Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset: Rewiring the Way We Think.
Recently, during my midterm for college, I had to dive into the concept of fixed vs growth mindset. What started out as “just another assignment” ended up hitting me harder than I expected. I realized that a lot of the s...
Recently, during my midterm for college, I had to dive into the concept of fixed vs growth mindset. What started out as “just another assignment” ended up hitting me harder than I expected. I realized that a lot of the struggles I’ve carried whether in school, building RetroMental, or even in my personal life came from living with a fixed mindset without even knowing it.
My Wake Up Call
While working through my midterm, I had to reflect on my own thinking. I saw how often I told myself:
- “I’m just not good at this.”
- “If I fail, I’m not smart enough.”
- “Other people are just naturally better.”
That’s when it clicked I had been boxing myself in. I was holding onto old beliefs that my abilities were set in stone, and it was draining me mentally.
Understanding the Two Mindsets
A fixed mindset believes abilities are permanent you either “have it” or you don’t. Failure feels final, challenges feel threatening, and feedback feels personal.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, believes abilities can develop with effort, learning, and persistence. Failure becomes feedback, challenges become opportunities, and feedback becomes fuel to improve.
Why This Matters for Mental Health
Seeing my own fixed mindset patterns made me realize how much it was affecting my mental health. Every setback felt like proof that I wasn’t enough. That kind of thinking leads to frustration, stress, and burnout.
But when I started shifting toward a growth mindset even in small ways I noticed a change. I stopped labeling myself as “stuck” and started seeing myself as “in progress.” That shift alone lightened the weight I was carrying.
How I’m Rewiring My Mindset
- Adding “yet.” Now I catch myself saying, “I can’t do this… yet.”
- Celebrating effort. I remind myself that showing up and putting in the work counts.
- Reframing failure. Instead of beating myself up, I ask, “What did this teach me?”
- Leaning on community. Being around people who push me to grow like my POP team, my professors, and my family helps me stay accountable.
- Practicing patience. Growth takes time, and I’m learning to give myself grace along the way.
Closing Thoughts
That midterm wasn’t just about passing a class it was about holding up a mirror. It showed me how fixed my mindset had been and reminded me that change is possible.
At RetroMental, our motto is Survive, Strive, Thrive. I’m learning that thriving isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being willing to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable.
So now I ask you: Which mindset have you been living in lately? And what small step can you take today to shift toward growth?
