By: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC AssociateSupervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S

What is mindset?

Mindset is a set of beliefs that help you make sense of your world. Beliefs are pivotal in setting goals and whether you reach your goals.

Types of mindsets

Studies have shown two types of mindsets: fixed vs. growth.

Fixed mindset

People with a fixed mindset tend to believe that their abilities are fixed traits and, therefore, can't be changed. This person also believes that their talent and intelligence alone lead to their success. They often feel that effort is not a factor in becoming successful.

Growth mindset

On the other hand, a person with a growth mindset believes that their talents and abilities can be developed over time through effort and persistence. They know that they cannot necessarily be Albert Einstein, but they can improve their abilities with work.

 Examples of fixed vs. growth mindset:

Fixed

Either I'm good at it, or I'm not.I am who I am; I can't change it.If I don't try, I will not fail.

Growth

I can learn anythingI am a work in progressFailure is an opportunity to learn.

Can you change your fixed mindset?

While it is not easy to change a fixed mindset, studies have shown that it is possible. Here's how.

• An important factor when building a growth mindset is seeing the value of how you got to the result. For instance, let's say that your first marriage failed. People with a fixed mindset view it as a failure. A person with a growth mindset will consider it an opportunity to improve interpersonal skills. If you constantly fixate on the result, you miss all the learning opportunities. Stop worrying so much about the outcome, and focus on your journey to get there. 
• People can only do something the first time they try. Sometimes it takes many attempts to achieve success. If you're struggling with a task, remind yourself that you haven't mastered it "yet." Integrating this word into your vocabulary signals that despite any struggles, you can overcome anything. 
• Pay attention to your words and thoughts. Replace negative thoughts with more positive ones to build a growth mindset.
• Take on challenges. Making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn. So, instead of shying away from challenges, embrace them.

Does it even matter?

A person's mindset plays a critical role in coping with life's challenges. When problems happen, adults with a growth mindset view a problem as an opportunity to learn and grow. A person with a growth mindset is hungry to learn and discover new things. These same people are more likely to persevere when there are setbacks in life. People with fixed mindsets tend to give up when life does not go their way. 

If You Want To Improve Your Mindset, Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!

If you are looking to improve your mindset, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:

• Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more about emotionally focused therapy
• Meet with one of our compassionate therapists
• Find ways to thrive in your relationship!

Other Therapy Services We Offer: 

Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men's issues, women's issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!