The journey to personal growth and success is often far from linear. Its filled with setbacks, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, through it all, there lies one truth: the way we approach challenges can fundamentally shape our future. The growth mindset theory, coined by psychologist Carol Dweck reveals how our beliefs about our abilities can either limit or expand our personal potential.
For many years, I believed that certain qualities – intelligence, talent, and charm were simply things you either had or didn’t. I thought that if I wasn’t naturally good at something, it wasn’t worth pursuing. This mindset kept me from taking risks, trying new things, or pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I stayed within the boundaries of what felt “safe” because I feared failure. However, everything changed when I discovered the growth mindset and its transformative power.
The growth mindset is based on the idea that our abilities and intelligence are not fixed traits, but can be developed over time through hard work, perseverance and learning. Unlike a fixed mindset, which believes that talent and intelligence are innate and unchangeable, a growth mindset encourages us to see failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. This mindset is not a fixed trait but a practice that needs ongoing effort and can vary across different areas of life.
Research consistently supports the impact of this mindset on success. A study conducted by Dweck, and her colleagues found that students with a growth mindset performed better academically than their peers with a fixed mindset, even when they faced difficulties. This is because students with a growth mindset were more likely to persist through challenges, view setbacks as a normal part of the learning process and ultimately experience greater success. The concept is simple but powerful: when you believe you can improve, you’re more likely to keep trying and grow.
The Ongoing Practice of Growth
While the growth can be empowering, maintaining it over time can be challenging. There are moments when progress feels slow, or when repeated failures cause doubt to creep in. At times like these, it’s natural to fall back into a fixed mindset – questioning our abilities, feeling stuck, or fearing that improvements is not possible. External pressures, comparison, or even burnout can also make it difficult to stay open and motivated. That is why adopting a growth mindset is not a permanent, it is a continuous practice. To renew it, we need to consciously remind ourselves that growth takes time, and that setbacks are not signs of failure but stepping stones toward improvement. Strategies like reflecting on how far we have come, reframing negative self-talk, seeking feedback, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people can all help us stay grounded in a growth-orientated perspective.
Mindset in Different Contexts
It is also important to recognise that mindset is not always consistent across every area of life. In some situations, we might naturally adopt a growth mindset, like believing we can improve in academics, creative pursuits, or fitness. But in other areas, such as relationships, or emotional regulation, we may still hold a fixed mindset without realising it. For example, someone might feel confident that they can get better at writing essays through practice, but believe they will never be a people person, or good at managing conflict. Understanding that mindset is context-dependent allows us to reflect on where we might be limiting ourselves and gently challenge those beliefs. It reminds us that growth is not all or nothing, it’s a personal, uneven journey that unfolds differently in each part of our lives.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from this journey is the power of authenticity. Authenticity can contribute to a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence, as it encourages us to embrace who we truly are, rather than trying to fit into a mould. While living in alignment with our core values can reduce the need for external validation, it’s important to recognise that validation from others can still play a role in our growth. While authenticity may help reduce the tendency to compare ourselves to others, it’s not a guarantee that we’ll always feel secure in our uniqueness. The process of embracing our authentic selves can still come with challenges, and how we perceive our values can be influenced by a variety of factors, including our environment and experiences.
EDI Model
Throughout this journey of embracing a growth mindset and learning to stay true to myself, I have come to see how deeply personal development is tied to being embodied, dynamic, and inclusive – the core principles of the EDI model. Growth is not just something we think about; it’s something we feel in our bodies when we take risks, face fears, or move through setbacks. It is also dynamic, constantly evolving as we encounter new challenges and contexts that shape how we see ourselves and what we believe we are capable of. Moreover, perhaps most importantly, it is inclusive – because our confidence does not grow in isolation, but through connection, community, and validation of diverse experiences, including our own. The EDI model not only supports the idea that we can change and grow, but it also honours how that growth looks and feels different for everyone.
Lessons From the Ugly Duckling:
This brings me to one of the most beautiful stories about personal transformation – the tale of The Ugly Duckling. This beloved fable tells the story of a duckling who is ridiculed by others because of its perceived flaws and differences. The duckling feels lost and out of place, unsure of its worth. But as time passes, the duckling undergoes a remarkable transformation and becomes a beautiful swan.
The ugly duckling represents how we can feel out of place or insecure during moments of growth. But just like the duckling, once we embrace our uniqueness and stop trying to fit into predefined moulds, we can experience true transformation. Our challenges and setbacks are part of the process, not the end. They are stepping stones that help us develop into the person we were always meant to be.
This story of transformation mirrors my own journey. I spent years trying to fit into other’s expectations, thinking that success meant achieving the things others valued. However, when I started focusing on my personal values and staying true to what mattered most to me, I began to feel more confident. I stopped comparing myself to others and embraced my authentic self, flaws and all. With this shift, my confidence grew slowly, as did my ability to take risks and try new things.
Now, when I face obstacles or setbacks, I view them through the lens of the growth mindset. I remind myself that my abilities aren’t fixed – that I can try to learn and improve. Being authentic will help me navigate even the most difficult challenges with grace.
The growth mindset and authenticity are powerful tools for anyone looking to build self-confidence and overcome obstacles in life. Embracing the idea that we can grow, that failure isn’t permanent, and that our unique qualities are valuable will help us navigate our journeys with greater resilience and self-assurance.
So, if you’re feeling like the ugly duckling – out of place, insecure, or unsure of your potential, remember this: you’re not alone. The journey of personal growth isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Embrace your unique qualities, stay true to your values, and trust that your confidence will follow. Just like the ugly duckling, you may one day look back and realise that the things that once seemed like flaws were the very things that made you extraordinary.
As you move forward in your journey, remember to stay authentic. Don’t let the opinions of others define your worth. Trust in the process of growth and be patient with yourself. Just like the ugly duckling, you have the power to transform into the beautiful swan you were always meant to be.
Author: Jayna Chauhan – MSc Occupational Psychology Student