Talking about growth mindset has become such a cliche that not a day goes without hearing it. Then why aren’t we all adopting that mindset?
Because growth does not come free.
Take the example of muscle growth — how does it happen? You go to the gym and lift weights, straining your muscles and causing microtears. Your body then repairs those muscles but it goes a bit overboard and adds some extra muscle mass.
Muscles grow when you inflict pain on them. And once you get into an equilibrium, the muscle growth stops — every gym-goer gets there at some point.
In life, equilibrium is what we call ‘status quo’ or ‘comfort zone.’ Be it your muscle mass, intellect, or mindset — you won’t grow when in a comfortable equilibrium. And by definition, getting out of equilibrium is hard and scary.
That is why, exhorting people to inculcate growth mindset is pointless. Instead, exhort them to take up challenges that might be painful and scary.
But even better, why exhort others to change? Why not change yourself first?
It is easier to change ourselves than to change the world. So start with the easier goal. 😊
– Rajan