Having a fixed mindset or growth mindset can be the difference between success and failure in your coaching business. As a coach I’m sure you know this, but it’s always good to revisit these things. To notice where you’ve slipped in your patterns and habits and reflect on what needs to change or improve.

In this week’s blog I’ll be covering the key characteristics of the fixed and growth mindset and discovering where you sit within them. What to do if you’re stuck in a fixed mindset that is creating negative self-talk. How to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset for more business success

Ready to dive in?

Fixed vs growth mindset

Let’s take a look at some of the characteristics of a fixed and growth mindset, so you can discover which camp you sit in. Or perhaps you spend time in a bit of both. It’s always good to do a monthly or quarterly review when it comes to your mindset, because the lessons never end.

Fixed mindset – Typical traits of a fixed mindset include; fear of making mistakes. Resistance to trying new things. Seeing things as too hard. Telling yourself you ‘can’t’ do this and seeing your skills and abilities as fixed.

Growth mindset – Typical traits of a growth mindset include; seeing challenges as an opportunity to grow. Recognizing that mistakes help you grow. The willingness to keep trying. The belief that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Accepting that your skills and abilities are not fixed.

Take some time to reflect and journal on where you’re spending most of your time. Are you spending more time in a fixed mindset? If so, ask yourself what needs to change to move towards a greater growth mindset.

Overcoming negative self-talk

Sometimes our mindset can take a nosedive and we fall into more negative self-talk. Life events can get in the way and we can create habits which don’t serve us. The first step from breaking free of negative self-talk and a fixed mindset is self-awareness. Often a coach can support you and recognise where you are limiting or blocking yourself. They have the power to see your blind spots.

If you’re not working with a coach right now, here are some ways you can recognise if you’re stuck in a fixed mindset, so you can transform your negative self-talk…

Pattern interrupt – Get a notepad or grab your computer and write down your negative self-talk as soon as you notice it. Then ask yourself 1) Is this true? 2) Does this belief support me or anyone else in my life? 3) Does having this thought help me achieve my goals? 

Affirmations – Use affirmations as another pattern interrupt. Every time you notice negative self-talk, ask yourself, would you speak to a friend or loved one like that? Assume the answer is no (which it should be), write an affirmation starting with ‘I am or I have’. State it in the positive and let it be the opposite of the negative self-talk and belief that you noticed.

Embracing a growth mindset

Once you’ve identified the characteristics of a fixed mindset and the negative self-talk you’re displaying, make a decision to go all in. Changing your mindset and hitting your goals takes time. Make the commitment to yourself that you’re going to do whatever it takes and seek external support if you need it.

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable as you explore your mindset blocks. Practice self-compassion and recognise this is a process. Start to see failure as feedback in the right direction and don’t take it as a personal affront to your success. Failure is an important part of your growth. Journal your thoughts and notice what shifts within your thinking as you go from negative-thinking to a more positive growth mindset.

The next step

Would you like more support with overcoming negative self-talk so you can hit your business goals faster? Ready to ditch the self-doubt, increase your confidence, create more impact and make more money in your business? Book a free connection call and let’s chat about how I might be able to support you.