Lessons on Successful Thinking from Carol Dweck

Do you know what all successful business owners have in common? The drive to learn new things regardless of the status quo, current industry beliefs, and previous failure. In other words, the most successful and profitable businesses incorporate a growth mindset.

Dr. Carol Dweck popularized the terms “growth mindset” and “fixed mindset” in her best-selling book, “Mindset: The Psychology of Success.” These principles are incredibly powerful, so we will break down three critical elements that will bolster your growing construction company. 

Understanding the Difference Between a Fixed and Growth Mindset

First, let’s talk about the terms growth and fixed mindset. 

A fixed mindset is most people’s default setting– and for good reason. Our brains try to take as many shortcuts as possible, so we can make quick decisions without relearning everything. In many ways, our ability to slip into auto-pilot is a gift of evolution.

However, a fixed mindset is also one of the top reasons we don’t live up to our potential. If survival is your ultimate goal, then you can never risk enough to be successful.

A fixed mindset keeps us safe by only pursuing what is already known– regardless of innovations, changing markets, or new information.

A growth mindset describes pursuing success above all else– including avoiding failure or looking stupid. A growth mindset continuously examines the status quo and is essential to becoming an industry leader. 

Those with a growth mindset sculpt the future of their industries rather than wait to be told what is possible.

Risk Current Success for Potential Failure to Level Up

One of the most challenging tasks for business owners is determining the difference between taking a calculated risk and irresponsibly using company resources. Unfortunately, many business owners fear failure so much that they keep their companies from growing to protect their current level of success. 

And worse, companies must grow at least marginally each year to simply stay alive. As a result, companies that only maintain the status quo are the first to fall with market shifts and economic disruption.

But a growth mindset empowers business owners to understand that change is critical to success. 

When you accept that you constantly need to change and evolve your company, you can shift your energy to market research, attending conferences, and engaging in mentorship– all of the tools that will allow you to determine whether you’re taking a worthwhile risk to grow and avoid the most dramatic failures.

Focus on Effort, Not Natural Talent or Current Ability

Too many people get hung up on their natural talents and the things that don’t seem to come naturally. They lean on their predispositions to define what they– and others– are capable of achieving. But a slight shift in perspective to focusing on effort over natural talent can unlock massive returns.

Put simply, a growth mindset focuses on consistent efforts to be better. But what does this look like in a business setting?

Instead of worrying about your sales ability, make 15 sales calls at the same time every workday. Recognize when your construction teams reduce delays rather than reduce projects to either “on time” or “late.” And encourage the marketing team to develop their ideas by encouraging attendance at marketing conferences twice a year.

Want Help Implementing a Growth Mindest Culture?

Managing business growth is challenging– especially when you already feel strapped for time and resources. So how do you know which changes will bring the greatest ROI and how many new things to balance at once? That’s where we come in.

Think of us as a third-party partner committed to supporting you from start to finish. That includes discovery, implementing changes, and sticking around to see your business recover. And we’ll still be there in a year or two to help you adapt to new needs and growth!

Let’s start the conversation today, and get your business performing up to its potential!