6 benefits of setting goals to cultivate a growth mindset

Perhaps you have heard about the difference between a 'fixed mindset' and a 'growth mindset.' But if you haven't, let me brief you...

For those who are more inclined to have a fixed mindset, their belief system would suggest that they believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are fixed traits. This means that people who have a fixed mindset are more likely to document their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success, that talent is innate and not a practice.

“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” (Dweck, 2015) Think Oprah, Walt Disney, and Albert Einstein.

Albert Einstein could not speak until he was four, and didn't read until he was seven. His teachers said he 'would never amount to anything.' Albert Einstein is a Noble Prize winner, and is the face of modern physics.

To have a 'growth mindset' takes bravery and resilience. It also forces us to push outside our comfort zone and tread new ground. To experience something, ANYTHING, for the first time is daunting. This mindset encourages the understanding of the importance to keep trying, despite failure, to have that first ever experience. An experience which is unknown. An experience that lives in your head and your heart, and this being your main, or only motivation. This brings a whole new level to the meaning of daunting.

Why having goals will benefit your mindset:

1. Having a way to work out what your goals are will bring clarity to your life. Life is ever-changing. It is messy and fluid and this is largely uncontrollable. It is easy to find yourself stuck, or feeling a loss of purpose if you neglect to aim for at least one goal at a time (no more than three!)

2. Having a goal, no matter how big or small, is something for yourself. Your goal isn't really yours if you are doing it for someone else. To sit down and think about what you truly desire right now is an enriching, soul-satisfying exercise. Once you have worked through and established where you are headed next, that knowledge brings a joyful excitement. This clarity (in my humble opinion) is the highest form of self-care.

3. It is slowly becoming recognised in the mainstream wellness industry that having a sense of purpose is paramount to healthy lifestyle. Taking the time to always ensure that you are working towards something that you want for yourself gives your life that sense of purpose and something to strive for. This in turn will contribute positively to all the other aspects of your life.

4. Realising that you do not have to make money from your goals or aspirations will free you. Goals do not have to be measured financially (or otherwise) to be valid.

5. Having goals develops resilience. Following your goals despite the knock-backs makes you stronger each time you reset and try again. J.K. Rowling was turned down twelve times from major publishers before Harry Potter was accepted. Learning that 'failure' is really one of life's blessings makes you stronger.

6. Once you have conquered facing 'failures' and still kept going through the tough times until you succeed, you will be better equipped to face adversity with resilience. Yeah, read that again. Having goals will make you stronger and more able to deal with negative or traumatic experiences that you might encounter.

If you need help in working out or your goals, or completing the goals you have set yourself, why not check out my goal setting and taking intentional action on-demand programme? You will receive 4 weeks worth of workbooks that guide you through the framework helping you

to identify your goals, ensuring they are aligned with what you want for your life and not what you think you should be working towards. Then you will work through all your barriers and blocks until your goals are your new reality.

I have used this framework for every single goal I have set and completed. And, it can be used time and time again!