In our previous blog, we touched on the importance of having a growth mindset in order to learn from your experiences and emerge from them a stronger leader. But, how can you develop a growth mindset if you naturally think from a more fixed standpoint?

It’s not as much of a shift as you might think.

It starts with taking ownership over your own experiences. While we can’t always dictate how an experience ends, we do have the ability to shape our thoughts and perceptions of it. So, actively engage with what you’re doing on a daily basis and extract the positives and negatives. This will encourage you to see a bad experience not as a failure, but as something that will help you be more successful next time.

By understanding the value of trying, regardless of the outcome, you will be more inclined to view challenges as opportunities, rather than obstacles. So, instead of shying away, you will embrace challenges with the mindset that they represent a chance to learn and grow.

Ultimately, setbacks are commonplace for any business leader. You’ve just got to pick yourself up and go again. It’s only natural to rue what you perceive as mistakes, but don’t agonise over them, as that can chip away at your confidence and self-esteem. Instead, look for the lesson in the process and begin work on conquering your next challenge.

As adults, it can prove difficult to comprehend a mistake, or something not quite going to plan. When we were younger, the odd slip-up was expected as part of the learning process. So, why is failure so difficult to palate now? If we want to continue to learn and grow with age, we’ve got to take on some child-like robustness.

Some of the most renowned business leaders have an incredible growth mindset. I always give the example of Thomas Edison, who famously made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”

Take inspiration from these stories, reach out for advice and share in your experiences. You’re well on your way to developing your very own growth mindset.