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Table of Contents
Understand the difference between fixed and growth mindset, how they influence day-to-day lives, and whether one’s mindset can be changed.
Why do some people shy away from challenges while others see them as opportunities? Why do some people turn their setbacks into comebacks, while others are brought to a standstill by the smallest of inconveniences? It all comes down to one’s mindset.
Most people exhibit either a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. While the names do give away the meaning of both of these mindsets, merely scratching the surface isn’t enough to understand the difference between fixed and growth mindset. Learning their deeper implications is essential to recognising how they influence learning, performance, and resilience.
Let’s break down the difference between growth mindset vs. fixed mindset, and how the right mindset can help you grow academically, professionally, and personally.
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and ability can be developed with continued efforts over time through consistent effort, learning, and persistence.
People with a growth mindset:
embrace challenges instead of avoiding them
acquire new skills to improve themselves
learn from criticism and welcome feedback
The development of a growth mindset is often shaped by one’s environment. Educational institutions that prioritise experimentation, global exposure, and real-world problem solving tend to reinforce this perspective. By designing learning experiences around iteration and application, programs such as Tetr’s degrees create conditions where students are encouraged to stretch their abilities and grow continuously.
A fixed mindset is rooted in the belief that intelligence and ability are inherently static and cannot be changed with time or effort.
People with a fixed mindset:
avoid challenges due to fear of failure
give up easily in the face of obstacles
ignore or resist feedback from others
Traditional, exam-driven systems can unintentionally reinforce this pattern by rewarding correct answers over curiosity, iteration, and growth.
Tetr takes a different approach. Its learning by doing model prioritises experimentation, skill building, and real-time feedback. Students are encouraged to test ideas, learn from mistakes, and improve through action. The focus shifts from proving intelligence to developing it.
Let’s do a side-by-side comparison to understand the difference between fixed and growth mindset.
In education
Mindset influences how a student views and responds to learning. A student can either be discouraged by poor performance in a subject and accept it as personal failure. Or they can view it as an opportunity to improve themselves and build new skills along the way.
The difference is not intelligence. It is perspective.
Tetr integrates the principles of growth mindset directly into our curriculum through applied learning, mentorship, and global immersion, helping students unlearn fear-based approaches to education.
In career
Careers today value adaptability rather than static expertise. Professionals with a growth mindset are more comfortable upskilling, collaborating across cultures, and navigating uncertainty.
Graduates from programs like Tetr’s Management & Technology or Artificial Intelligence degrees enter the workforce having already experienced real-world environments that compel continuous learning.
In personal development
Mindset extends far beyond academics or professional life. It influences confidence, resilience, and relationships.
Those with a growth mindset find it easier to adapt to life’s highs and lows, while those with a fixed mindset may find it challenging to cope.
Ultimately, the right mindset does not guarantee ease. It enables progress.
Here is the encouraging truth: mindsets are not permanent. While individuals may naturally lean toward certain patterns of thinking, perspectives evolve through experiences, reflection, and the right environment.
Over time, small shifts in language and behaviour can reshape how you respond to setbacks and challenges.
Practical ways to build a growth mindset
Instead of saying, “I can’t,” try saying, “I can’t YET”
Try to focus more on progress rather than perfection
View challenges as opportunities to learn something new
Surround yourself with people with a growth mindset
The conversation around growth mindset vs. fixed mindset can be eye-opening for many. By understanding the difference between fixed and growth mindset, people can identify the characteristics they most often display and reshape their way of thinking. While a fixed mindset places limits on potential, a growth mindset opens the door to continuous development. As education evolves, learning programs like Tetr that emphasize global exposure, experiential learning, and reflection show how the right environment can help students move beyond limits and build skills for life, not just exams.
1. How can you develop a growth mindset?
Start by analysing how you respond to setbacks. Then, try to reframe failure as feedback, seek constructive criticism, track your progress over time, and practice skills that may be out of your comfort zone. With time, your focus will shift from proving your ability to improving it.
2. What is a fixed mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence, talent, and abilities are largely predetermined and you can’t do much to change them. Individuals with this perspective often avoid challenges, fear failures, and perceive setbacks as personal inadequacies.
3. Can someone have both a fixed and growth mindset?
Yes, mindset is not absolute. People may show characteristics of a fixed mindset in certain areas, like mathematics or creativity and those of a growth mindset in others, like career development.
4. How does a growth mindset help in daily life?
A growth mindset helps one adapt to change, overcome setbacks, develop new skills, and build resilience. Over time, this perspective helps people to advance in their personal, academic, and professional pursuits.