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How Mindset Can Improve Employability

Petrina Darrah

Posted: May 11, 2023

In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, employability has become a top priority for many people. It’s no longer enough to have a degree or even a few years of experience under your belt. Employers are looking for candidates who have the right mindset to adapt to changing circumstances and contribute to the growth of their organisations.

So, what exactly is a mindset, and why is it so important in the context of employability?

What is a Growth Mindset

A mindset is a set of beliefs, attitudes, and values that shape the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. It determines how we approach challenges, respond to setbacks, and interact with others. There are two main types of mindsets: fixed and growth.

A fixed mindset is one in which people believe that their abilities and talents are predetermined and cannot be improved. They tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, and feel threatened by the success of others.

On the other hand, a growth mindset is one in which people believe that their abilities and talents can be developed through hard work, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. They embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and are inspired by the success of others.

The Benefits of a Growth Mindset

It’s easy to see why a growth mindset is highly valued in the workplace. It enables individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, learn new skills, and come up with creative solutions to complex problems. Here are some ways in which a growth mindset can improve employability.

Building Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. Individuals with a growth mindset are more resilient because they see setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. They don’t take failure personally and are quick to bounce back and try again.

Increasing Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to changing circumstances. Individuals with a growth mindset are more adaptable because they are open to new experiences and perspectives. They see change as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a threat.

Developing a Positive Attitude

A positive attitude is essential in the workplace because it helps individuals to stay motivated and engaged. Individuals with a growth mindset have a positive attitude because they believe that they can make a difference and contribute to the success of their organisation.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Creativity and innovation are highly valued in the workplace because they enable organisations to come up with new products, services, and ideas. Individuals with a growth mindset are more creative and innovative because they are open to new ideas and perspectives.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Abilities

Problem-solving is a critical skill in the workplace because it enables individuals to come up with solutions to complex problems. Individuals with a growth mindset are better problem-solvers because they are open to new ideas and perspectives, and they are willing to experiment and take risks.

Fitness man in city running, exercise and workout for motivation, strong mindset.

Developing a Growth Mindset for Improved Employability

Now that we understand the importance of a growth mindset in employability, the question is, how can we develop a growth mindset? Here are some tips.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are the beliefs that hold us back and prevent us from reaching our full potential. They are often rooted in fear and self-doubt. To develop a growth mindset, we need to identify and overcome our limiting beliefs.

Seeking Out Challenges

Challenges are opportunities for growth and development. To develop a growth mindset, we need to seek out challenges that will help us to learn and grow. Volunteering abroad with GVI is an excellent example of seeking out challenges. It provides individuals with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, learn new skills, and gain a new perspective on the world.

Practising Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. It helps individuals to stay focused, calm, and centred. Practising mindfulness can help us develop a growth mindset by enabling us to be more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and reactions.

Learning from Mistakes

Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth. To develop a growth mindset, we need to embrace our mistakes and learn from them. We can do this by reflecting on what went wrong, identifying what we can do differently next time, and moving forward with a positive attitude.

Examples of How Mindset Can Impact Employability

The impact of mindset on employability can be seen in many different ways. Here are some examples.

The Role of Mindset in Career Advancement

Mindset also plays a significant role in career advancement. Individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to seek out new challenges, learn new skills, and take on new responsibilities. This makes them more attractive to employers and more likely to be promoted.

Mindset and Job Search Success

Finally, mindset can also impact job search success. Individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to be persistent in their job search, network effectively, and stay positive in the face of rejection. This makes them more likely to find a job that is a good fit for their skills and interests.

In conclusion, mindset plays a critical role in employability. Individuals with a growth mindset are more resilient, adaptable, creative, innovative, and effective problem-solvers. They are also more likely to seek out challenges like volunteering abroad, learn new skills, and take on new responsibilities. To develop a growth mindset, we need to overcome our limiting beliefs, seek out challenges, practice mindfulness, and learn from our mistakes. By doing so, we can improve our employability and achieve greater success in our career.

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.