What is a Fixed Mindset?
A “fixed mindset” is a belief that your intelligence, skills, and talents are set in stone. People with a fixed mindset believe they are born with a certain amount of ability, and that’s that. They don’t think they can improve much beyond that.
The opposite of a fixed mindset is a “growth mindset.” Someone with a growth mindset believes they can develop their abilities through hard work, dedication, and learning from mistakes. They see challenges as opportunities to grow.
The goal of this article is to show you clear, relatable examples of a fixed mindset in action. Understanding the fixed mindset is the first step toward adopting a growth-oriented perspective. By recognizing these tendencies in yourself and others, you can consciously choose different, more productive responses and behaviors. We’ll walk you through some examples of what a fixed mindset looks like, and some tips on how to overcome it.
Core characteristics of a fixed mindset
People with a fixed mindset tend to share certain beliefs and behaviors. Here are some common characteristics:
Belief in innate intelligence
People with a fixed mindset see skills and abilities as inborn gifts rather than talents that can be developed. They tend to see themselves as either smart or not smart, talented or not talented. This belief can lead to a fear of failure and a reluctance to try new things that might expose their perceived limitations.
Resistance to challenge
Because people with a fixed mindset are afraid of not being “good enough,” they often avoid challenges. They tend to see challenges as potential demonstrations of where they come up short.
Fear of failure
To someone with a fixed mindset, failure is proof of their inadequacies. This fear can cause them to avoid risks and stick to activities they already know they’re good at.
Individuals with a fixed mindset don’t necessarily see practice as a pathway to improvement. They see effort as a sign of low ability, believing that people with true talent don’t need to work hard.
Negative comparison to others
People with a fixed mindset often measure themselves against others. They may feel threatened by the success of others and inadequate if they’re not “the best.”
Fixed Mindset Examples: Identity and Self-Improvement
A fixed mindset can show up in lots of ways. Here are a few examples:
- Avoiding challenges to protect self-image: Imagine someone avoids a new project at work because they’re afraid they won’t be good at it. Instead of seeing it as a chance to learn, they see it as a threat.
- Giving up easily: Think about someone learning a new language. They might quit after a few lessons if they don’t pick it up right away, deciding they “don’t have a knack for languages.”
- Taking criticism personally: If someone gets constructive criticism on a presentation, they might get defensive instead of seeing it as a chance to improve. They see the feedback as an attack.
- Sticking to what’s comfortable: Someone might avoid learning new software, fearing they won’t master it. They’d rather stay in their comfort zone.
- Believing effort is a sign of low intelligence: A student might try to look like they don’t need to study, thinking that effort makes them look less smart.
Comparing Self to Others: Examples of a Fixed Mindset
Here are some examples of how a fixed mindset can show up when you’re comparing yourself to other people:
- Feeling threatened by the success of colleagues. Someone with a fixed mindset might feel jealous when a colleague gets a promotion, thinking it means they are inadequate. They’re not inspired; they feel diminished.
- Avoiding collaboration to avoid being “outshone.” A team member might refuse to collaborate, afraid their contributions will be overshadowed. They care more about their ego than the project’s success.
- Downplaying the achievements of others. When a friend succeeds, someone with a fixed mindset might minimize their accomplishment, chalking it up to luck instead of hard work. This protects their self-esteem.
- Becoming discouraged when others learn faster. If someone is learning a new skill and sees others progressing more quickly, they might give up, believing they lack the talent. They compare themselves and decide they can’t succeed.
Fixed Mindset Examples: Learning Something New
Here are some examples of a fixed mindset in action, specifically when it comes to learning new things:
- Avoiding new hobbies or interests: Someone might avoid trying a new sport or art form because they worry they’ll be bad at it and look foolish. They’d rather avoid embarrassment than experience the joy of learning.
- Refusing to ask for help: When struggling with new software, a person with a fixed mindset might try to figure it out on their own. They see asking for help as admitting they’re incompetent.
- Giving up on a challenging course: A student might drop a difficult class, deciding they’re simply “not good at that subject” instead of getting help. They view the difficulty as proof of their inability.
- Sticking to familiar methods: A cook might only use the same recipes and refuse to try new ones, scared of wasting ingredients if they fail. They’d rather play it safe than experiment.
- Dismissing new ideas: Someone might reject new ideas, convinced that their way of thinking is the only right one. They’re unwilling to consider other viewpoints or learn from others.
- Believing intelligence is fixed at birth: A parent might believe their child’s intelligence is set in stone, influencing how they encourage their child’s learning. They may focus on praising natural talent instead of effort.
Wrapping Up
The examples we’ve explored show how a fixed mindset can hold you back. It limits your potential, interferes with your personal and professional growth, and makes you afraid to fail. Over time, this way of thinking can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, keeping you stuck and causing you to miss out on opportunities.
But you can change your mindset. When you develop a growth mindset, you’re able to embrace challenges, learn from your mistakes, and achieve your full potential. Cultivating a growth mindset builds resilience and adaptability, and it fosters a love of learning.
To make this shift, learn to identify the triggers that put you in a fixed mindset. Then, consciously choose a growth-oriented response. When you recognize your fixed-mindset tendencies and actively choose to think differently, you can transform your life and achieve greater success and fulfillment. The key is to see your abilities as flexible and to embrace the journey of learning and growth.