Growth Mindset to Overcome Burnout

Perhaps, it’s springtime and seeing all the growth around me, but the theme of growth mindset emerged again for me recently. I had what felt like a challenging experience as a leader of a meeting and wanted to hang my head for not having everything in place.  Later, doing some reading I was reminded of Growth Mindset*, and I was able to ask myself, “What can I learn from this, so the next time the same issue won’t emerge?” This shift of perspective allowed me to overcome the draining experience of low self-worth, a hallmark of burnout. I was able to use a growth mindset to overcome burnout, at least one component that could lead to burnout.

On occasion, each one of us disappoints ourselves and falls short of what we would like to achieve and how we would like to be.  This is part of being human, it doesn’t have to lead to more than disappointment and learning.

So what is Growth Mindset? It is allowing yourself to always be a learner. People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. WHAT DOESN’T COME NATURALLY CAN BE LEARNED.

This view is empowering and promotes resilience. With challenging situations, looking for what can be learned allows people to bounce back more easily and opens up possibilities for the future.

In healthcare, there is a tendency to value expertise and sometimes this locks people they become less willing to explore new ideas and change.  It is important to bring expertise to your clinical work AND to recognize that a growth mindset is also valuable.

When developing clinical plans, reviewing work and planning ways to streamline and correct trouble areas you can ask yourself and your team growth oriented questions.  Here are a few:

• Have procedures or treatments changed since we last dealt with this diagnosis? Then do the research.
• What parts went well? This can help identify what doesn’t need to change.
• What change can be made to improve the situation? This looks for a solution rather than blaming.
• What do you hope to learn from this? This will engage the people in the process and foster growth and learning.
• Variations and modifications will most likely be made, how do you feel about that? Some people like to have sole ownership of projects. At times, it is important to remind them that input by others is also valued. The goal being that the plan made together will be better than any one person’s plan.

Applying a Growth Mindset before, during and after challenges can help you shift to a more positive outlook. This leads to more energy and better outcomes. What’s one time you’ve used a growth mindset?

For more ways to develop better outcomes and move toward well-being, contact me.

Revitalize Your Life,

Dina, Well-Being Coach

203.744.YOU3 (9683)

*Growth Mindset is a concept which was developed by Carol Dweck, PhD and written about in her book, Mindset

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