving my goals, which boosts my confidence and keeps me motivated for future ambitions. I create vision boards that display images and words that resonate with my growth targets. These boards are more than just for looks; they are daily reminders of where I am headed and reflections of the progress I have made. These strategies are really important as they guide me through rough patches, help me learn from any setbacks, and encourage me to continuously evolve, turning every challenge into a stepping-stone towards growth.
Heidi Cortez
Founder, Heidi Cortez
Incorporate ‘Yet’ for Possibility
I’ve gotten into the habit of using the word “yet” at the end of statements. Basically, if I’m up against some kind of obstacle, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” I’ll say, “I can’t do this yet.” It’s such a small shift in language, but it’s transformed the way I think and lets me step into a mindset of possibility.
You can use this in literally any kind of challenge life throws at you. For example, if I struggle to learn a new skill, I remind myself that I just haven’t mastered it yet. This perspective makes it easier to push through difficulties, knowing that improvement is possible. I’ve been able to show myself a lot of grace and compassion by doing this.
Gary Gray
CEO, CouponChief.com
Embrace Joyful Discovery, Not Just Growth
Obsessing over a “growth mindset” can actually hinder personal development. It’s like putting pressure on yourself to constantly improve, which can be counterproductive. Instead, I focus on exploring new things without expectations. Think of a child climbing a tree for fun, not to prove anything. There’s joy in the process, not just the outcome. This approach has helped me embrace challenges as opportunities for discovery, rather than hurdles to overcome.
Jasper Knight
Founder, Secret Saunas
Appreciate Perfect Timing in Development
I firmly believe in the power of “perfect timing.” I understand that I cannot get everything in an instant and that patience is crucial in pursuing goals and aspirations. I’ve accepted that setbacks aren’t always personal; even with our best efforts, desired outcomes aren’t guaranteed. Sometimes, achieving our goals hinges on the right opportunity. Moreover, perfect timing fosters a mindset of resilience, allowing us to view failures as stepping stones to improvement.
Kris Flank
Head of Growth, LunarLinks
Seek Discomfort for Growth
A pivotal moment in my development was recognizing the power of discomfort. I’ve come to understand that significant growth often occurs outside of comfort zones. Intentionally seeking out challenging experiences has pushed my boundaries and expanded my capabilities.
Whether it’s taking on a new role, learning a complex skill, or stepping outside my comfort zone socially, these experiences have forced me to adapt, learn, and ultimately, become more resilient. It’s a conscious choice to embrace the unknown and view challenges as opportunities for transformation.
Bradford Glaser
President & CEO, HRDQ
Start Days With Inspirational Content
Every day, I start my morning by reading or watching something that inspires me.
The source of inspiration can be a book, a podcast, a YouTube video, or a TV show. But it must be something related to business, career, or content that inspires me to do or learn more.
For example, this year, I’m reading all of Walter Isaacson’s biographies on incredible people like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Leonardo da Vinci, and Benjamin Franklin.
By starting my morning by learning about how these people lived their lives, what they did that was innovative or creative, or how they thought outside the box, it does two things for my mindset:
First, it inspires me to be more like them.
Second, it gives me compelling insights and ideas into what they did that made them successful, which I try to incorporate into my own work.
Even though it’s only 15 minutes, it’s been incredibly helpful, and it always reminds me that my work is a series of journeys that require diligent growth, a lot of learning, and a long-term outlook.
Jeremy Horowitz
CEO, Let’s Buy a Biz!
Take Challenges One Step at a Time
One mindset shift that has profoundly helped me embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously develop myself is the concept of taking things one step at a time. If someone were to ask me to run a marathon, I would quit without even trying it. The general idea seems overwhelming. I cannot see the finish line; it will be painful, it will take forever, and I have a lot of work left to be done.
However, if that same person asks me to take one step forward, I will not hesitate. Taking a single step is an unbelievably easy thing to do. The fact is that a marathon is nothing more than a series of steps, a series of small and easy things to do. So, why is it that I will not even consider running a marathon, but I will not hesitate to take a single step? The answer is perspective.
Tomorrow is an imaginary place where almost every conceivable nightmare lives that normally never comes to fruition. Keeping it in the now and focusing on the next task can make even the most daunting challenges manageable. If you take it one step at a time, you can run a marathon with ease. Right now, you are okay. You have a shirt on your back; you have people who love you. Anyone can be okay for five minutes at a time. There is no such thing as a bad day, only bad moments, and those will pass. They may pass like a kidney stone, but they will pass.
When I am worried, stressed, or scared, I look at my hands and ask, “What can we do about this?” If there is something to be done, I do it to the best of my ability. If there is nothing to be done, I must let go and accept it. At work and in life, I believe you should do all that you can, do the next right thing, be honest, and let the universe take care of the rest.
Scott Monroe
Founder and Criminal Defense Attorney, Monroe Law, P.A.
Embrace Continuous Learning and Feedback
Cultivating a growth mindset is essential for navigating the complexities of the legal profession. It requires a conscious effort to shift perspective and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. One effective strategy is to focus on continuous learning. By staying updated on legal developments and exploring new areas of law, I’ve expanded my knowledge base and enhanced my problem-solving abilities. This approach has not only improved my professional competence but has also instilled a sense of confidence in my ability to tackle complex legal issues.
Also, seeking feedback and mentorship has been instrumental in my personal development. Constructive criticism, while often challenging, provides valuable insights for improvement. By embracing feedback and learning from experienced colleagues, I’ve developed a stronger sense of self-awareness and resilience. This growth-oriented mindset has empowered me to overcome obstacles, adapt to changing circumstances, and ultimately achieve greater success in my legal career.
Meghan Freed
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Freed Marcroft
Join Peer Groups for Growth Mindset
The most beneficial step I took to help me develop a growth mindset was to join a professional peer group. The funny thing is, I didn’t have this goal in mind when I joined. My main goal in joining was to expand my professional network, but in the end, I found the greatest benefit was the access to impartial feedback and the way that being part of this group altered my mindset.
What’s great about being in one of these groups is that they help you grow in multiple ways. For one thing, you can get direct feedback from your peers about issues or challenges you’re facing, including specific skills that you can develop or areas where you can improve. I also have found a lot of value in providing feedback to other members. Getting the chance to see what other people are struggling with, and to have an outside perspective on the solutions they’ve tried, can give you a new lens through which to view your own challenges.
Maybe the most beneficial part of being in one of these groups, though, is that you learn everyone has challenges and makes mistakes. I think one of the hardest parts about developing a growth mindset is overcoming self-consciousness and shame about making mistakes, and beating back that inner voice that equates failing in one specific task with being a failure in a broader sense. By being part of a community, you get to see that you’re not alone in your struggles and that even very successful, accomplished people don’t get everything right all the time. This makes it much easier to silence that inner critic and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
Rob Boyle
Marketing Operations Director, Airswift
Practice Mindfulness and Reflective Analysis
Central to my personal and professional growth is a commitment to mindfulness and reflection. These practices have been instrumental in developing resilience, a crucial attribute in the often-stressful realm of family law. By incorporating mindfulness techniques into my daily routine, I have heightened awareness of my thoughts and emotions. This heightened self-awareness has helped me manage stress effectively, maintain focus during challenging cases, and approach obstacles with a clear and composed mindset.
Equally important is the practice of reflection. Regularly dedicating time to contemplate past experiences, both successes and failures, has proven invaluable. By examining these experiences from multiple perspectives, I’ve gained profound insights into my strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This introspective process has given me a growth-oriented mindset, as it encourages me to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development.
After a particularly complex case, I dedicate time to reflect on the case, analyzing the strategies employed, the outcomes achieved, and potential areas for improvement. This iterative process of mindfulness and reflection has improved my legal acumen and has deepened my emotional intelligence, enabling me to better connect with clients and navigate the complexities of family law.
Joy Owenby
Founder and Family Law Attorney, Owenby Law, P.A.
Reframe Setbacks as Learning Steps
Cultivating a growth mindset is like building a muscle; it requires constant exercise. For me, it’s all about embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. One mindset shift that’s been game-changing is reframing setbacks as stepping stones.
Instead of dwelling on failures, I focus on the lessons learned. It’s like conducting a marketing campaign; not every campaign is a home run, but each one provides valuable insights. This shift has helped me approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and excitement, rather than fear.
Ryan Kelly
Chief Marketing Officer, Easy Ice
Use Reflective Journaling for Growth
Fostering a growth mindset in personal development involves embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and viewing failures as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles. A key practice that has significantly helped me maintain a growth mindset is setting specific, achievable goals that stretch my capabilities and then reflecting systematically on both successes and failures.
One specific mindset shift that has been pivotal is the practice of “reflective journaling.” After facing a challenge or a setback, I take the time to write down what happened, focusing on my reactions, the decisions I made, and the outcomes. This practice allows me to see patterns in my behavior, identify areas for improvement, and acknowledge progress, no matter how small. It shifts the focus from what went wrong to what can be learned from the experience and how it can be used as a stepping stone towards future successes.
For instance, after a project at work didn’t go as planned, instead of dwelling on the disappointment, I analyzed the situation through journaling. I realized that a lack of clear communication was a major contributing factor to the project’s challenges. Recognizing this helped me to work on my communication skills, especially in project management and team settings. This reflection turned a professional setback into a valuable learning opportunity, prompting me to take a course in effective communication, which has since improved both my personal and professional relationships.
Omer Lewinsohn
General Manager, Marketing Expert, Management.org
Embrace Positivity and Self-Awareness
As a two-time breast cancer warrior, I have completely transformed my mindset into one of positivity, strength, and empowerment. I try to focus on what I can control and not on what I cannot. I embrace purpose and gratitude on a daily basis, which helps to foster positivity and true happiness.
I continually practice self-awareness and authenticity in order to show that I am not perfect but always working to make things better. It is important, especially when you have children, to model these ideals. I want to share all of this with my audience as one of my goals in inspiring and helping others.
Andrea Berkowitz
Owner, Warrior Girl Gifts, LLC
