Why Is Growth Mindset So Important To Your Success

“Your mindset determines your results. If you don’t have the results you want in life, it’s time to change the way you think and start pursuing your goals.” — James Justin, the author of Mindset: How To Transform Your Life From Ordinary To Extraordinary

Two Important Questions

Have you ever looked at someone who seems to “have it all” and wondered what their secret is?

What if that someone was YOU—living the life of your dreams, filled with love, joy, fulfillment, success, and work-life balance?

Is that possible for you?

Absolutely.

And the key to unlocking that potential is a growth mindset.

The Foundation of Success Starts in Your Mind

The life you desire begins with the way you think. While you cannot control everything life throws at you, you can control how you think, feel, and respond. Your mindset—the beliefs you hold about yourself and your abilities—plays a critical role in shaping your path to success.

Mindset affects everyone, whether you’re a parent, teacher, doctor, entrepreneur, or athlete. In all these fields, mindset fuels outstanding accomplishments.

“The world is always changing, and you can’t rely on your past accomplishments,” said Alan L. Wurtzel, former CEO of Circuit City.

Take Circuit City, for example. In its prime, it was a billion-dollar business and a household name. Yet, it became a relic of the past by failing to evolve with the changing times, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Wurtzel reflected on this collapse, emphasizing how relying on past strategies and not embracing change led to its downfall.

The writing is on the wall. Change is inevitable. Those who embrace change with a growth mindset are those who thrive.

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

World-renowned Stanford psychologist Dr. Carol S. Dweck’s groundbreaking research on achievement revealed that our mindset is a powerful force driving our actions and outcomes. In her studies, Dweck defined two types of mindsets: fixed and growth.

• Fixed Mindset:
  People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone. They avoid challenges, fear failure, and resist change. The fixed mindset traps them in a cycle of self-limitation.
• Growth Mindset:
  People with a growth mindset believe their abilities can be developed through hard work, good strategies, and mentorship. They embrace challenges, learn from criticism, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Dweck’s research found that those with a growth mindset are far more likely to succeed and find fulfillment in life. The reason? They don’t focus on proving their worth—they focus on improving themselves.

Embracing the Journey of Growth

“Becoming is better than being,” Dweck wrote in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Those who adopt a growth mindset embrace the process of becoming their best selves. They learn to see challenges, struggles, and setbacks not as threats but as stepping stones toward their full potential.

While those with a fixed mindset are hyper-focused on “winning,” those with a growth mindset see the journey as the reward. The result? Growth-minded individuals find joy in the process and often end up achieving far more than they expected.

Take the example of a world-class athlete like Michael Jordan. He wasn’t always the best, but his growth mindset—his willingness to work hard and improve continuously—propelled him to greatness. His failures became his lessons, and his determination to grow was the foundation of his success.

3 Ways to Cultivate a Growth Mindset as the CEO of YOU®

As a member of the Optometry Divas community, you have the opportunity to develop this powerful growth mindset in your practice and personal life. The CEO of YOU® business model, which empowers women ODs to become the leaders of their lives and practices, offers three steps to start your growth journey today.

1. Go Back to the Beginning and Rekindle Your Passion

Take a moment to reflect on why you started your practice in the first place. What excited you about optometry? What difference did you want to make in people’s lives? Reconnect with that passion and realign your goals.

To help guide this process, identify your BMVPV:

• Beliefs: Both limiting beliefs and limitless possibilities.
• Mission: What do you want to accomplish with your practice?
• Vision: Where do you want to take your practice?
• Purpose: Why do you do what you do?
• Values: What are the core principles guiding your practice?

2. Embrace a Fluid Strategy

The most successful practices don’t rely on rigid strategies—they adapt. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so should your practice. Create flexible systems for key areas such as:

• Leadership
• Administration
• Operations
• Promotions
• Sales

By maintaining a fluid approach, you’ll be better equipped to pivot when challenges arise and seize new opportunities as they emerge.

3. Build a Team of Like-Minded People

Success is rarely achieved in isolation. Surround yourself with individuals who share your vision and can support you in your growth. Here’s a list of key people to consider adding to your team:

• Professional Mentors/Advisors/Coaches/Consultants
• Employees who align with your values and goals
• Vendor Representatives who understand your vision
• Community Advocates to build your local presence
• Patients who become ambassadors for your brand

Developing a strong support system will empower you to grow and evolve in ways you never imagined possible.

The Power of Change in Your Hands

In optometry, as in life, change can feel daunting. But with change comes opportunity. By adopting a growth mindset, you position yourself to see possibilities where others only see obstacles. Every setback becomes a chance to learn, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

Those who have achieved lasting success in business and life didn’t get there by staying stagnant—they embraced the growth mindset. And you can too.

Success is within your reach. Whether it’s growing your practice, enhancing your work-life balance, or achieving personal fulfillment, it all begins with your mindset.

Join the Optometry Divas Community

Are you ready to develop a growth mindset and take your practice to the next level?

If you’re looking to transform your mindset, I can help! Click HERE to send me an email and let’s get started.

Until next time, remember to dream BIG, take risks, and become the CEO of YOU®!