Ed Sheeran Addicted
If think this was going to be a gossip article, you are in the wrong place… yet Ed Sheeran's "Addicted" is totally relevant to this post!
Did you know that mindsets are frameworks or attitudes that influence how we perceive, think, and react to the world around us? They greatly impact our beliefs, behaviors, and how we approach both, obstacles and possibilities.
Mindsets play a role in determining our success, contentment, and overall well-being. Our mindsets make us happy, sick, sad or successful. Keeping that in mind, let's delve into what a growth or fixed mindset is and why they are important in our development process as well as in leadership.
The concepts of fixed and growth mindsets were introduced by Carol Dweck, a psychologist and professor at Harvard University. These two mindsets represent viewpoints on abilities, challenges, and potential for self-actualization.
People with a fixed mindset tend to believe that their abilities, talents, and intelligence are traits that cannot change. They view these attributes as unchangeable characteristics, which often leads them to shy away from challenges that might expose their limitations. They seek validation rather than embracing opportunities for learning and development, and when faced with obstacles or setbacks, they see these as reflections of their skills, and talk themself out of the job/task.
In contrast, those with a growth mindset believe that talents and intelligence can be enhanced through work, learning, and perseverance. People with a growth mindset view challenges as chances for growth and regard failures as a necessary part of their journey. A growth mindset encourages resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to push boundaries to achieve one's potential.
Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset it is not easy, but it is possible, if you want it badly enough. It takes intentionality and dedication. The desire to change comes from within but it takes a village to do things different, to learn new skills, to innovate and to think differently.
Yes I know that you may think that this all sounds a bit theoretical but it is not.
Did you know that Ed Sheeran could not sing when he was 14 years old? Listen for yourself.
Ed Sheeran did not take personally that his harmonies were not quite what you would consider ‘good’; he took the feedback, which I assure you, was far from kind and worked at it - 5 years later - He found success.
If you nurture a love for learning and stay curious, you basically can do anything. On the contrary, having a fixed mindset often leads to feelings of envy and comparison.
Now, if we apply a growth mindset to business innovation and sustainability, it suddenly does not seem a compromise to thrive financially whilst enhancing society and nature.
What can business learn from Ed Sheeran? the answer is rather straight forward. To love the imperfections and share the journey. We are all imperfect, businesses are imperfect too. Decisions that we need to take, whether in our personal lives or in business context more often than not are trade-offs or a compromise.
To fully embrace a growth mindset and harness the power of collaboration, it's important to cultivate certain qualities. Open-mindedness, humility, and a willingness to learn from others are crucial.
In an age where volatility is the norm, transitioning from a fixed to a growth mindset is vital for building better companies and societies. Embracing collaboration allows you to tap into a world of possibilities, while mitigating risks and fostering innovation. Unlock the power of collaboration, embrace growth, and embark on a journey to create a better future - you are not alone.
