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Mindset can dictate how you view yourself and the world around you. But it can also
create self-imposed limitations within your own belief system.
The traditional mindset definition refers to an individual’s way of thinking. But the
meaning of mindset may differ from person to person.
Here’s all you need to know about the modern mindset definition and how your own
understanding of this concept can affect your life.
One is a fixed mindset that defines all of your abilities as innate and you are born
with all the abilities you will need in life. Those with a fixed mindset often feel like
failures happen because something is lacking within themselves.
On the other hand, people with a growth mindset feel that they can learn anything or
acquire any ability if they put in enough effort. These people don’t let setbacks stop
them.
Other words for the mindset that you may hear are psyche, attitude, and ethos.
But how you choose to define your own mindset is entirely up to you.
Children who are told that they shouldn’t learn something because they aren’t smart
enough or athletic enough form fixed mindsets early on. And society reinforces those
messages.
If you believe that you can develop or enhance your own talents with enough hard
work and time, you probably have a growth mindset.
But if you find yourself saying that the reason you can’t do something is that you
aren’t good enough? You may have a fixed mindset.
However, like learning a new skill, you have to be willing to embrace the work and
time it requires.
https://blog.mindvalley.com/mindset-definition/ 2/9
5/24/2020 Mindset Definition: How Your Mindset Sets the Stage - Mindvalley Blog
If you have a fixed mindset, you may see failures or setbacks as evidence that
you’re not good enough. And you know what happens to most people when they
hear that? They get stuck.
They internalize that criticism about their lack of ability and talent. And they don’t try
anymore.
Instead of agreeing that you aren’t good enough, people with a growth mindset
choose to push back. Yeah, you may not have the ability to do it now. But you can
change that.
Keep telling yourself you can until those thoughts become a habit. And eventually,
you’ll see those fixed mindset statements melt away.
https://blog.mindvalley.com/mindset-definition/ 3/9
5/24/2020 Mindset Definition: How Your Mindset Sets the Stage - Mindvalley Blog
The idea of mentality originated in the late 17th century. It was used to talk about the
mental process. But the definition has expanded since its original use.
The word mentality is often used hand in hand with mindset. It’s the measure of
your mental power or capacity.
It’s difficult to define mentality without mentioning mindset. If you look up the word
online, the definitions are so interwoven that one word is often substituted for
another.
But the two words are a little different. A person’s mentality often shows up in the
physical world in the form of body language or attitude. Lingering beneath the
surface, the mentality is what the world sees on the outside.
Open-Minded Synonyms
Open-minded is an adjective. It’s used to describe someone’s perception.
Some synonyms for the word are unprejudiced, unbiased, and nonjudgmental. The
word is often used to describe someone who is willing to consider new ideas.
If you’re open-minded, you likely have a growth mindset. It’s nearly impossible for a
person to consider new ideas while remaining in a fixed mindset.
On the other hand, if you see your recent failure as an opportunity to learn or develop
new talents and try again, you may have a growth mindset.
The growth mindset is a healthier way to view your place in the world. And it keeps
you open to learning new things and experiences.
https://blog.mindvalley.com/mindset-definition/ 4/9
5/24/2020 Mindset Definition: How Your Mindset Sets the Stage - Mindvalley Blog
Students with a growth mindset are filled with limitless potential. And having a
growth mindset can help set that potential free.
Instead of the prison bars of fixed self-worth, students know that they can develop
talents and abilities through effort and hard work.
https://blog.mindvalley.com/mindset-definition/ 5/9
5/24/2020 Mindset Definition: How Your Mindset Sets the Stage - Mindvalley Blog
In this day and age, so many people are caught in the self-comparison trap. Society
sends a million messages to kids as they grow. And not all of them good.
One of the strongest messages society sends is that kids need to compare themselves
to the people around them. And that’s a trap, because there will always be someone
more accomplished, well off, or talented.
With a fixed mindset, this can lead to a spiral of negativity and hopelessness. They
don’t think in terms of how they can better themselves. Instead, they’re stuck
comparing themselves to others and coming up short.
So, it’s important to help students develop and cultivate a growth mindset. They
may not become Einstein, but they’d know that their potential doesn’t stop at every
setback or failure.
https://blog.mindvalley.com/mindset-definition/ 6/9
5/24/2020 Mindset Definition: How Your Mindset Sets the Stage - Mindvalley Blog
You can be the author of your own life. And changing your mindset is a step in the
right direction.
Embrace a growth mindset. Practice it until it becomes a habit and the fixed mindset
voice fades away.
Lead by example and show everyone around you how far a growth mindset can take
them.
Even if you have a vague goal in mind, you still need a plan, a process to get you there.
You can have the most expensive, fastest car in the world, but if you set off without a
clear idea of where you’re going, then the rusty old Beatle with a map and compass
will beat you there every time.
✅ Are you stuck on the hamster wheel of life, instead of rushing towards your
fullest potential? Discover how to escape the 3 soul-crushing reasons most people
unknowingly cheat themselves of their greatest lives.
✅ Do you always set goals and rarely achieve them? It’s not your fault –
traditional goal-setting is seriously incomplete! Discover how Lifebook empowers you
to rapidly and consistently take charge of your life, and realize your every dream.
https://blog.mindvalley.com/mindset-definition/ 7/9
5/24/2020 Mindset Definition: How Your Mindset Sets the Stage - Mindvalley Blog
How has your mindset affected you? Share it with us in the comments below.
by Mindvalley
Mindvalley is creating a global school that delivers transformational education for all
ages. Powered by community. Fueled by fun. We are dedicated to ensuring that
humans live happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives by plugging in the gaps that
conventional education failed to teach us. We do this by organising real-world events
around the world and producing world-class quality programmes in several areas of
transformation, including mind, body, and performance.
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