Think Different, Grow Better

I remember how, back in college, I was so terrified of failing math that I’d avoid asking questions in class—just to keep up the appearance of “knowing it all.” In hindsight, it was a classic example of what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a fixed mindset: that sneaky belief that our abilities are set in stone. One bad grade felt like a huge neon sign screaming, “You’re just not good enough!”

But here’s the thing: mindset isn’t permanent. It’s not tattooed on your forehead. Just like I eventually learned to ask for help—and saw my grades slowly crawl upwards—we can train ourselves to view challenges as stepping stones, not roadblocks.

A growth mindset means recognizing that every tumble is really a test run. You’re not failing; you’re figuring out one more thing that doesn’t work. Whether it’s your attempts at cooking that new biryani recipe or juggling a demanding job and personal commitments in Mumbai’s chaotic traffic, it’s all about seeing possibility in every stumble. Each mistake is a chance to learn, every “no” is a “not yet,” and every challenge is a hidden lesson waiting to be uncovered.

Growing up, many of us were praised for “being bright” instead of “working hard,” so naturally, we started equating mistakes with shame. Throw in societal expectations—like always needing to “save face” or comparing ourselves to that cousin who always aced her exams—and you have the perfect recipe for a rigid, fixed mindset. But the best part? We can rewrite this script at any stage of our lives.

Shifting your mindset takes patience—kind of like training for a marathon. Celebrate little wins, whether it’s figuring out a glitch at work or staying calm when your local train is delayed again. It helps to surround yourself with folks who keep you inspired; they’re the living proof that growth is possible. And sometimes, chatting with a mental health professional can help untangle deeper fears that keep holding you back. 

So, here’s the secret sauce: give yourself permission to be a work-in-progress. Be that person who falls and gets back up with a smile, who sees the journey as more than just reaching the destination. A growth mindset is like a constant cheerleader nudging you forward, reminding you that each bump on the road is fueling your evolution.

Keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in your own ability to grow. You’ve got this—and if you ever doubt that, remember: the best transformations often bloom from the most unexpected challenges.