Tactics to bolster a growth mindset

So, what can you do to strengthen your growth mindset? Guerton recommends starting with these three things:

1. Welcome feedback, criticism and suggestions for improvement.

Criticism can feel threatening or demeaning. That triggers insecurity and defensiveness. But, criticism can also be very helpful. Stay open to the idea that feedback can help you build a new path forward.

2. Look for opportunities, not roadblocks.

A co-worker got the promotion you wanted? You can choose to see that as an obstacle to your own success or choose instead to learn from that co-worker. How did she get there? Can you do that, too? Stay open-minded to new ways of doing familiar jobs.

3. Build a support network.

Working with a health and wellness coach like Guerton can help shift your perspective, but you can also turn to like-minded friends to help motivate and support your wellness goals. Those friends can remind you: There're opportunities inside every disappointment.

Guerton cautions that having a growth mindset shouldn't be confused with a Pollyanna-ish all's-right-with-the-world outlook. "Growth mindset is a realistic viewpoint that says, 'I can do this, I can learn more,' rather than staying stuck and stagnant."

Priming the mind can be a powerful tool. Remember those students who improved their math scores after hearing the message that everyone can learn, change and grow? Delivering that same message to yourself can help you begin to cultivate a growth mindset in order to achieve your wellness goals.