So take a look at this scenario. You have only been at this job for less than 6 months, and your boss tells you during the meeting that you’ve just been promoted to team lead. Congrats! But as you sit down at your desk and look over the files your boss has given you, your stomach sink, and start realizing that you’re way in over your head.
However, knowing that you said to yourself prior to taking the position 6 months ago, you were go embrace all challenges with a positive attitude. You begin to see this new task as an opportunity to learn and grow. This is all about having a growth mindset.
When we have a growth mindset, we believe that our abilities can be developed through hard work, good teaching, and perseverance. We don’t give up easily, because we know that challenges are an essential part of learning. And when we do face setbacks, we see them as a chance to learn and improve.
So how can you embrace a growth mindset during challenging circumstances?
I’ve provided 8 Mindset shifts you can start embracing a growth mindset.
1. Acknowledge
Acknowledge that you’re feeling overwhelmed and that it’s okay to feel that way. Don’t try to push those feelings away. Allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling, but don’t dwell on negative emotions. Acknowledge them and then let them go. Focus on what you can control. You may not be able to control the situation, but you can control your reaction to it. Choose to focus on the positive and what you can do, rather than dwelling on the negative.
2. Break the challenge down into smaller pieces.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can help to break the challenge down into smaller pieces. Take a step back and look at the big picture. What is it that you’re trying to achieve? Once you have a clear goal in mind, you can start breaking that goal down into smaller, more manageable steps. Focusing on one small task at a time will make the challenge feel less daunting and more achievable.
3. Seek out support and resources.
When you’re facing a challenge, reach out to your friends, family, and colleagues for support. There are also many online resources available that can help you. Don’t try to go it alone. Ask for help when you need it and surround yourself with positive people who will support you.
4. Be patient with yourself.
Learning takes time, so be patient with yourself as you work through the challenge. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace, and don’t compare yourself to others. Just focus on making progress each day, and eventually, you will reach your goal.
5. Seek Out New Challenges
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to seek out new challenges. Challenging yourself will help you to grow and learn. It can also help to take your mind off of the challenge that you’re currently facing. So, if you’re feeling lost or stuck, try signing up for a new class, taking on a new project, or challenging yourself in a new way. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you set your mind to it.
6. Accept Inspiration From Others
Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from others. If your friend succeeds, be the first to offer sincere congratulations. Allow their success to motivate you in a positive way, rather than in a competitive way. You may run into people at certain points on your path to success, but no two paths look alike so don’t panic when you find yourself walking alone. That’s just part of the journey.
7. Persevere and Persistence
You will run into obstacles, that is an inevitability. But you must persist no matter what obstacles are in your path. Don’t give up at the first sign of trouble, don’t give up at the second sign of trouble. Take support, reflect, and keep going.
8. Don’t Ignore Criticism
On the one hand, you can’t let external voices dictate how you proceed. But you shouldn’t ignore criticism when you receive it. Listen to it, learn from it, and apply those lessons where relevant. Not every piece of criticism is valid or relevant, but you have to learn to accept it as part of your journey to a growth mindset.
These are just a few tips to help you embrace a growth mindset during challenging circumstances.
Just remember that you can’t control everything, but you can control your reaction to it.
Choose to focus on the positive and what you can do, rather than dwelling on the negative.
Seek out support and resources, and be patient with yourself. With a little effort, you can overcome any challenge.
