Tips for Cultivating a Growth Mindset and Grit

In my career, I’ve often been the biggest enemy of my success. My mindset held me back for so long before I finally recognized and broke the pattern. I was trapped in a fixed mindset. When I first came to the USA as an international student, I often thought, "I'm just not good at this." That’s a fixed mindset in action. As a result, I was surrounded by: -my fear of failure -my imposter syndrome which destroyed my creativity and crushed my potential. Here’s how I finally broke free: ►Changed the way I talked to myself: As an international student, I was often my own harshest critic. I paid attention to my inner voice and changed how I reacted to failure and criticism. Instead of saying, "I can't do this," I started saying, "I can learn how to do this." ►The Power of 'Yet': It was a game-changer. It’s not that I couldn't pivot my career to product management or get interview calls for internships. it’s that I couldn't do it yet. This simple shift made a huge difference. ►Focused On Self-Improvement Regularly setting aside time to learn something new reminded me that my abilities were not fixed but could be developed. I kept learning. ►Surround Yourself with Growth Mindset Individuals: The people I spent the most time with influenced my mindset. I surrounded myself with people (my boss on campus - Joel Ramirez, Senior pastor Bryan Myers, and others.) who saw challenges as opportunities, who grew in the face of setbacks, and who saw the effort as the first step to mastery. Remember - the choice is yours: Be trapped by your limitations, or give your mind permission to embrace growth. For all international students and job seekers, building a growth mindset can transform your journey in the USA. Stay positive. Stay confident. And stay empowered. You’ve got this!

Don’t fear failure—fear staying the same. I’ve learned that talent alone doesn’t build a real estate empire. It’s your mindset, your ability to persevere, and your willingness to adapt that sets you apart. Success in real estate—or anything in life—starts with investing in yourself. That’s the only asset no one can take from you. Here's how I’ve built my mental framework to stay sharp, bounce back from setbacks, and keep growing. ✅ Actionable Tips for Building the Mindset to Succeed in Real Estate: 𝟭. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 – Fear of failure holds more people back than actual obstacles ever will. I choose to keep moving forward, even when the outcome isn’t certain. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 – Natural ability is helpful, but grit wins long-term. I stay committed and keep learning, especially when things don’t go as planned. 𝟯. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 – I don’t see obstacles—I see lessons. The tough situations are often the most valuable in shaping your skills and instincts. 𝟰. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 – I intentionally surround myself with people who push me, challenge me, and inspire me to go further. 𝟱. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸—d𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁 – Criticism can sting, but I’ve found it’s one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth. 𝟲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 #𝟭 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 – The more I grow my mindset, the more value I can create—in my deals, my network, and my life. 𝟳. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – Whether it’s reading, journaling, or debriefing a tough situation, I treat personal growth like part of my job. 𝟴. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲—c𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 – Even when I want to go it alone, I know my growth accelerates when I learn from others. 𝟵. 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Short-term setbacks don’t matter if you’re focused on becoming better for the next opportunity. 𝟭𝟬. 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 – In real estate and in life, the market changes. I stay committed to changing with it—mentally, emotionally, and strategically.

You may not have the best mind in the room. But you can have the best mindset. 💡 Here’s why that matters: while you can’t control your IQ or past experiences, you have complete control over how you approach challenges, setbacks, and opportunities. Carol Dweck's research on Growth Mindset shows that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about the belief that you can improve with effort. That belief shapes your actions—and your future. 5 Ways to Build a Better Mindset: 1. Embrace challenges – View them as opportunities to learn, not threats to your comfort. 2. Replace “I can’t” with “Not yet” – Reframe limitations as areas for growth. 3. Learn from feedback – Even tough feedback is a gift when you approach it as a guide for improvement. 4. Celebrate others’ success – Shift from comparison to inspiration. Others’ wins show you what’s possible. 5. Persist through setbacks – Failures aren’t endpoints. They’re stepping stones to growth. Remember, your mindset is your choice. You can’t always control the room you’re in, but you can control how you show up in it. Get better. Raise your game. Choose resilience. Choose possibility. +++++ Here are 10 practical daily tips to nurture a better mindset at work: (No. 8 is my favorite. And yours?) 1. Start the day with intention – Set a positive tone for the day by writing down one thing you want to improve or focus on. 2. Practice self-talk – Replace “I can’t handle this” with “What can I learn from this?” throughout the day. 3. Seek feedback proactively – Ask a colleague or manager for one thing you could do better. Treat feedback as a gift. 4. Reflect on challenges – At the end of the day, jot down a challenge you faced and one thing you learned from it. 5. Avoid the blame game – Focus on solutions rather than who or what caused the problem. Shift your energy toward action. 6. Surround yourself with positive influences – Spend more time with people who encourage growth and challenge you constructively. 7. Celebrate small wins – Acknowledge even the smallest improvements in your skills, attitude, or work. 8. Read or listen daily – Dedicate 10 minutes to reading a book, listen to a podcast, or watch a video that inspires growth. 9. Help someone else – Offer to mentor, guide, or simply assist a teammate. Teaching others strengthens your own learning. 10. Adopt a gratitude mindset – End the day by noting 3 things you’re grateful for. Gratitude fosters a growth-focused outlook. You don't have to be a master. Being a student is enough. What will you do today to nurture a growth mindset? ☺

Switching your mindset from "I can't" to "I'll learn" is life-changing because it fosters a growth mindset, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This shift encourages perseverance, acceptance of failure as a learning tool, and the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, ultimately unlocking potential and building confidence. Understanding the "I Can't" Mindset Fixed Mindset: This mindset believes abilities and intelligence are static and cannot be significantly changed. Avoidance: When faced with difficulties, this mindset leads to giving up to avoid failure and protect one's self-image. Focus on Limitations: It focuses on what seems impossible, rather than what could be possible through effort and learning. How the "I'll Learn" Mindset Creates Change Embraces Growth: The "I'll learn" mindset aligns with the concept of a growth mindset, which promotes the belief that one's abilities can be developed through dedication and effort. Sees Failure as a Lesson: Instead of viewing setbacks as definitive failures, this approach sees them as valuable learning experiences that provide insight and path the way for future success. Encourages Persistence: It fuels perseverance by shifting the focus from fixed limitations to continuous growth and improvement, leading to a willingness to try new things. Builds Confidence: Each time a challenge is faced and overcome through learning, it builds confidence and a belief in one's ability to adapt and improve. Promotes Action and Execution: This mindset moves people from excuses to action, fostering a determination to find a way forward despite obstacles. How to Cultivate This Mindset Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge imperfections and celebrate progress, no matter how small. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback to gain insight and improve, rather than for external validation. Model the Behaviour: Share your own learning moments and celebrate the process of growth. Keep a Growth Log: Document challenges, what you learned, and how you stretched yourself to see growth in real-time. Surround Yourself with Growth: Create an environment with people who value learning over perfection. 👉 What would you say you had a positive or a negative mindset and how does affect you? #mindset #overcome #positiveoutlook #personalgrowth

A growth mindset makes you unstoppable - 12 habits to strengthen yours: 1) Embrace Challenges ↳Instead of avoiding them, see them as opportunities to stretch your abilities ↳Tip: Say yes to a new role or assignment even if you feel unprepared 2) Break Goals Up ↳Set learning goals like "practice for 10 minutes" instead of "be great" ↳Tip: Swap "Get in shape" for "Take a 15-minute walk each morning before work" 3) Change Your Self-Talk ↳Replace "I'm not good at this" with "I'm still learning this" ↳Tip: Write a list of things you've improved at in the past to prove your inner critic wrong 4) Choose Your People ↳Surround yourself with people who try, fail, and improve - vulnerably ↳Tip: Follow leaders who talk about their learning process, not just their wins 5) Focus on Progress ↳Track how far you've come, not how far you still have to go ↳Tip: Take weekly progress photos of a project, fitness routine, or hobby 6) Stay Curious ↳Ask more questions and seek to understand, not just to finish ↳Tip: Challenge yourself to ask at least one question in every meeting 7) Normalize Being Bad ↳Find things you're bad at and fail - a lot; it strengthens the growth muscle ↳Tip: Join a class where you're clearly the least experienced person 8) Seek Feedback ↳Ask for feedback often, and use it to grow, not to judge your worth ↳Tip: After a presentation, ask three people for one thing you can improve 9) Find Examples ↳Read or listen to stories of persistence, finding others who failed forward ↳Tip: Read biographies of people like Thomas Edison, Michael Jordan, or Oprah Winfrey 10) Add "Yet" ↳Turn "I can't do this" into "I can't do this YET" ↳Tip: Do it each time you notice a limiting belief: "I'm not good at sales...yet" 11) Learn From Mistakes ↳Instead of hiding or avoiding mistakes, see them as data ↳Tip: After a failed pitch, write down three lessons for next time 12) Reflect on Growth ↳Ask: "What did I learn today?" not just "Did I win today?" ↳Tip: In team retrospectives, focus on learnings over outcomes Your abilities are not fixed. You're not just bad at something. With the right habits, You can improve. And if you use these daily, You'll have no limits. Choose growth. Any habits you'd add? --- ♻️ Repost to help your network reach their full potential. And follow me George Stern for more growth content. 

Question: what is more important than social intelligence, good looks, physical health, or IQ when determining success? Answer: Grit Grit is the determination to achieve long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks Why is grit so important? Because success is rarely a smooth path; it often involves challenges, disappointments, and doubts Without grit, many people give up when adversity strikes, missing out on their dreams So how do we build grit? A growth mindset A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort This mindset, coined by Dr. Carol Dweck, stands in contrast to the fixed mindset, which believes that abilities are innate and unchangeable People with a growth mindset: -Embrace Challenges: They see challenges as chances for growth, not threats to their self-esteem -Persist in Setbacks: A growth mindset helps them bounce back from failures and view them as part of the learning process -Value Effort: Instead of avoiding effort, they recognize it as essential for mastery -Learn from Criticism: Constructive criticism is seen as valuable feedback, not a personal attack -Find Inspiration in Others' Success: They find motivation in others' achievements and believe in an abundance of success To develop grit with growth mindset: -Set clear, exciting long-term goals -Cultivate passion for your pursuits -See obstacles as opportunities for growth -Embrace effort, practice, and persistence -Build a supportive community And remember this quote from Ayn Rand: “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.”

Soft skills have become the new hard skills. In times of change, your mindset determines your success. Skills get you hired. Mindset determines how far you go. Here's what to develop this year: 1️⃣ Responsibility Shift  ↳ Practice taking radical accountability to become the leader your team needs. ↳ Focus on what is within your control. ↳ Blame is comfortable. Ownership is powerful. 2️⃣ Become the Growth Generator  ↳ Every failure is an opportunity to learn how to improve. ↳ Teach your team how to learn from failing. ↳ Every wall is a door. 3️⃣ Master Your Control Center  ↳ You might have been treated unfairly, but blaming others only holds you back. ↳ Address the root cause of your issues and grow beyond the mindset. ↳ What happened to you is real. What you do next is yours. 4️⃣ Create a Win-Win Mindset  ↳ Learn to celebrate others' victories. ↳ Learn to be kinder to yourself. ↳ Play a positive-sum, not a zero-sum game. 5️⃣ Get Into Your Stretch Zone  ↳ Step outside your comfort zone and learn how liberating experiencing the unknown can be. ↳ Prepare for the hurdles proactively so you're prepared for setbacks. ↳ Growth lives on the other side of discomfort. 6️⃣ Master the Future Frame  ↳ Stop dwelling on minor setbacks. ↳ Build the discipline of perseverance. ↳ Every setback is an opportunity to grow into how you will achieve your ultimate goal. 7️⃣ Create a Winning Self-Standard  ↳ Stop allowing the actions and behaviors of others to throw you off your game. ↳ You are only competing against the version of yourself you're trying to improve. ↳ Their race is not your race. 8️⃣ Allow Yourself a Clean Slate  ↳ Take the time to do the work you need to do to move forward with a clear heart and mind. ↳ Give yourself the gift of therapy, journaling, meditation, or working out. ↳ You can't build forward while carrying everything backward. 9️⃣ Earn the Difficulty Dividend  ↳ Go after the biggest challenges. ↳ Learning to do hard things builds your grit, makes you resilient, and develops your ability to lead. ↳ Easy doesn't compound. Hard does. Here's what I've learned after 20 years of operating: ✅ The people who rise aren't always the most talented. ✅ They're those who've built the mindset to stay in the game, through failure, through unfairness, through uncertainty. Mindset isn't soft. It determines how you respond when things break, how you lead when it's hard, and how you grow when no one's watching. ✅ Pick one. ✅ Work it for 90 days. ✅ Then stack another. These aren't built overnight. They're built in the reps. Which of these 9 do you need most right now? 👇 — john — ♻️➕ John Brewton 📬 Subscribe to Operating by John Brewton for daily perspective on the history, economics, and future of operating companies.

Angela Duckworth’s “Grit” was recommended to me at two very different points in my career – first when I was setting out to build LinkedIn’s first PLS org years ago, and again when I was emerging from my career break last year – and I finally dug in this past weekend. While toiling away over a pottery wheel, no less – how fitting. Why’d I wait so long?? Duckworth makes the case for consistent effort over talent as the key driver of achievement and success – that the winner is the striver, not the natural. And she calls out our bias towards calling someone a “genius” to help self-soothe when we see them succeed in seemingly effortless ways (guilty). Found myself whispering “yes!” to three big ideas: ▫ Passion and consistency are keys to success. Similar to the case that Malcolm Gladwell makes in “Outliers”, she says staying committed over the long haul is critical – which requires maintaining an enduring interest. ▫ Effort counts twice. Her formula, "talent × effort = skill, and skill × effort = achievement," emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication over innate ability. ▫ Growth Mindset fosters grit. I really like the idea that grit can be developed. She argues that adopting a growth mindset – the belief that one's abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – cultivates grit, leading to greater success in their endeavors. The first bowl I threw on a pottery wheel in Nov 2022 was atrocious. Shockingly, I didn’t have an undiscovered pottery talent. Now, 120 hours of practice later, my mugs and bowls are … acceptable. Only 9,880 hours to go. Now, as applicable as these insights are to pottery, they’re infinitely relevant for the journey of a founder. The effort it takes to go from 0-1. The pivots you inevitably must endure. The adaptability it takes when it’s time to scale. Hats off to you gritty founders, you. And h/t to Kyle Palantzas and Mike Derezin, my “Grit” recommenders - thank you!

This week Jane Pettit and I wrapped up our latest Centred Excellence Academy cohort. We always finish with a session on mindset, and how to be successful at anything, we have to be the change. It's a common human tendency to look around and blame others when things aren't going as we'd like. Whether in business, personal life, or our careers, it's easy to point fingers at colleagues, bosses, family members, or circumstances beyond our control. This mindset, however, keeps us stuck and prevents growth. I've been reflecting on some of the outcomes of not only this session, but also my conversations this week in both my 1:1 coaching, consulting and networking. Shifting our perspective is one of the most powerful tools we have. Instead of waiting for others to change or for situations to improve on their own, we can choose to be the catalyst for the change we want to see. Here's my thoughts on how: 1. Take ownership: Recognise that you have control over your actions and reactions. While you can't always change external circumstances, you can change how you respond to them. 2. Identify what you can influence: Focus on areas where you can make a difference, no matter how small. This could be improving your skills, adjusting your attitude, or finding new ways to approach problems. 3. Ask for what you need: Many of us hesitate to ask for help or resources, fearing rejection or appearing incompetent. However, clear communication about your needs can lead to better support and outcomes. 4. Seek information proactively: Don't wait for others to provide answers. Take initiative to research, learn, and find solutions independently. This not only solves immediate problems but also develops your skills and knowledge. 5. Set an example: Be the change you want to see in your environment. If you want more positivity, be more positive. If you want better communication, communicate more effectively yourself. 6. Embrace continuous learning: View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Cultivate a growth mindset that sees setbacks as chances to learn and improve. 7. Take action: Don't wait for the perfect moment or for someone else to take the lead. Start with small steps and build momentum. 8. Reflect and adjust: Regularly assess your progress and be willing to adjust your approach as needed. Being adaptable is key to sustained change. By shifting our mindset from blame to ownership, from passivity to action, we empower ourselves to create positive change. This approach not only improves our own circumstances but can inspire others around us, creating a ripple effect of positive transformation in our workplaces, relationships, and communities. Remember, change starts with you. Be the change you wish to see, and watch how it transforms not just your own life, but the world around you. Have a great weekend everyone 🙂

The Power of a Growth Mindset: A Game Changer for Your Career Have you ever doubted your ability to succeed in a particular field? Maybe you’ve failed at socializing, faced rejection in a job application, or felt like you weren’t “smart enough” to excel in a particular role. These moments can feel like roadblocks, but they are often just stepping stones—depending on your mindset. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career is the power of a growth mindset—the belief that skills, intelligence, and abilities are not fixed but can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Psychologist Carol Dweck contrasts this with a fixed mindset, where people avoid challenges and fear failure. In fast-evolving fields like finance and risk management, adaptability is crucial. Similarly, navigating job interviews at top firms like Deloitte has reinforced this lesson. Instead of seeing interviews as intimidating tests, I started viewing them as learning experiences—each one an opportunity to refine my communication skills, broaden my industry knowledge, and better position myself for future success. HOW TO CULTIVATE A GROWTH MINDSET IN YOUR CAREER 1. Embrace Challenges: Instead of shying away from difficult tasks, lean into them. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. 2. Learn from Feedback: Constructive criticism isn’t a personal attack—it’s a roadmap for improvement. 3. Adopt a “Yet” Mentality: Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” say, “I’m not good at this yet.” 4. Prioritize Learning: Stay curious. Take courses, read, and seek mentorship to continuously build your skills. 5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Results: Recognize small wins along the way to keep yourself motivated. FINAL THOUGHTS Your mindset is one of the most powerful assets you have. Whether you’re working towards professional certifications, navigating job opportunities, or striving for personal growth, adopting a growth mindset can transform obstacles into opportunities. So, the next time you face a setback, ask yourself: Is this the end, or is it just part of the journey? If you choose the latter, you’re already on the path to success. What’s a moment in your career where a growth mindset made a difference? I’d love to hear your thoughts!