There are basically 2 ways you can look at “unsolvable” business challenges…

1. With a fixed mindset: “If I haven’t solved it by now, I should just give up. I obviously don’t have what it takes to get over this obstacle.”
2. With a growth mindset: “There’s no such thing as an ‘unsolvable’ problem. They’re only puzzles that I haven’t figured out yet. If I stay flexible and keep experimenting, I’ll eventually discover the solution.”

People with a predominantly growth mindset view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve with effort. But for those with a predominantly fixed mindset, “unsolvable” problems threaten their relatively static and unchangeable sense of self. (Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success)

As a result, you “narrow your life to include only things you’re sure you’re good at, only things you’re sure you can succeed at.”

Fixed vs growth mindset isn’t necessarily an either-or. You can have a growth mindset when it comes to certain types of problems, and a fixed mindset when it comes to others.

I spent the majority of my own life firmly locked into a fixed mindset. A confusing, conflicting, and limiting story of self that would quickly degrade from “effortlessly creative problem-solver” to “destined-to-fail loser.”

Some obstacles were relatively easy for me to overcome. But whenever I faced a tough problem that threatened my preferred identity of “effortlessly creative problem-solver,” I would quit and run in the other direction. The thought of failure was too threatening to my fragile self-concept.

Can you relate?

What will you do today to start strengthening a growth mindset?

Will you pay attention to your own limiting stories, and choose to refocus on your innate ability to learn and grow?