One of the most challenging components of being a performer of any type is the need to constantly receive feedback. We receive criticism from teachers/coaches/bosses/directors/managers/agents. . . the list goes on and on. To benefit from this feedback, successful performers must understand at the deepest levels of their minds that feedback, even when critical, is a helpful tool designed to help you grow.
Fixed Mindsets | Fixed mindsets follow the idea that one's mental and physical talents are limited. You may believe that you have a certain level of talent, and that talent determines how far you can go. You may not be totally open to receiving feedback and you may practice or work on the assumption that you cannot go beyond a certain point. |
Growth Mindsets | Growth mindsets follow the idea that one's physical and mental talents and abilities can be nurtured and developed. These folks welcome feedback -- even when it is negative -- because they recognize that their potential is not bound to where they currently are. |
The chart below highlights the key differences between growth and fixed mindsets. It was excerpted from Carol S. Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2006, Ballantine Books).
Notice that those with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of set-backs, view effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, find lessons and inspiration from the success of others, and are far more likely to surpass their peers with fixed mindsets.
Developing a growth mindset can help performers to break through plateaus and achieve higher goals. Try the following strategies adapted from Psychology Today and other websites:
Eliminate fixed mindset triggers: challenges, setbacks, hard work, critique, and success of others. Anne-Laure Le Cunff explains:
Being challenged. Being out of your comfort zone is one of the best signs you are learning and growing. Find a way to be comfortable being challenged.
Facing setbacks. Setbacks are intrinsic to life. Do not allow yourself to let a setback derail you - instead, find another way to succeed.
Having to work hard. There is no such thing as naturally talented or gifted. You get there by persistence and grit.
Getting negative feedback. No one enjoys hearing their shortcomings spoken aloud, but the more you know, the further you can go.
Seeing success in others. Jealousy is counterproductive. Follow your own journey.
Understand the concepts of Neuroplasticity. Voss, Thomas, Sicneros-Franco and Villers-Sidani, in their article Dynamic Brains and the Changing Rules of Neuroplasticity: Implications for Learning and Recovery (2017), define neuroplasticity as the "brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience.” As such, understanding that one can continue to grow and develop throughout one’s life gives credence to the belief that we can grow and improve from wherever we are at any given moment.
Embrace your individuality. What if, instead of starting the day with negativity, you take a minute to consciously acknowledge your strengths? We all have things we do well and things that need work. If you take the time to identify those things, you can organize a plan and stay on track.
Be bold. I use this statement a lot. I truly believe that challenges are just opportunities for growth, and if you can look at your situation through that lens, you may discover ways of overcoming challenges.
Be intentional with your words (even those spoken to yourself). This one is HARD, but so very important. We really do become what we believe about ourselves so try to replace judgement with acceptance and embrace the place you are in your journey right now. The future will work itself out in time.
Work on your authenticity. Being an authentic person means being true to yourself and genuine in your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. Pretending to be someone that you are not diminishes your value in the world. Working to approach life only through the eyes of your authentic self helps you to be self-aware and willing to embrace both your strengths and weaknesses. You will find that working on your shortfalls is easier when you do.
Find your why. Clear articulation of what your goals are and why you want them helps your purpose to remain at the forefront. Knowing your why helps you to pursue it.
Value process over the result. Remember to enjoy the journey, because in the end, we will likely still be ‘journey-ing’ toward greater mastery.
Be willing to take risks. If you are unwilling to fail, you are unwilling to try. Nothing positive ever happens if we don't embrace change. It helps to remember that no road to accomplishment is ever straight.
Forget perfectionism. In my studio we don't use words like 'yes' and 'no.' Instead try looking at your progress as "ready" and "not yet ready." It seems simple, but may keep you from hitting that wall of negativity.
Be realistic. Remember that change takes time. Be patient with yourself and others - we are all on a journey of our own.
Give these strategies a try. Enjoy your journey!