Growth mindset: what it is and how to develop it

A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities, talents, and intelligence are not fixed, but can be developed through effort, learning and perseverance.

Unlike the fixed mindset (where it is assumed that ‘I am good or bad at something and I cannot change it’), those with a growth mindset understand that every mistake is an opportunity to improve, and that progress comes from constant work.

This approach not only improves academic or professional performance, but also helps reduce fear of failure and increase resilience in the face of daily challenges.

Adopting this way of thinking has multiple benefits backed by psychological studies:

• Greater resilience: People with a growth mindset see obstacles as surmountable challenges, not personal failures.

• Better learning and productivity: Understanding that skills can be developed, people seek more training and face new experiences without fear.

• Stress reduction: By accepting that making mistakes is part of the process, you can reduce the paralysing pressure you put on yourself.

• Professional and personal development: This mindset is associated with better job opportunities and greater personal satisfaction.

As Carol Dweck points out in her research, this way of thinking can literally transform how we approach the world..

One of the pillars of the growth mindset is how you interpret failures or unexpected results.

Because it's not about what happens to you, but how you deal with it.

People with a growth mindset:

• See mistakes as learning experiences, not defeats.

• They reframe their thoughts from ‘I can't’ to ‘How can I achieve this?’

• They remain calm and look for solutions instead of giving up.

This approach allows you to turn every obstacle into a springboard for personal and professional growth.

To develop a strong growth mindset, you can incorporate certain habits into your daily routine, such as:

1. Replace ‘I can't’ with ‘How can I do it?’: Changing your internal dialogue helps you focus on solutions rather than barriers.

2. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to improve: Mindset is contagious: spending time with people who inspire you will help you stay motivated.

3. Learn to see failures as lessons: Every mistake is a learning opportunity. Ask yourself what you can take away from each experience.

4. Set clear and achievable goals: Having specific goals keeps you focused and prevents you from losing motivation. To nail this point, we recommend checking out ZZEN Challenge, a 90-day personal development challenge..

5. Celebrate progress, not just results: Recognising small advances is key to maintaining long-term motivation.

Training your mindset isn't just about positive thinking, it's also about creating an environment and routines that support your growth. Some effective strategies are:

• Practise daily self-reflection. Take a few minutes to reflect on what you learned each day.

• Create routines that strengthen your concentration. Meditation, writing, or even natural supplements can help you stay focused.

• Take care of your physical and mental health. Sleeping well, eating properly, and managing stress are the cornerstones of mental performance.

At this point, many people find it helpful to rely on natural supplements such as ZZEN Focus (a nootropic designed to naturally improve concentration and mental clarity). It is not a magic solution, but it can be a support for those seeking to keep their minds balanced while training their resilience.

If you want to start applying the growth mindset to your life, try this:

1. Identify the areas of your life where you have a fixed mindset (work, relationships, learning).

2. Challenge those limiting thoughts with questions such as: ‘What can I do to improve?’.

3. Apply daily microactions: Learn a new skill, ask for feedback, try something outside your comfort zone.

4. Rely on resources that boost your performance, from mindfulness techniques to supplements such as ZZEN Focus, that help you maintain energy and mental clarity.