Summer reflections #2

Getting unstuck: more effort or change of mindset?

Jan 12, 2026

Hi all.

I’ve spent a good chunk of my holiday time reading and reflecting. One reflection in particular—on effort, mindset, and getting unstuck—feels relevant as the New Year begins.

Challenges, setbacks, and getting stuck are part of the human journey, and it’s how we deal with these that is paramount to continued advancement.

Carol Dweck, in discussing her research related to mindsets for children’s education, says:

We found that students’ mindsets—how they perceive their abilities—played a key role in their motivation and achievement, and we found that if we changed students’ mindsets, we could boost their achievement. More precisely, students who believed their intelligence could be developed (a growth mindset) outperformed those who believed their intelligence was fixed (a fixed mindset).

Specifically on the growth mindset, she says:

A growth mindset isn’t just about effort. Perhaps the most common misconception is simply equating the growth mindset with effort. Certainly, effort is key for students’ achievement, but it’s not the only thing. Students need to try new strategies and seek input from others when they’re stuck. They need this repertoire of approaches—not just sheer effort—to learn and improve. (Italics mine). 1

Saying “You did your best,” “Great effort,” “Keep trying,” or “Maybe this isn’t your strength” might make someone feel better, but it focuses on the past and limits growth. Asking instead, “What would you do differently next time?” “What’s the next step for you?” or, “If you were advising someone in your position, what would your advice be?” shifts focus to the future and strengthens the growth perspective.

It’s also important to remind ourselves, and others, that being stuck or repeatedly challenged in a certain area means we may be on the edge of our current capabilities, and thus, new growth is the next stage.

Fixed mindset or Growth mindset? I think we flick between the two at different times, but the continued focus on growth and development and the continued questioning of how we can do things more effectively, continues this growth path.

It’s also why those in leadership need to have advisors, coaches, and colleagues who can provide this input as well.

Happy New Year to you, and thanks for reading.

Ray

Rayism of the week: It’s at the junction of learning and application where the diamond of new growth is forged.

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