In one of the modules I led this year, a key topic was growth mindset, which is the opposite of a fixed mindset. The latter involves the assumption that “I am what I am… I can’t [insert your limiting belief—drive, fix things, speak in public, etc.].”
It’s not about denying the significance of talent; it’s about moving away from black-and-white beliefs and taking small steps. In the driving example, you might start by putting the car in gear and making it move. Then getting it off the drive, to the bottom of the road, and so on. You correct the false “I just can’t drive” belief one small step at a time, growing confidence and breaking down a mindset that holds you back.
I’m guilty of this, so I challenged one of my own limiting beliefs: I can’t (or won’t) touch electrics—even the basics. To get beyond this, I took on a marginally challenging task: changing a light fixture from something old and basic to something new and more sophisticated.
I failed on the first attempt, but after feeling sorry for myself for a few hours, I relaunched my YouTube learning, found a good video guide, bought some parts I hadn’t realized I needed, and got on with it.
With the right parts and a guide, I completed the task successfully in less than half an hour.
Note: because electricity is circuit-based, my initial failure led to the lights not working in all the rooms on the top floor. So getting it wrong had knock-on effects—but getting it right was one of my most satisfying moments of the year. An electrician might roll their eyes at someone perceiving this as an achievement, but that’s the point: I’m not an electrician, and I fear electrics, messing things up, damaging my house, causing a fire, etc. Those fears are perfectly rational—but it’s equally rational to develop your skills and pursue independence as a homeowner.
Dr Martin James 