After decades of research, esteemed Stanford psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered the key to achieving goals: the power of mindset. Here’s how writers can harness her insights to succeed.
Writing is as much about mindset as it is about skill. In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2016, Ballentyne Books), Carol Dweck reveals a transformative truth: success isn’t only about natural talent – it’s about cultivating a growth mindset. This idea is especially powerful for writers, whether you’re crafting your first story or polishing a final draft.
Here’s how shifting your mindset can help you overcome writer’s block, build resilience and achieve your writing goals.
1. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: How You See Yourself as a Writer
Dweck describes two mindsets:
- A fixed mindset believes talent is innate. If writing feels hard, it must mean you’re ‘not good enough’.
- A growth mindset, on the other hand, sees challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
A growth mindset reframes failures as stepping stones. Struggling with writer’s block? It’s not a sign you’re a bad writer – it’s part of the process of becoming a better one. In the same way, if an editor doesn’t accept your article for publication, it doesn’t mean your piece was no good. Rejection is a chance to gain valuable feedback (for free!), refine your skills and discover a better fit for your work.
Action Step: Approach every draft as a chance to improve, not to prove your worth. Celebrate effort, not just results.
2. Embrace the Learning Process
Great writers aren’t born – they’re made through practice, feedback and persistence. Dweck emphasises that skill development happens when you embrace the process rather than fixating on the end goal.
If you dream of publishing a novel or mastering your craft, start by focusing on consistent effort. The journey matters as much as the destination.
Try This: Take a course to hone your skills. The guidance of experienced writers can accelerate your learning and help you refine your voice.
3. Turn Writing Setbacks into Growth Opportunities
Rejections, critiques or abandoned projects can feel discouraging. But with a growth mindset, these aren’t failures – they’re valuable works-in-progress.
Every piece of feedback, no matter how tough, is an opportunity to grow. Great writers often rewrite, revise, and learn from what didn’t work.
Mindset Shift: When you receive feedback, ask, ‘What can I learn from this?’ rather than, ‘Why wasn’t it perfect?’
4. Set Writing Goals that Stretch You
A fixed mindset avoids challenges for fear of failure. A growth mindset seeks them out, knowing that pushing boundaries is the only way to grow.
Set goals that are ambitious but attainable. Want to write a novel? Start by committing to a page a day. Interested in honing your craft? Sign up for a course that pushes you to explore new techniques.
Actionable Goal: Join a community of writers or enrol in a course where you can practise, experiment and grow under the guidance of experts.
5. Surround Yourself with Growth-Orientated Writers
Dweck highlights the importance of environment in cultivating a growth mindset. Writers thrive when they’re part of a supportive community that values effort, creativity and perseverance.
Being surrounded by like-minded writers can inspire you to keep going, even when the going gets tough. Consider joining a writing circle, or a group on social media. For example, the Writers’ College runs free writing challenges biannually on Facebook.
Next Step: Find a writing course that connects you with mentors and peers who are committed to growth. The shared journey will motivate and energise you.
The Growth Mindset Writer
Writing success isn’t about innate brilliance – it’s about persistence, resilience and a willingness to learn. Carol Dweck’s Mindset teaches us that every writer has the potential to grow, no matter where they start.
Are you ready to embrace your growth as a writer? Our writing courses, taught by award-winning authors, are designed to nurture your skills and help you achieve your goals.
Discover your course today and take the first step toward unleashing your writing potential. Growth starts with one decision – make it today.
