What is a Fixed Mindset?

A fixed mindset is characterized by rigid thinking. In this mindset, if you've attempted something once, you believe that defines your capability. For instance, if you're currently achieving average grades, you might think that's the best you can do, with no room for growth.

What is a Growth Mindset and Its Advantages?

A growth mindset allows you to reflect on past experiences and learn from them. You trust that improvement is possible. If you faced rejection from a job, you can develop resilience by learning from that experience, avoiding similar mistakes in the future, and applying for other positions.

The key takeaway is to always give your best effort to minimize regrets. The primary advantage of cultivating a growth mindset is that it enables you to become a more resilient individual, increasing your chances of achieving your aspirations.

Determining Whether to Persist or Move On

You may have encountered sayings like:

"Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results."

"Quitting is for winners."

So, should you abandon an unproductive pursuit, such as a new business venture, or should you maintain a growth mindset and persevere? The answer lies in listening to your intuition. Your instincts will guide you on whether to continue on your current path or to pivot.

Reflecting on Past Experiences

The first step to adopting a growth mindset is recognizing that you've endured challenges and come out stronger. You may have faced severe rejection, yet here you are. For instance, when you were turned down for your dream job, it may have felt devastating. However, in retrospect, you might realize that rejection led you to a position that offers more time for yourself, less stress, or a shorter commute. This new role may have contributed to your personal growth. Seek out those silver linings, and remember that while you see only fragments of your life, there is a larger picture that only Allah knows.

What Lies Ahead Will Be Better

This idea isn't just a personal belief; it's a sentiment echoed in the Quran (Chapter 93, Verse 4). Allah assures us that what is to come will be superior. This promise encourages us to maintain a positive outlook and embrace a growth mindset, as the future holds potential for improvement beyond our past experiences. It's worth noting that the Quranic verse doesn't state that the future will unfold as we wish, but rather that it will be better than what we have known.

Therefore, have faith that life is continuously improving and be ready to move forward.

Seeking Lessons in Experiences

Allah values us all, and our presence in this world signifies our worth. If your prayers seem unanswered, it's not because you're inadequate; there are reasons beyond our understanding. Your role is to focus on learning from past mistakes rather than dwelling on them.

Consider enhancing your resume for a second application. Perhaps you could seek constructive feedback from your manager? If you're unsure how to improve, pursue knowledge from the Quran, books, podcasts, YouTube videos, and insightful blogs like this one! This quest for knowledge will empower you to face any challenges that arise.

Again, learn from your experiences, move forward, and do your utmost to avoid repeating past errors.

Prioritizing Yourself in Decision-Making

During tough times, you may feel lost about your next steps. In any decision-making situation, trust your instincts. Your intuition is informed by your knowledge and experiences, providing the best guidance. From an Islamic perspective, performing Istikhara prayer is an excellent way to seek divine help in making the right choices.

Being Your Own Best Advocate

When facing adversity, it's essential to show compassion towards yourself and allow space for grieving your losses. Surround yourself with supportive friends who can provide advice and encouragement. Ensure that your decisions contribute to your long-term happiness and well-being.

The Bottom Line

A growth mindset involves learning from past mistakes and failures while committing to improvement. It's about moving on and striving to do better.

I hope you found this article insightful! If you enjoyed it, please consider sharing it, as what you give to the world often returns to you.

Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day!

Check out my other posts:

• How to Stop Being a People Pleaser and Start Prioritizing Yourself
• How to Be Happy Alone
• How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others / 10 Life-Changing Tips
• Is Sixth Form Really That Hard? | My Highlights