15 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset and Transform Your Life

For years, I avoided trying new things. Why? Because if I wasn’t instantly good at something, I’d give up. I used to believe that success was all about talent and natural ability. If I didn’t have it, why bother? But I actually had it all wrong.

That way of thinking—a fixed mindset—was holding me back. And honestly, it’s an insult to all the incredible people who’ve spent countless hours learning, practicing, and honing their skills. Psychologist Carol Dweck, who popularized the idea of growth and fixed mindsets, explains that success isn’t just about natural ability. It’s about embracing challenges, making mistakes, and learning over time.

Once I realized that, everything started to shift. I stopped expecting perfection on day one and started valuing progress instead. That’s when I discovered the power of small changes.

Growth takes time and effort. It means replacing negative thoughts with a slightly different perspective. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities, facing them head-on, and giving yourself permission to learn new skills and improve over time.

In this post, I’ll share 15 practical ways to develop a growth mindset. These tips are designed to help you stop avoiding challenges, embrace hard work, and unlock your full potential. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, but with time and purpose, you can transform your mindset—and your life. Ready? Let’s get started!

15 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset

Developing a growth mindset takes time, patience, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. These 15 tips will help you embrace challenges, let go of perfectionism, and start seeing failure as a stepping stone to success.

1. Embrace Challenges

Starting my blog was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced recently. To be honest, I hadn’t a clue what I was doing. The old me—the one with a fixed mindset—would have procrastinated for months, paralyzed by self-doubt. Thoughts like What if no one wants to read my blog? or There are so many other blogs out there that are better than mine. What authority do I have? would have stopped me in my tracks.

But instead of letting those doubts win, I chose to embrace the challenge. I reminded myself of the growth mindset principles I’ve been learning. If I wanted to grow, I had to set aside my fears of failure and rejection and just give it a go.

And let me tell you, I thought blogging would just be about writing. Oh, how wrong I was! Starting a blog has pushed me in ways I never imagined. I’ve had to learn web development (hello, coding nightmares), SEO (which still feels like a secret language), and digital marketing. I’ve stretched every creative bone in my body trying to design, write, and promote my content.

It’s been tough. There have been moments where I’ve wanted to throw my laptop out the window. But it’s also been exhilarating. With every hurdle I overcome, I feel a little stronger, a little braver. And here’s the best part: I no longer care what others think of my blog. I’m not doing it to seek approval or compete with other bloggers—I’m doing it for me.

Embracing this challenge has reminded me that growth doesn’t come from staying safe or avoiding hard things. It comes from showing up, trying, and learning along the way.

Now it’s your turn. What challenge have you been putting off because it feels too big, too scary, or too unfamiliar? Take one small step toward it today. Start the project, sign up for the class, or have that difficult conversation. You don’t have to know everything before you begin—you just have to begin. Remember, growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

JoshuA J. Marine

2. Reframe Failure as Feedback

Okay, I’ll admit it—this one is tough for me. I like to win. Or, to put it another way, I really don’t like to lose. But here’s the thing: failure is part of the process.

Think about a baby learning to walk. How many times does that baby fall down before finally taking its first wobbly steps? Dozens? Hundreds? And yet, every time it falls, it gets back up and tries again. We’d never look at that baby and say, “Stupid baby! Look at you falling over. You’re useless.” That would be absurd!

So why, then, do we talk to ourselves this way when we fail? Why do we let one stumble convince us that we’re not good enough or that we should give up?

The truth is, failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey to success. Every time you fail, you’re learning, growing, and getting closer to figuring it out. If nobody ever failed, we’d have no advancements, no discoveries, no growth. Failure is the spark that lights the fire of innovation.

Now it’s your turn. Next time you stumble, try to reframe it. Instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” ask, “What can I learn from this?” Treat your failures as feedback, not finality. Remember, even the biggest success stories are built on a foundation of missteps. So dust yourself off, channel your inner determined baby, and keep going.

I thank God for my failures. Maybe not at the time, but after some reflection. I never feel like a failure just because something I tried has failed.

Dolly Parton

3. Learn Continuously

I was that kid—the one who never stopped asking, “Why?” Why is the sky blue? Why do birds fly? Why can’t I stay up late like the grown-ups? I drove everyone around me mental with my endless questions, but I was curious about everything.

And then, somewhere along the way, I stopped asking. I got older, life got busy, and I started to accept things as they were. Without realizing it, I stopped growing.

But over the past few years, I’ve rekindled that love for learning, and wow—what a difference it’s made. Diving into new ideas, skills, and experiences has opened up a world of possibilities. I’ve rediscovered the wonder of life I had as a child, and now I wake up excited to explore, to learn, and to see what else is out there.

Learning continuously isn’t just about picking up new facts or skills; it’s about staying curious and open to the world around you. When you embrace learning, you start to see life through fresh eyes.

Now it’s your turn: What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn? Maybe it’s a language, a hobby, or a topic you’ve always been curious about. Take the first step today. Read a book (Carol Dweck’s Mindset is a great start!), watch a video, or sign up for a class. Keep asking questions. Keep growing. And most importantly, let yourself rediscover the wonder of life. The possibilities are endless!

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.

Henry ford

4. Start a New Hobby

When my partner retired, he decided to take up gardening. Yes, I know—bit of a cliché. At first, he didn’t have a grand plan; he just started sticking plants in the ground. His attitude was simple: “If it doesn’t work, I can always dig it up again.”

And let me tell you, he’s lost plenty of plants along the way. But through trial and error, he’s created something truly beautiful—a garden that’s a feast for the eyes and a source of peace and joy. What started as a casual hobby has blossomed into so much more. It’s led him to study for a horticulture diploma, visit gardens around the world, and make an entire community of like-minded friends who share his passion.

Starting a new hobby doesn’t have to be perfect or planned. The magic is in trying, learning, and letting it grow into something unexpected.

Now it’s your turn. What’s a hobby you’ve always been curious about? Painting, hiking, baking, photography—anything goes. Choose something that sparks your interest and just start. You don’t need to be an expert, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Who knows where it might lead? You might surprise yourself!

5. Replace “I Can’t” with “I’ll Try”

Words are powerful. Whatever we tell ourselves—whether positive or negative—becomes our reality. If you keep saying, “I can’t do this,” you’re creating a mental block that keeps you from even trying.

I have a work colleague who “can’t” do public speaking. And because she’s convinced herself she can’t, she never takes the opportunity to practice, which has held her back in her career. Her words have shaped her reality.

I’ve been there, too. For years, I told myself I couldn’t face heights. The idea of standing on a balcony made my stomach flip, so jumping out of a plane seemed completely out of the question. But one day, I decided to challenge that belief. I signed up for a skydive. Yes, I was terrified, but I kept telling myself, “I’ll try.” And guess what? I did it. It wasn’t easy, but the exhilaration I felt afterward was worth every ounce of fear. That one decision to try shifted how I see myself—and my limits.

Whenever I catch myself saying, “I can’t,” I think of that experience and remind myself of Henry Ford’s quote: “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, either way, you are right.” That simple truth has taught me that trying is often the hardest but most rewarding part of growth.

Now it’s your turn. The next time you hear yourself say, “I can’t,” pause and reframe it as “I’ll try.” Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, learning a new skill, or tackling a fear like I did, give yourself permission to try. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to take the leap. Remember, the only true failure is not trying at all!

If you think you can, or you think you can’t, either way, you are right.

Henry ford

6. Use Affirmations

If words are powerful enough to hold us back, imagine how powerful they can be when we use them to lift ourselves up. Just like replacing “I can’t” with “I’ll try,” positive affirmations can help rewire your mindset and reinforce your belief in yourself.

After my skydive, I realized how much my self-talk had been limiting me. That experience taught me to consciously choose words that inspire courage and growth, not fear and doubt. Affirmations are a simple yet powerful way to do this. They’re like little seeds you plant in your mind—over time, they grow into confidence, resilience, and motivation.

For example, instead of saying, “I’ll never be good at this,” try affirming, “I’m learning and improving every day.” Or, “I’m capable of tackling new challenges.” These positive statements may feel strange at first, but with repetition, they can reshape how you see yourself and what you believe you’re capable of achieving.

I’ve written a whole post on how to get started with affirmations, including tips to make them work for you. Check it out here: How to Use Affirmations.

Now it’s your turn. Choose one area of your life where you’ve been telling yourself, “I can’t.” Replace that thought with a positive affirmation that encourages growth and possibility. Repeat it daily, write it down, or even say it out loud in front of the mirror. Remember, the words you choose have the power to transform your reality—one affirmation at a time.

What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.

BUDDHA

7. Practice EFT Tapping

If you want to supercharge your affirmations, try combining them with EFT Tapping. This powerful modality has been the catalyst for my complete mindset shift, and I use it every single day to stay grounded, focused, and open to growth.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), often called “tapping,” is a tool that blends ancient acupressure with modern psychology. By tapping on specific energy points on your body while saying affirmations or addressing negative thoughts, you can release emotional blockages, reduce stress, and rewire your mind for positivity.

When I first discovered EFT, I was skeptical. But after just a few sessions, I noticed a dramatic shift in how I approached challenges and setbacks. Now, tapping is a regular part of my life—it’s like hitting the reset button for my mind and emotions. It doesn’t just calm me; it helps affirmations sink deeper, making them more effective in reshaping my mindset.

If you’re curious to learn more, I’ve written a beginner’s guide to EFT that breaks it all down for you: What Is EFT Tapping? A Beginner’s Guide.

Now it’s your turn. Try my EFT guided meditation for developing a growth mindset. Just follow along with the video. Give it a go—your mindset will thank you!

8. Break Big Goals into Small Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming—paralyzing even. But the key to achieving them isn’t about taking one giant leap; it’s about breaking them down into small, manageable steps.

When I decided to face my fear of heights, I didn’t just throw myself out of a plane on day one. That would have been a recipe for panic! Instead, I started small—really small. I stood on a stool. At first, even that made my heart race, but I stuck with it.

Once I could handle the stool without palpitations, I moved on to climbing a ladder. Each step helped me build my resilience bit by bit. By the time the day of my skydive arrived, I wasn’t so terrified because I had proof—I could do it.

This approach doesn’t just work for overcoming fears; it’s effective for any big goal, whether it’s starting a new career, getting fit, or learning a new skill. The small steps give you momentum, and each win builds your confidence for the next challenge.

Now it’s your turn. Think about a big goal that feels too daunting to tackle. What’s one tiny step you can take today to move closer to it? Break it down into something so small it feels doable. Then, once you’ve mastered that step, take the next one. Remember, every big achievement is just a series of small steps strung together.

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

confucious

9. Celebrate the Small Victories

Progress isn’t just about the big milestones—it’s about the little wins along the way. If you don’t take the time to acknowledge those, you risk missing out on the joy of your journey.

When I was overcoming my fear of heights, one of my first steps was standing on a stool. It might not sound like much, but for me, it was huge. And when I managed to do it without feeling like my heart was going to pound out of my chest, I didn’t just brush it off—I celebrated it. That small victory was a sign that I was moving forward, even if the final goal of skydiving still felt miles away.

Celebrating these little moments doesn’t just feel good; it builds momentum and keeps you motivated. Each time you acknowledge a win, no matter how small, you’re reminding yourself that you can make progress.

Now it’s your turn. Think about a small victory you’ve achieved recently. Maybe it’s speaking up in a meeting, completing a challenging workout, or even taking the first step toward a big goal. Celebrate it! Treat yourself, share it with someone who supports you, or simply take a moment to feel proud. Every step forward is worth celebrating—it’s how you build the confidence to tackle the next one.

10. Focus on Effort, Not Outcome

Remember the baby learning to walk? When we cheer them on, what exactly are we praising? The act of walking? Definitely not! Let’s face it—most babies are terrible at walking when they start. They wobble, stumble, and fall on their bottoms more often than they stay upright (thank goodness for nappies!).

No, we’re not celebrating their flawless technique. We’re rewarding their effort—their determination to get back up, try again, and keep moving forward despite the tumbles.

But somewhere along the line, we forget to do that for ourselves. Instead of celebrating our effort, we fixate on outcomes. If something doesn’t turn out perfectly, we feel like we’ve failed. And that mindset is what holds us back.

Focusing on effort instead of results is a game-changer. It reminds us that the process is what matters most. Effort is where the growth happens, where the resilience builds, and where the magic of learning takes place. Outcomes will follow, but they aren’t the only measure of success.

Now it’s your turn. Think about a challenge you’ve tackled recently. Did you put in the time, the energy, the effort? Celebrate that! Give yourself the same encouragement you’d give that baby learning to walk. Reward your effort, not just the end result. After all, it’s the trying that makes us strong and keeps us growing.

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

Robert Collier

11. Reflect on Past Challenges

When you’re staring down a new challenge, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure if you can handle it. That’s when reflecting on past challenges can be your secret weapon.

For me, it’s the skydive. I know I keep coming back to it, but honestly, it was a big deal. Every time I face something new that feels scary or uncertain, I remind myself of that moment. The exhilaration of racing through the clouds at over 100 miles an hour, the sheer joy when the chute opened and I floated gently back to the ground—it’s a reminder of what I’m capable of.

If I can do that, I can do anything.

You’ve had your own skydives—maybe not literal ones, but moments when you’ve tackled something hard and come out stronger. Those moments are proof that you’re braver and more capable than you sometimes give yourself credit for.

Now it’s your turn. Think back to a time when you overcame something difficult. What did you learn about yourself? How did it feel to conquer that challenge? Use those memories to fuel your confidence and remind yourself: if you’ve done hard things before, you can do them again.

12. Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People

We all know those well-meaning people who love to tell you why you can’t do something or why it’ll never work. Let’s be real—these folks are firmly stuck in the fixed mindset camp. They see the downside of everything and never the opportunities. And while their intentions might be good, their advice? Not so much.

One rule I live by is to never take advice from anyone who doesn’t have personal experience with the thing they’re advising on. If you’ve never tried something, how can you possibly know if it works?

Take personal finance as an example. I’ve lost count of the number of people who told me not to invest in the stock market. “It’s a loser’s game!” they’d say with so much conviction. Funny thing is, none of them had ever invested a penny themselves. Instead of listening to their fear-based opinions, I decided to take advice from people who actually knew what they were talking about—like Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time, and JL Collins, affectionately known as “the godfather of financial independence.” Their growth-oriented perspectives helped me see the potential and take action.

And you know what? It’s paying off. I’m well on my way to financial independence and early retirement. Choosing to listen to growth-oriented voices and ignoring the naysayers has completely transformed my financial future.

The people you surround yourself with matter. If you want to grow, spend time with those who challenge you, encourage you, and inspire you to see possibilities instead of limitations. Growth-oriented people see setbacks as learning opportunities and aren’t afraid to take a chance.

Now it’s your turn. Think about the people you spend the most time with. Are they lifting you up or holding you back? Make it a point to seek out growth-oriented individuals—mentors, friends, or even online communities. Surround yourself with people who believe in possibilities, and watch how much it changes your outlook—and your results!

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Jim Rohn

13. Stop Seeking Approval from Others

Letting go of the need for approval can feel like an impossible task, especially if, like me, you’ve spent most of your life as a people pleaser. I know how hard it is to break free from the constant worry about what others think. But let me tell you—it is possible, and it’s absolutely worth it.

When I first started my blog, I was terrified. What if no one liked it? What if people thought I was wasting my time or that I didn’t know enough to write about personal growth? Those thoughts nearly paralyzed me.

But then, something clicked. I realized I wasn’t writing my blog for anyone else—I was writing it for me. When I stopped worrying about proving myself to others, it was liberating. Suddenly, I could enjoy the process of learning without the weight of judgment hanging over me. I experimented, made mistakes, and grew in ways I never expected.

Here’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned: if we truly understood how little other people think about us, we’d probably be offended! We assume others are hyper-focused on us because we’re so focused on ourselves. But the truth? Most people are too busy worrying about their own lives to worry about ours. Realizing this was a game-changer for me. It helped me let go of the fear of judgment and focus on what really matters—living authentically and doing what feels right for me.

Now it’s your turn. Think about something you’ve been holding back on because you’re worried about what others might think. What would it feel like to do it just for you, without needing anyone else’s approval? Give yourself permission to try. Remember, the only opinion that truly matters is your own. Set yourself free and see where it takes you!

14. Visualize Your Growth

Your brain is an incredible tool, and one of its most fascinating features is the reticular activating system (RAS)—a little bundle of nerves in your brainstem that acts as a filter for the information you receive. The RAS decides what’s important and worthy of your attention, and it shapes how you perceive the world around you.

Here’s how it works: when you focus on something—whether it’s positive or negative—your RAS starts looking for evidence to support that focus. It’s why, when you’re thinking about buying a red car, suddenly it feels like red cars are everywhere.

Now, imagine what happens if you train your brain to focus on your potential, your growth, and your goals. That’s where visualization comes in.

When you visualize your growth, you’re essentially “programming” your RAS to filter the world in a way that supports your success. By vividly imagining yourself overcoming challenges, achieving your goals, and becoming the best version of yourself, you’re helping your brain build new neural pathways. These pathways reinforce positive beliefs and behaviors, making it easier for you to take action and stay motivated.

Visualization isn’t just daydreaming—it’s rewiring your brain. When you repeatedly picture yourself succeeding, your brain starts to see that success as possible, even likely. This boosts your confidence, reduces self-doubt, and helps you stay focused on what you want to achieve.

Now it’s your turn. Take a moment to visualize your growth. Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving a goal that’s important to you. What does it feel like? What does success look like? The more detail you include, the more powerful the visualization will be. Practice this daily and watch how it shifts your mindset—and your reality. Remember, you get what you focus on, so focus on your growth and let your RAS guide you there!

See things as you would have them be, instead of as they are.

robert collier

15. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become one of my most important tools for managing my mind. When I catch myself spiraling into overthinking or self-doubt, mindfulness helps me interrupt the pattern and bring myself back to the present moment.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Often, it’s as simple as focusing on something small—a grounding detail in my environment. I might listen to the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, watch the way a cloud shifts and changes shape, or pay attention to the sensation of my breath moving in and out. These small moments of awareness calm my mind and remind me that I don’t have to stay stuck in a cycle of unhelpful thoughts.

An added benefit of practicing mindfulness is that I’m so much more aware of my environment. I’ve started noticing beautiful moments that I might have otherwise missed. Like the cheeky little robin who lives at my stables and regularly scolds me for invading his space. Moments like these bring joy and connection to my day—simple reminders of the beauty that’s all around us when we slow down enough to notice it.

Mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind of thoughts entirely—it’s about observing them without judgment and gently redirecting your focus. Over time, this practice strengthens your ability to pause, reflect, and choose a more empowering response to challenges.

Now it’s your turn. The next time you feel overwhelmed by self-doubt or caught in a loop of overthinking, try a simple mindfulness practice. Focus on a single detail around you—a sound, a texture, or even your breath. Notice it fully, without letting your mind wander. Start small, and see how these mindful moments can create space for clarity and calm. You might just find yourself noticing the beauty in your surroundings—and in yourself—more often.

Your Mind is Like a Muscle

Retraining your mind is a lot like building physical strength—it takes time, consistency, and patience. Just like you wouldn’t expect to develop a six-pack after one workout, you can’t expect a growth mindset to happen overnight. But here’s the good news: with practice, it does happen.

Each time you embrace a challenge, reframe failure as feedback, or take a moment to visualize your growth, you’re strengthening those mental muscles. Every small effort adds up, rewiring your brain to see possibilities instead of limitations.

This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making progress, one step at a time. Start small, try a few of the strategies we’ve talked about, and notice how they begin to shift your mindset. You’ll be amazed at how capable, resilient, and confident you’ll feel.

Ready to take your growth to the next level? If you’re looking for guidance and support on your journey, I’d love to help. As a trained coach and EFT practitioner, I can work with you to overcome challenges, shift limiting beliefs, and cultivate the mindset you need to thrive. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more empowered version of you.

Get in touch today to learn more and start your journey. Your stronger, more resilient mind is waiting!