The Power of Belief – The Advantages of Growth Mindset
Most people are of the opinion that hard work is the root of success. That is true at some point, but the fact is that there is an even more important aspect of success – one that gives rise to motivation for hard work.
Power to Believe
Even more important than hard work is the power of belief that you can do something. Maybe not today, but if you put enough time, effort, and energy into it – then you will be able to in the future. This persistent belief in knowing that you are capable if you choose to achieve something fuels your motivation for hard work towards what you intend to achieve. Now, this might seem like a weak argument, but studies have actually shown that the power of belief has prevalent and positive manifestations that can help you get from point A to point B.
Fixed and Growth Mindset
There are two kinds of people in this world: those having fixed mindset as well as those having a growth mindset. Those having a fixed mindset are people who limit their capabilities to certain aspects. Have you ever identified yourself as someone who is not good at math? Or maybe you told yourself you are not really the artistic type? This is fixed mindset and as long as you keep yourself chained to this description of yourself, then it is unlikely that you will be able to experience growth.
Those having a growth mindset, on the other hand, have a different perception on intelligence. They see themselves as constantly changing individuals who have the capacity to change and improve what they know. People having a growth mindset tell themselves: I can’t do this…yet.
Yet – because they believe that change is still possible and with the power of belief, these people act and make plans in expectation of growth. That is why they are able to move from one interest to another, learning different disciplines and even mastering them all at the same time.
Not Just Theories
Now you might be thinking that the power of belief is just an optimistic, new-age way of thinking – but that is not the case at all. A study was actually conducted following the progress of two groups of children: those having growth mindset and those having a fixed mindset. After years of tracking, they have found that children having a growth type of mindset were able to improve their grades at excellent proportions, as opposed to those who were fixed in their way of thinking. This study has been conducted over and over again in one form or another with the same results: people having a growth mindset have a better chance towards success.
Not Permanent
Note though that these mindsets are not permanent. Just because you have fixed mindset now does not mean you will have it forever. Once you have managed to recognize the problem, you can start shifting your focus and believe that you can grow into someone who has a more malleable way of perceiving intelligence.
Studies show that the mind is incredibly malleable. If you believe you can make it work efficiently towards a specific purpose, then the brain will definitely adjust to those expectations and give you the results you want.
But how can you turn yourself into a growth type rather than a fixed type? One way of shifting your mindset is by focusing on what you can improve. Studies show that those having a fixed mindset tend to focus on their scores and compare themselves with others. They tend to ask: how well did I do in my exams?
People with growth mindsets, however, are more forward thinking. They ask themselves: what can I do to get better grades next time? Once you focus on this forward and positive way of thinking, you will be able to slowly shift your mindset and be open for growth.
Check out with Video
(Video Credited to TED.com)
Scope of Power to Believe
The great thing about the power of belief is that it extends to every single aspect of your life. Whether you want to ace the math exams, pass the bar, learn guitar, or master karate – you will find that shifting your mindset will let you do practically anything and everything you want to achieve in your life. Even better – there is no time limit to this. You can start whenever you wish but the earlier, the better.