Understanding Growth Mindset, Fixed Mindset, Circle of Concern, and Circle of Influence
Understanding Growth Mindset, Fixed Mindset, Circle of Concern & Circle of Influence
This guide explains how mindset shapes success and how focusing on what we can control increases confidence and emotional well-being. These concepts are widely used in psychology, counselling, NLP, and coaching frameworks.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
A Growth Mindset reflects the belief that abilities, intelligence, and skills can be developed through effort and learning.
- Believes improvement is always possible.
- Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
- Accepts challenges positively.
- Shows resilience during failures.
- Motivated to learn new skills.
Examples of Growth Mindset
- “I can’t do this **yet**, but I will learn.”
- Practicing daily to improve communication skills.
- Trying new strategies after failure.
- Seeking feedback to improve performance.
What Is a Fixed Mindset?
A Fixed Mindset reflects the belief that abilities and intelligence are unchangeable.
- Avoids challenges due to fear of failure.
- Believes talent is permanent.
- Gets upset when receiving feedback.
- Gives up easily under pressure.
- Compares themselves with others.
Examples of Fixed Mindset
- “I am not good at maths. I can never improve.”
- Stopping work after the first failure.
- Feeling threatened by others’ success.
Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset – Comparison
| Growth Mindset | Fixed Mindset |
|---|---|
| Believes abilities can improve | Believes abilities are fixed |
| Welcomes challenges | Avoids challenges |
| Failure = learning | Failure = inability |
| Focuses on progress | Focuses on perfection |
| Motivated by effort | Demotivated by difficulty |
தமிழில் – Growth vs Fixed Mindset விளக்கம்
- Growth Mindset: “நான் முயற்சி செய்தால் எந்த திறமையும் கற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியும்.”
- Fixed Mindset: “நான் இப்படித்தான்… மாற்ற முடியாது.”
- Growth Mindset உள்ளவர் தோல்வியை அனுபவமாக பார்க்கிறார்.
- Fixed Mindset உள்ளவர் தோல்வியை திறமையின்மையாக பார்க்குகிறார்.
Circle of Concern
The Circle of Concern includes all the things we worry about but cannot directly control.
- Economy
- Society and politics
- Other people’s opinions
- Weather and natural events
- Traffic and delays
- Global issues
Why It Creates Stress
Focusing on things outside our control drains mental energy, increases anxiety, and reduces productivity.
Circle of Influence
The Circle of Influence includes things we can directly control or change.
- Our thoughts and attitude
- Our daily habits
- Our responses to challenges
- Our learning and skill development
- Effort, discipline, focus
How It Improves Life
- Reduces stress and overthinking
- Increases confidence and emotional strength
- Builds problem-solving skills
- Improves relationships
- Creates a sense of control and stability
How Mindset Relates to Circle of Influence
- People with a **growth mindset** spend more time in the Circle of Influence.
- People with a **fixed mindset** get stuck in the Circle of Concern.
- Growth mindset → proactive thinking → more influence.
- Fixed mindset → reactive thinking → more stress.
Key Lesson
When you focus on your Circle of Influence, your confidence grows. Over time, your Influence Circle expands, and your Concern Circle shrinks. This is the core principle behind personal growth, counselling, coaching, and psychological well-being.
தமிழில் – Circle of Concern & Circle of Influence விளக்கம்
- Circle of Concern: நமக்கு கட்டுப்பாட்டில் இல்லாத விஷயங்கள்.
- Circle of Influence: நம்மால் மாற்றக்கூடிய விஷயங்கள்.
- Concern-ஐப் பின்பற்றினால் பதட்டம் அதிகரிக்கும்.
- Influence-ஐப் பின்பற்றினால் நம்பிக்கை, திறன், வளர்ச்சி அதிகரிக்கும்.