Unlock Your Growth Mindset

I find it odd when I think I’m a certain way, only to realize I’m not.

For years, I believed I had a growth mindset, not a fixed one. About a decade ago, I discovered the power of a growth mindset from Carol Dweck, a psychologist, professor at Stanford, and author. You might have heard of her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success—it’s a popular topic in talks, conferences, and other books.

Dweck explains the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset. It boils down to this:

• Fixed Mindset – The belief that abilities and intelligence are set in stone, so there’s no point in trying to grow or improve.
• Growth Mindset – The belief that I can improve at anything with intentional effort, hard work, and learning from my mistakes.

I thought I had a growth mindset, but a keynote speaker at a leadership conference—David Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL, ultramarathoner, motivational speaker, and author—challenged me. You may know his book Can’t Hurt Me. Although his language was intense and too raw for my taste, there was one line he shared that really struck a chord. It was one of those “aha” moments you remember long after the event.

He said, “The most important conversation is the one you have with yourself.”

That hit home. I knew it was true. But as I reflected on it for a few days, a realization surfaced: “I haven’t been fully honest with myself.”

Ouch.

I began asking, “What are the fixed, limiting beliefs I’m holding onto?”

One fixed belief came to mind: “The reason our church isn’t growing is because our leaders aren’t fully committed.”

For context, I serve as a lead pastor, working alongside dedicated leaders. When I dug deeper, I realized the issue wasn’t my leaders—it was me! I was the problem!

It reminded me of Jesus’ words:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? … First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5)

It’s all too easy for me to notice the small flaws in others and miss the big issues in myself. The problem isn’t “them”—it’s me.

Once I faced this fixed belief head-on, I was able to pivot.

So, what catalyzed my shift from a fixed to a growth mindset?

Honesty.

I know the word “honesty” may not sound exciting, but there’s a captivating truth to it.

It means facing my limited, fixed, and fearful self—and not being afraid to call myself out on those fixed beliefs, victim mentality, and lack of accountability. Honesty is tough love. And this tough love with myself freed me from limiting beliefs.

Honesty in Action

So, how can you start moving from a fixed to a growth mindset?

Be honest with yourself.

Be truthful.

Admit when you’re wrong. (In Christian terms, we call this confession.) Honesty works.

Once you own your limiting beliefs, replace them with abundant truths. I call this practice the Truth Turnaround.

Here’s how it works:

1. Name the fixed belief.
2. Name the abundant truth.

Here’s how I’m applying the Truth Turnaround in my role as a parent:

1. Fixed Belief – “My father wasn’t around for most of my childhood, so I don’t know how to be a present, loving, and responsible dad to my daughters.”
2. Abundant Truth – “Since nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37), I can be the best father I can be. I’ll be patient with myself, embrace growth, and do whatever it takes to become the dad God designed me to be.”

And here’s the Truth Turnaround in action when I injured my finger playing basketball:

1. Fixed Belief – “I got mallet finger on my pinky, so now I can’t play basketball for eight weeks!
2. Abundant Truth – “Since nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37), this setback is an opportunity to grow. I can still go to the gym, work on my cardio, and do strength training for my core and legs. I got this.”

Be honest with yourself. It can make a world of difference in your life.