CONDITIONAL MIND

The human mind is one of our most powerful tools. If we know how to use it wisely, we can achieve the unimaginable. How? By molding it. The mind is molded by experiences, beliefs and the environment, however, this molding is not always positive. Often, our limiting beliefs, prejudices and fears result in a "conditioned mind" that imprisons us, restricting our potential for growth and evolution.

It is important that throughout life we learn to recognize the mental patterns that hold us back and replace them with ways of thinking that encourage growth. Carol Dweck, psychologist and author of the book Mindset , explores two main types of mindset: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset .

The fixed mindset tends to avoid challenges and sees failures as a reflection of their personal worth. On the other hand, the growth mindset sees failures as learning opportunities and is constantly looking to improve their skills and abilities.

In this article I present you 5 forms of a conditioned mind, fixed or growth, and their impact on everyday life, whether in personal, professional or family life, and I give you tips on how we can free ourselves from these bonds.

1. Reaction to Failure

• Fixed Mindset: Believes that failure defines a person. Those who fail feel incompetent and often avoid new challenges, afraid of repeating the mistake. This can result in a cycle of stagnation, where the person always chooses the safest path.

• Growth Mindset: Sees failure as a learning opportunity. Every obstacle is a lesson, an opportunity to improve. Those who adopt this type of mindset are not afraid of making mistakes, because they understand that mistakes are part of the growth process.

In everyday life: Professionally, a fixed mindset can lead someone to avoid challenging projects for fear of failure. In personal life, it can lead a person to avoid confrontation or emotional risks, such as starting new relationships or leaving their comfort zone.

2. Approach to Challenges

• Fixed Mindset: Faces challenges with fear, believing that if they cannot solve them immediately it is because they are not capable. This creates resistance to new experiences and avoids uncertain situations.

• Growth Mindset: Faces challenges with curiosity and perseverance. Sees difficulties as part of the growth process, and the greater the challenge, the greater the reward. People with this mindset accept that the road may be long, but they are willing to walk it.

In everyday life: At home, it can be evident in family situations: someone with a fixed mindset may not want to resolve conflicts or face complex family problems. At work, they may avoid leading more demanding projects.

3. Feedback and Criticism

• Fixed Mindset: Feels threatened by negative feedback and often reacts defensively. Criticism is seen as an attack on one’s self-worth. This leads to avoidance of any kind of feedback, limiting personal and professional development.

• Growth Mindset: Sees feedback as an essential tool for growth. People with a growth mindset value constructive criticism because they know it points out areas for improvement.

In everyday life: In a family environment, a fixed mindset may interpret suggestions from family members as criticism, creating tension in relationships. At work, a growth mindset welcomes feedback from colleagues and superiors as an essential part of their progress.

4. Effort and Persistence

• Fixed Mindset: Believes that if something requires a lot of effort, it is because the person is not good enough. Thus, they tend to give up easily when faced with difficulties, because they see their abilities as limited.

• Growth Mindset: Values effort as an integral part of success. People with this mindset believe that skills can be developed with hard work and dedication, and that progress comes with practice and persistence.

Impact on daily life: In a personal or family relationship, a fixed mindset can lead someone to give up trying to improve communication or resolve conflicts. In their professional lives, those with a growth mindset persist in achieving goals, even when the path is difficult.

5. Perception of Success by Others

• Fixed Mindset: Feels envious and threatened by the success of others. Believes that the success of others diminishes one’s own achievements. This creates a competitive outlook, where growth is seen as limited and restricted to a few.

• Growth Mindset: Is inspired by the success of others, seeing it as proof that progress and achievement are possible for everyone. Rather than competing, I collaborate and support, knowing that everyone can grow and evolve together.

In everyday life: In family life, a fixed mindset can create sibling rivalry or resentment in close relationships. In the workplace, a growth mindset promotes team spirit, celebrates colleagues’ victories, and seeks to learn from others’ successes.

Conclusion

Developing a consistent awareness of our own mindset is a fundamental step towards personal growth. Identifying where the conditioned mind is limiting us, whether in a fixed or growth-oriented approach, is the first step towards breaking free and creating a path of continuous evolution.

In our personal, professional and family lives, it is essential to practice a growth mindset. This not only allows us to envolve, but also creates environments of mutual support where everyone can thrive.