Imagine a world where there was a recipe you could follow to get rich. What ingredients do you think would feature in it? A high-paying job? A diversified investment portfolio? Disciplined saving?
Why are some of us crippled by failure when others take it in their stride? Why do so many people struggle with minor setbacks when others rebound quickly from the direst of straits?
With a fixed mindset, you believe your talents, skills, abilities, intelligence, and character are fixed. A growth mindset is the opposite. You believe everything from your intelligence and capabilities to your overall lot in life is subject to change.
“I can’t invest; I don’t know how.” “I don’t know how to get out of debt.” “Budgeting doesn’t make sense to me.” “I don’t understand how to save money each month.”
Failure’s a dirty word when you have a fixed mindset. However, not only is failure a natural part of life, but it’s also (from the perspective of a growth mindset) a cornerstone of progress.
It’s always tempting to hide from our failings and imperfections. However, no good ever comes from burying our heads in the sand. Instead, acknowledging, confronting, and embracing our issues and weaknesses is key to overcoming them.