Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset Examples

Ever felt stuck, like the fear of failing was louder than the desire to try? That was me at one point, and let me tell you a little story about it.
I was singled out as “gifted” at school. Don’t be too impressed; there were only 75 pupils in the whole school. Still, I got plenty of praise for being clever. I also saw kids being beaten for failing tests. So, I learned quickly: being smart wasn’t just good—it was safe.
At 11, I moved to a much bigger school. Suddenly, I wasn’t “gifted” anymore. I was just another student, and worse, there were kids way smarter than me. I hated it. Instead of trying harder, I stopped trying at all. Why? In my head, untapped potential felt safer than trying and failing. (Yes, I know how that sounds now.)
Looking back, I was firmly planted in the fixed mindset camp. If I couldn’t guarantee success, I didn’t want to try. It took me years to see how limiting that was. In this post, I’ll share growth mindset vs fixed mindset examples to help you recognize how these mindsets show up in everyday life—and how a growth mindset can unlock opportunities you never thought possible. Let’s get started!
What Is a Fixed Mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone. You either have it, or you don’t. Psychologist Carol S. Dweck explores this idea in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, explaining how this way of thinking can hold us back from reaching our full potential.
When you have a fixed mindset, effort feels pointless. Why try if you’re only as good as your natural ability? Failure isn’t just a setback—it feels like proof that you’re not good enough. And success? That only counts if it comes easily, because needing effort suggests you’re lacking.
I know this all too well. Remember my story? When I moved to the bigger school and wasn’t the smartest in the room anymore, I stopped trying. Why? Because in my fixed mindset, it was safer to coast on the idea of “untapped potential” than to risk failing. Trying and not measuring up seemed worse than not trying at all.
This is the trap of a fixed mindset. It convinces you that growth is dangerous and failure is final. But a fixed mindset isn’t a life sentence. It can be challenged and replaced. That’s where a growth mindset comes in.
Let’s dive into what that means.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. It’s the antidote to the “you either have it or you don’t” thinking of a fixed mindset. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol S. Dweck explains how this approach to challenges can transform the way we learn, grow, and succeed.
Nobody embodies a growth mindset better than Michael Jordan. Yes, the Michael Jordan. The basketball legend who’s often hailed as one of the greatest athletes of all time. But here’s the thing—Jordan didn’t get there because he never failed. In fact, he’s famously quoted as saying:
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Jordan didn’t let those failures define him. Instead, he used them as fuel to work harder and become better. That’s what a growth mindset looks like. It’s about seeing failure not as an endpoint but as a lesson—something to learn from and build on.
When you adopt a growth mindset, effort becomes your ally. It’s not about avoiding challenges or playing it safe. It’s about stepping into discomfort, knowing that every stumble is a step closer to mastery. With this mindset, progress matters more than perfection, and every failure is a chance to improve.
Michael Jordan didn’t become the best overnight. He became the best by embracing the process, showing up after every missed shot, and learning from every loss. That’s the magic of a growth mindset—your potential is limitless if you’re willing to put in the work.
Now that we’ve unpacked both mindsets, let’s explore some real-life examples to help you spot these patterns in action.

Real-Life Examples in Different Areas
Now that we’ve covered what growth and fixed mindsets are, let’s see how they show up in real life. Whether it’s at work, in your relationships, or during your personal time, mindset can make or break how you approach challenges. Here are some examples from everyday situations.
1. Career
- Fixed Mindset: Your manager gives you negative feedback on a project, and you think, “I’m just not good at this. Maybe I’m not cut out for this role.” You dwell on the criticism and avoid taking on similar tasks in the future.
- Growth Mindset: Your manager gives you negative feedback on a project, and you see it as a chance to improve. You ask for clarification, take notes on what to work on, and view it as an opportunity to develop new skills. Next time, you approach similar tasks with more confidence and insight.
2. Parenting
- Fixed Mindset: Your child competes in their first sports competition and loses. You think, “Well, they’ve never been very athletic. Sports just might not be their thing.” You suggest focusing on activities where they already excel, assuming that’s where they’ll find success.
- Growth Mindset: Your child competes in their first sports competition and loses. You acknowledge their disappointment but encourage them to see it as a learning experience. Together, you talk about what they enjoyed, what they could improve, and how practice can make a difference. You remind them (and yourself) that growth comes from trying again, even when the first attempt doesn’t go as planned.
3. Health and Wellness
- Fixed Mindset: You’ve always been told you’re not athletic, so you avoid working out altogether. Why bother if you’re never going to be “good at it”?
- Growth Mindset: You sign up for a beginner’s yoga class, reminding yourself that everyone starts somewhere. You’re not aiming to be a yoga master—you’re aiming to feel stronger and healthier.
4. Relationships
- Fixed Mindset: You get into a disagreement with a friend and think, “They just don’t get it, and they’re wrong.” You stay fixed in your perspective, convinced there’s no point in trying to understand their side.
- Growth Mindset: You approach the disagreement with curiosity, even though it’s frustrating. You ask questions to understand their perspective and look for common ground, knowing that resolving conflict is part of growing stronger together.
5. Hobbies and Personal Growth
- Fixed Mindset: You’ve always wanted to try painting, but you think, “I’m not creative. I’d just embarrass myself.” You don’t even pick up a brush.
- Growth Mindset: You grab a set of paints and give it a go, knowing it’s okay to be terrible at first. You’re not aiming for perfection—you’re exploring something new and having fun in the process.
These examples show how mindset influences your choices every day. With a fixed mindset, fear of failure keeps you in your comfort zone. But with a growth mindset, challenges become opportunities. So, where do you see yourself in these examples? And how might shifting your mindset open new doors?
Bringing It All Together
Here’s the thing about mindsets—they’re not one-size-fits-all. You might have a growth mindset in some areas of your life and a fixed mindset in others. And that’s completely normal.
For the longest time, I prided myself on being open-minded and curious. So, it was a bit of a gut punch when I realized just how many areas of my life were stuck in a fixed mindset. I’d tell myself I was being “realistic,” but in reality, I was avoiding the discomfort of growth.
Even now, I still struggle with the need to “win.” Trying something new—something I know I’ll be bad at initially—isn’t easy for me. I don’t love starting out as the underdog, but I’ve learned to push myself. Because I know that to win at anything, you have to start out losing. And every failure is a step closer to improvement.
Recognizing where your mindset holds you back is a powerful first step. It’s not about judging yourself—it’s about becoming more aware. Whether it’s your career, relationships, or personal goals, there’s always room to shift and grow.
So, take a moment to reflect. Where do you see a growth mindset helping you thrive? And where might a fixed mindset be keeping you stuck? In the next post, we’ll dive into practical ways to develop a growth mindset. Because while awareness is the first step, action is where the magic happens.
FAQ: Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
Understanding the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset can be a game-changer, but if you’re new to these concepts, you might have some questions. Here are some common questions about growth and fixed mindsets and how to start shifting your thinking to unlock your potential.
What is the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can improve with effort, learning, and persistence. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that your talents and abilities are set in stone and unchangeable, limiting your potential to grow and adapt.
Can you have both a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?
Yes! Most people have a mix of both mindsets, depending on the situation. You might have a growth mindset at work, embracing challenges, but a fixed mindset in relationships, avoiding tough conversations. The key is identifying where your fixed mindset shows up and working to shift it.
How can I tell if I have a fixed mindset?
Look for signs like avoiding challenges, fearing failure, or believing effort is pointless. If you often say things like, “I’m just not good at that” or “I can’t change,” a fixed mindset might be at play.
Can I fixed mindset change?
Absolutely! A fixed mindset isn’t permanent. By becoming aware of it and challenging those limiting beliefs, you can gradually shift toward a growth mindset. It takes practice, but it’s worth it.
Why does mindset matter?
Mindset shapes how you approach challenges, relationships, and opportunities. A growth mindset opens doors to improvement and resilience, while a fixed mindset can keep you stuck and fearful of failure.
How can I develop a growth mindset?
Start by reframing challenges as opportunities to learn. Embrace effort, reflect on failures, and practice self-compassion. Surround yourself with growth-oriented people, and celebrate progress over perfection.
Would you like more tips on cultivating a growth mindset? Check out my post on 15 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset for actionable ways to shift your thinking!