It was a lively August afternoon in the office cafeteria as it was Dog day and employees were allowed to bring their furry companions to work. I had retreated to a corner with a glass of lemon juice to enjoy the view. That’s when Mary, our newest team member, approached me. It was clear that she had something on her mind from the way she hesitated.
“Hi Bob, can I talk to you for a second?” she asked. “Of course, Mary. What’s on your mind?” I said encouraging her to go on.
Mary sighed heavily. “I feel like every time I turn around, someone is criticizing me. I know I’m new but it’s getting hard not to take it personally. I’m trying so hard but I can’t help feeling defensive.”
“I get it, Mary. Starting a new job can be really tough, especially when you’re eager to prove yourself. But have you ever heard of the concept of a ‘growth mindset’?”
“I’ve heard the term but I’m not really sure what it means,” Mary admitted.
“A growth mindset is all about believing that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. When you embrace a growth mindset, you start to see challenges, mistakes and yes, even criticism, as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as personal attacks.”
“How do you do that? It’s hard not to feel like you’re not good enough.”
“It is hard, I won’t lie. It starts with changing how you view feedback. The feedback you’re getting isn’t about pointing out your flaws—it’s about helping you improve and succeed in your role.”
“You’re right Bob, I should look at it as a chance to learn, rather than something to be upset about. I hadn’t thought about it like that before.” she said and her tense expression lightened. I’ve been so focused on trying to get everything right that I forgot it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them”
“Exactly. A growth mindset isn’t about being the best right now—it’s about becoming better every day.”
She nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. “I think I needed to hear that. I’ll try to keep it in mind the next time I start feeling defensive. Thanks, Bob” And we shared a smile.
That day in the cafeteria, Mary reminded me of something important—embracing a growth mindset is like someone handing you a tool to add to your toolkit. It might not always feel good in the moment, but each piece of feedback makes you stronger and more capable. And the best part? It’s a sign that people believe in your potential to grow. So, the next time you’re faced with criticism or challenges, ask yourself: How can this help me grow? With a growth mindset, every experience is an opportunity to become better, stronger, and more fulfilled in your journey!
