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Intentional Letter: Fixed Mindset Triggers

March 23, 2025 by Cal Walters

An idea (A real growth mindset)

The more I study -- and help teach students -- about the concept of having a growth mindset (vs. a fixed mindset), I'm amazed by the power of this simple shift in thinking.  

After doing a deep dive on the topic, I actually think about it all the time.  

I started studying growth mindset to teach it to others, but I've been the biggest beneficiary.  I thought I had a growth mindset, but I've learned two important lessons:

  1. None of us have a purely growth mindset; and

  2. My default mindset in many areas is more fixed than growth.  

So what is a growth mindset?  This concept comes from Dr. Carol Dweck's work at Stanford, and it's the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies, and help from others.  With a growth mindset, you believe the hand you're dealt is just your starting point for development.  

Conversely, a fixed mindset is a belief that your qualities are largely carved in stone.  

What I find fascinating is how these mindsets show up in the small and large moments of life.  

You have a big presentation coming up.  Is this an opportunity to prove how smart you are?  That's a fixed mindset approach.  Or is this an opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself?  That's a growth mindset.  

When we adopt a fixed mindset in an area or moment in life:

  • we have a consuming goal to always look smart;

  • we avoid challenges that might expose us;

  • we're less likely to ask questions or seek help (because this would prove to the world we don't know it all!);

  • we tend to feel threatened by the success of others;

  • we're easily defensive when faced with criticism; or

  • we're slow to rebound from challenges and setbacks. 

One way to begin to cultivate more of a growth mindset (and help people on your team do the same) is to closely monitor and self-assess how you respond to what Carol Dweck calls our "fixed mindset triggers."  

There are four main ones: 

  1. Evaluations;

  2. High effort challenges;

  3. Critical feedback; and

  4. The success of others

As I've examined my own fixed mindset triggers, I've noticed evaluations or moments where I'm giving my very best effort in a public way tend to trigger a fixed mindset in me.  Being aware of this has helped me shift my mindset before the big moment to approach it as a growth opportunity instead of a moment to "prove" myself.  For me, it's been a subtle but powerful shift.  

What are your fixed mindset triggers?  See below for an assessment by Dr. Mary Murphy.  

P.S. All of this is making you a more emotionally intelligent person and leader.  Stay tuned for future Intentional Letters.  I have a lot more to share about emotional intelligence and mindsets.  


A question

What is the gap between what you said and what others heard?


A quote and resource

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen, again and again, fear must be overcome again and again.”

— Abraham Maslow

Mindset Triggers Assessment

The Mission

I am on a mission to help thousands of leaders gain clarity, courage, community, and consistency in their lives. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

I'm rooting for you,

Cal 


➡️  When you're ready, I can help you gain more joy and deep clarity with my Core Values Mini Course. It has helped over 150 leaders live a truly intentional life. Join here 🎯


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March 23, 2025 /Cal Walters
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