20 Ways to Develop a Growth-Oriented Mindset

I used to believe some people were just born different. Smarter. More disciplined. Luckier. I saw myself as lazy and stuck, trapped in a cycle of gaming, overeating, and wasting precious time. Change felt like a mountain I could never climb.

But that’s a lie. It’s a story we tell ourselves when we feel powerless. The truth is, our brains can change. Our habits can change. Our lives can change. It all starts with shifting how we see ourselves and the world around us. This is called a growth-oriented mindset. It’s not a magic trick. It’s a practical way of thinking that you can learn and practice every single day. It’s the belief that your abilities aren’t set in stone. They are things you can build.

I’m living proof. I broke free from my addictions. I lost over 110 pounds. I found a deep sense of purpose in my faith. It wasn't because I suddenly became a different person. It was because I started to believe I could become a different person and then took the small steps to get there.

Here are 20 ways you can start developing this mindset too.

Change How You Think

Your mind is where everything begins. Before you can change your actions, you have to adjust your thoughts.

1. Embrace the Word "Yet." This is a small word with huge power. When you think "I can't do this," add "yet" to the end. "I can't run a mile… yet." "I don't understand this… yet." It turns a dead-end statement into a promise of future growth.

2. See Failure as Feedback. Failure isn't a final verdict on your worth. It's just data. When something doesn't work, don't beat yourself up. Ask what you can learn from it. What would you do differently next time? This reframes every mistake as a lesson.

3. Celebrate Other People’s Success. When you see someone else succeed, it’s easy to feel jealous. A growth mindset sees their success as inspiration. If they can do it, it shows what’s possible. Learn from them. Ask for their story. Let their win fuel your own drive.

4. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Goal. I used to be obsessed with the number on the scale. When it didn’t move, I felt like a failure. The real win wasn't just losing weight. It was learning to enjoy eating healthy food, feeling stronger in my body, and building discipline one day at a time. Love the process and the results will follow.

5. Stop Seeking Approval. Your journey is yours alone. Trying to get everyone to approve of your choices is exhausting and will hold you back. Focus on doing what you know is right for you and what aligns with your values. The right people will support you.

Turn Thoughts into Action

A new mindset is useless if it doesn't lead to new actions. Here’s how to make it real.

6. Take on Challenges Intentionally. Don't just wait for challenges to happen. Seek them out. Try something you know you’re not good at. Volunteer for a task that feels a little scary. Your comfort zone will expand every time you willingly step out of it.

7. Focus on Small, Daily Wins. When I wanted to lose 110 pounds, the goal felt impossible. So I didn’t focus on it. I focused on winning the next meal. Then winning the next workout. Then winning the next day. These small wins build unstoppable momentum over time.

8. Ask for Constructive Feedback. It can be hard to hear where you need to improve, but it's one of the fastest ways to grow. Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or family member, "What's one thing I could do better?" Listen with an open mind. Thank them for their honesty.

9. Build a Productive Routine. You don’t need to work 8 hours straight to be productive. I found that 2-4 hours of focused, deep work is far more effective. A solid routine removes the need for motivation. It makes good habits automatic. Start your day with purpose.

10. Keep a Simple Gratitude Journal. Every evening, write down three things you are thankful for. This small act trains your brain to look for the good. It shifts your perspective from what’s wrong to what’s right. For me, it’s often a simple prayer of thanks to God for the day's blessings.

Learn from Everything

A growth mindset sees every part of life as a classroom.

11. Be Genuinely Curious. Ask questions. Read books on topics you know nothing about. Watch documentaries. Listen to people with different life experiences. Curiosity keeps your mind flexible and open to new ideas.

12. Reflect on Your Day. Before you go to sleep, take five minutes to think about your day. What went well? What was challenging? What did you learn about yourself or others? This simple habit helps you process your experiences and grow from them.

13. Find the Lesson in Criticism. Nobody likes to be criticized. But hidden inside criticism is often a nugget of truth. Instead of getting defensive, ask yourself: "Is there anything useful here?" Separate the helpful feedback from the unhelpful tone.

14. Teach Someone Else. The best way to truly understand something is to explain it to someone else. Whether it’s a skill at work, a recipe, or a lesson you’ve learned in life, sharing your knowledge solidifies it in your own mind.

15. Be Patient with Yourself. Growth is not linear. You will have good days and bad days. You will take two steps forward and one step back. That’s normal. Treat yourself with the same grace and patience you would offer a good friend.

Connect to Something Bigger

True, lasting growth isn’t just about self-improvement. It’s about connecting to a purpose beyond yourself.

16. Find Your "Why." Why do you want to grow? Is it for your family? For your health? For your community? For me, strengthening my relationship with God gave my entire life a new direction. When your "why" is strong, you can endure almost any "how."

17. Serve Others. Shifting your focus from your own problems to helping someone else is one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make. It builds empathy, provides perspective, and gives your actions a deeper meaning.

18. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People. You are influenced by the people you spend the most time with. Find friends who challenge you, encourage you, and inspire you to be better. Limit time with those who are constantly negative or cynical.

19. Pray for Guidance and Strength. You don't have to do this alone. When I felt weak or lost, turning to God in prayer was my foundation. It reminded me that my strength doesn’t just come from me. It's a source of incredible resilience and peace.

20. View Effort as the Path. Many of us are taught to praise talent. "You're so smart." "You're a natural." But a growth mindset praises effort. Effort is what builds talent. It's the one thing you can always control. Fall in love with the effort, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.

This journey isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming better than you were yesterday. It’s a quiet, daily decision to learn, to try, and to get back up when you fall.

So, let me ask you: What’s one small thing you can do today to start building a new way of thinking?