Let’s admit it: ‘growth mindset’ sounds more like the latest self-help buzzword than something grounded in science, right?

Yet, it’s more real than you think.

‘Self-growth’ doesn’t necessarily mean saying positive affirmations in front of the mirror or reading self-help books.

This concept is backed by psychology and I am here to tell you that it’s not just some fad.

And no, it isn’t just about effort either – despite what you might think.

Our personality isn’t as fixed as we’ve been led to believe, and our traits aren’t set in stone.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 signs that suggest you have a growth mindset, according to psychology.

1) You’re always up for a challenge

Challenges can be intimidating.

They’re unexpected, they’re tough, and they have the potential to push us out of our comfort zones.

But here’s the thing:

If you’re someone who consistently steps up when faced with a challenge, it’s a telltale sign you’ve got a growth mindset.

Having a growth mindset isn’t about avoiding difficulties. Quite the opposite, in fact.

It just means that you can see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as threats or obstacles.

You see, when you have a growth mindset, you don’t shy away from difficulties.

Instead, you embrace them, tackle them head-on with an attitude of “bring it on”.

It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, pushing boundaries, and growing in ways you never thought possible.

2) Failure doesn’t frighten you

I’ll be the first one to declare that I’ve failed. More times than I care to admit.

There have been situations where I set my heart on something, and gave it my all, only to see it crumble.

It hurt. It stung.

But here’s what I’ve realized – failure doesn’t define me.

It offers invaluable lessons that success could never teach. That’s why I consider failure a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

With a growth mindset, failure isn’t the end of the world.

It’s just another part of the journey, another notch in the belt of experience.

You start viewing failure as an opportunity for growth, an event that brings you one step closer to your goals.

Again, yes, I’ve failed.

But each time, I picked myself up, dusted off the disappointment, and moved forward, armed with new knowledge and insight.

3) You’re excited by the success of others

This one time, a close friend of mine landed an amazing job at a top firm.

I was thrilled for her. Genuinely.

Sure, there was a part of me that felt a pang of envy. After all, I had been applying to similar firms without much success.

But the predominant emotion was joy. I was excited for her accomplishment, her progress.

So, why I’m sharing this story?

The thing is that having a growth mindset means that you’re able to celebrate other people’s success without feeling threatened or undermined.

It’s about understanding that life isn’t a zero-sum game.

Just try to realize that other people’s achievements don’t diminish your own potential or worth.

Instead, they inspire you, encourage you to strive harder and reach higher.

4) You’re a lifelong learner

Did you know that the human brain continues to create new neurons and reorganize neural pathways throughout life?

It’s a process called neuroplasticity.

This means that our capacity to learn and grow doesn’t stop once we leave school or university.

We can continue to expand our knowledge and skills, no matter our age.

People with a growth mindset understand this. They don’t see learning as a chore or something that ends with formal education.

Rather than this, they see it as a never-ending journey which means they’re:

• Always curious
• Eager to learn something new
• Want to expand their horizons.

Whether it’s picking up a new language, mastering a musical instrument, or understanding the complexities of quantum physics, I’m sure about one thing:

If you’re always thirsty for knowledge, that’s a clear sign of a growth mindset.

5) You embrace change

Life is like a river, it’s always in motion.

Sometimes, it’s a calm, serene flow, other times it’s a wild, tumultuous rapid.

And just like a river alters its course over time, life too brings about changes – some expected, some completely out of the blue.

But you know what?

People with a growth mindset don’t resist change. They don’t cling to the familiar and the comfortable.

These people always welcome change for one simple reason: they see it as an opportunity to adapt, evolve, and grow.

Simply put, they understand that change is the only constant in life and that adapting to it is crucial for personal and professional growth.

6) You value the journey over the destination

Ever heard that age-old saying, “It’s not the destination, but the journey that matters”?

Trust me, it’s more than just a quote you see on motivational posters.

People with a growth mindset live by this philosophy.

Sure, goals are important. They give us direction, and help us chart our course.

But the real growth, the real learning happens along the way, during the journey.

For example, you might be working towards a promotion, learning a new skill, or building a business from scratch.

In all these cases, if you find more joy and satisfaction in the process than in the final outcome, then that’s a sign of a growth mindset.

It shows that you know how to savor each milestone, each moment of progress, regardless of how small they may seem.

Because you understand that these ‘small’ steps collectively lead to big transformations.

7) You’re receptive to feedback

Feedback – it’s a word that can trigger a myriad of reactions.

Some see it as criticism, others see it as an opportunity.

When it comes to people with a growth mindset, they fall into the latter category.

They value feedback, not because they crave approval or affirmation, but because they see it as a tool for improvement.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s positive or negative — they take it in their stride, using it to refine their skills and bolster their strengths.

The thing that makes these people is their understanding that feedback is not a personal attack or judgment.

It’s an opportunity to learn, grow and become better.

8) You believe in your ability to grow and change

At the heart of it all, a growth mindset boils down to one fundamental belief – the belief in your ability to grow and change.

It’s the conviction that you’re not bound by your current abilities or circumstances.

Even more — the understanding that you have the potential to improve, to evolve, to reach new heights.

If this resonates, then I’m sure you know that you’re not a finished product.

You’re a work in progress, constantly evolving, constantly growing.

This belief fuels your motivation, your resilience, your determination to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

And you know what’s the best part?

When you truly believe in your capacity for growth and change, you can actually become smarter, more skilled, and more accomplished.

Final thoughts: Embracing the journey

If you see yourself in these signs, it’s likely you are already harnessing the power of a growth mindset.

Now, I want you to pay attention to your inner dialogue.

Is it one of self-encouragement or self-doubt? Does it push you towards growth or hold you back?

The beauty of a growth mindset lies in its flexibility – it can be nurtured and developed with conscious effort.

Embrace challenges and changes, learn from failures, value feedback, and most importantly, believe in your capacity to grow.