True vs. False Growth Mindset: Are You Really Growing? E182

January 28, 2025

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Goodpods

Have you ever wondered if you’re truly embracing a growth mindset—or just telling yourself you are? It’s easy to say you love challenges and want to grow, but what does that actually look like in practice? And how can you avoid the traps of doing too little or pushing too hard? In today’s episode, we’re uncovering the truth about a growth mindset and how to align your actions with real, lasting change.

RATHER WATCH THAN LISTEN/READ? CLICK PLAY!

False Growth Mindset: Why It’s Holding You Back

Have you ever heard someone talk about having a growth mindset and thought, Yeah, I’m on board with that! You’ve probably told yourself, “I’m open to learning and change. I want to grow!” Maybe you’ve even felt a sense of pride—like being committed to growth is one of your personal virtues.

But here’s the question: Are you truly living a growth mindset, or are you unknowingly stuck in what’s called a false growth mindset?

This is where things get tricky, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. So many of us associate a growth mindset with positive thinking—just saying the right things, staying optimistic, and cheering on the idea of improvement. Maybe you’ve caught yourself saying something like, “Of course, I’m open to challenges!” or “I’m always learning and growing.” But here’s the catch: while the words and thoughts sound great, a true growth mindset isn’t about just thinking or saying those things.

The truth is, a real growth mindset happens when you actually step into the hard work of change—when you take on challenges that stretch you, make you uncomfortable, and sometimes even make you question yourself. It’s messy, and it’s not always glamorous. But it’s where true transformation happens.

For some of you listening, this might be a little uncomfortable to hear. You might wonder, Am I doing enough? Am I fooling myself? Or maybe you’re worried that if you’re not pushing constantly, you’re failing. These are the exact concerns we’re tackling today.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to spot the traps of a false growth mindset and how to embrace a real one without falling into burnout.

The Cost of Staying in a False Growth Mindset

Let’s talk about what happens if you believe you have a growth mindset but stop at simply saying the right things. Maybe you tell yourself you’re open to growth, you embrace challenges, and you’re always learning. That sounds great in theory, but what if, deep down, you’re not actually taking action to back those words up?

When this happens, you risk falling into a comfort zone disguised as progress. You might avoid the discomfort of real challenges, stick to tasks you’re already good at, or shy away from situations where failure feels likely. On the surface, it seems like you’re making an effort, but in reality, you’re staying exactly where you are.

The consequences? Over time, this false growth mindset can lead to stagnation. You might start to wonder why your efforts aren’t paying off or why you’re not seeing real change in your life. Worse, you might convince yourself that growth just isn’t possible for you. The frustration builds, your confidence takes a hit, and you miss out on the personal transformation that comes with true growth.

In short, if you’re not stepping into the hard, uncomfortable work of growth, you’re not moving forward. And that’s the cost we want to avoid.

When Growth Becomes a Hustle Trap

Now, let’s flip to the other side of the spectrum—the belief that having a growth mindset means constantly working harder, taking on every challenge, and always staying busy. This is the trap of equating growth with relentless action, and it’s a path that can lead straight to burnout.

When you’re stuck in this mindset, it feels like you’re doing everything right. You’re taking on project after project, saying yes to every opportunity, and pushing yourself harder every day. On the surface, it might even look like success—your calendar is packed, your to-do list is endless, and you’re always in motion. But here’s the reality: growth isn’t about doing more for the sake of doing more.

Burnout doesn’t just drain your energy—it depletes your ability to perform at your best. Your focus starts to slip, your creativity takes a backseat, and tasks that once felt exciting now feel like a chore. Beyond performance, burnout has a ripple effect on your health. Constant stress can lead to exhaustion, physical illness, and emotional overwhelm. And it doesn’t stop there—your relationships can also suffer. When you’re running on empty, it’s hard to show up for the people in your life with patience, empathy, and presence.

True growth isn’t about pushing yourself to the brink. It’s about intentional, meaningful effort balanced with rest and reflection. Without that balance, you risk losing not only your progress but also the very things that matter most in your life.

What True Growth Mindset Really Means

So, what does a true growth mindset look like? To answer that, let’s first take a step back and recognize what growth actually requires. Growth isn’t about perfection or constant action—it’s about learning and evolving through meaningful effort, intentional challenges, and the willingness to embrace discomfort.

Let’s revisit the two potentials of a false growth mindset. First, there’s the trap of stopping at the surface—saying the right things but not truly engaging in the work of growth. True growth mindset goes deeper. It’s not enough to say, “I love challenges” or “I’m always learning.” A real growth mindset means stepping into situations where success isn’t guaranteed, where failure is a real possibility, and where you might feel vulnerable.

For example, imagine you’ve always avoided public speaking because it feels overwhelming. A true growth mindset would push you to sign up for a presentation, even if it terrifies you. The experience might not be smooth, and you’ll likely make mistakes. But in the process, you’re rewiring your brain to see challenges as opportunities to learn, not as threats to your abilities.

Now, let’s look at the other extreme: equating growth with constant action and hustle. A true growth mindset doesn’t demand that you do everything, all the time. It recognizes that growth is a process, and it values quality over quantity. For instance, instead of saying yes to every project or opportunity, a growth mindset might mean focusing deeply on one challenging task that aligns with your goals. It’s about doing less but doing it with purpose and focus.

True growth also allows space for rest and reflection. Growth isn’t linear—it happens in cycles. You need periods of action followed by moments to step back, assess, and integrate what you’ve learned. Think of an athlete training for a marathon. Growth doesn’t come from running every single day until it collapses. It comes from balancing hard training sessions with recovery days, giving their body time to adapt and strengthen.

A true growth mindset is about balance—it’s a commitment to learning, paired with the wisdom to recognize when rest is part of the process. It’s about courage—the courage to face discomfort, but also the courage to say no to overwork and burnout.

When you embrace a true growth mindset, you give yourself permission to be both a work in progress and a whole person at the same time. You’re not just saying the words, and you’re not hustling yourself into the ground. You’re growing in a way that’s sustainable, meaningful, and authentic.

Practical Tips to Embrace a True Growth Mindset

Now that we’ve explored what a true growth mindset really looks like, let’s talk about how you can start moving toward it in a practical, manageable way. I’ll address both extremes of a false growth mindset and offer a few actionable tips to guide you.

For Those Stuck in the “Surface-Level” Mindset

Start with one small, meaningful challenge. Growth doesn’t have to mean jumping straight into the deep end. Identify one area where you’ve been playing it safe and take a small but real step outside your comfort zone. For example, if you’ve avoided learning a new skill because you’re afraid of being bad at it, commit to trying just one lesson or practice session. The key is to begin, even imperfectly.
Reflect on your learning experiences. After facing a challenge, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned rather than just evaluating whether you succeeded or failed. Ask yourself questions like: What did I discover about myself? What skills did I start to develop? How can I improve next time? Reflection turns effort into growth by helping you process and internalize your experiences.

For Those Caught in the “Hustle Trap”

Prioritize and set boundaries. Growth doesn’t mean doing everything. Take a step back and evaluate what truly aligns with your goals. Choose one or two areas to focus on and say no to distractions that don’t serve your growth. This not only prevents burnout but also ensures your efforts are meaningful and impactful.
Schedule downtime as part of your growth plan. Rest isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a critical part of growth. Build intentional downtime into your schedule, whether it’s a weekend off, an hour for mindfulness, or simply unplugging after work. Think of it as recovery time that fuels your ability to tackle challenges effectively.

Join Energy Academy For Your Support

Seek feedback from trusted sources. Growth flourishes with the right kind of support. Whether you’re hesitant to act or pushing yourself too hard, asking for feedback can provide perspective and encouragement. A mentor, coach, or trusted friend can help you see blind spots, celebrate your progress, and guide you toward a healthier, more balanced mindset.

If you’re looking for that kind of support, I invite you to join Energy Academy, my program where I teach people how to create lasting individual change. Through our online classes, you’ll learn strategies to embrace a true growth mindset and navigate challenges at your own pace. Plus, you’ll get personalized guidance in our monthly live Q&A calls, where I’ll answer your questions and help you stay on track.

Remember, these tips are just starting points. A true growth mindset isn’t about instant transformation—it’s about committing to the process and showing up, one step at a time.

Growth takes time, and that’s okay. If you’re ready to take that next step with the support of a community and expert guidance, Energy Academy is here to help you on your journey.

Take Your First Step To A New Future

As we close today’s episode, I want you to know this: wherever you are on your journey, you’re not alone, and you’re not far from the path of true growth. The fact that you’re here, reflecting and learning, shows that you’re already moving in the right direction.

Growth isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about being brave enough to take that next step, no matter how small it might feel. Whether you’ve been stuck at the surface level or caught in the hustle, today is your chance to realign, to move forward with intention, and to create meaningful change.

You have so much potential within you, and the process of growth is how you uncover it. Be kind to yourself as you navigate the challenges, and trust that every step, no matter how imperfect, is bringing you closer to the person you’re becoming.

You’re on this path for a reason, and I believe in your ability to make it your own.

Two easy ways to show your appreciation!

If you found value in today’s episode, here’s what you can do to show your support:

First, consider making a donation to the podcast. Every little bit helps to cover the costs of producing and hosting the show. And ensures that I can continue to bring you the latest insights and opinions on the topic of energy and improving your life.

Second, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This helps boost the podcast’s visibility and attract new listeners, which helps me create more tailored content for you to enjoy.

So whether you choose to donate, leave a rating and review, or both, know that you’re an integral part of my vision. You are helping everyone who struggles with burnout or high-stress levels to experience how awesome their life can be. So, thank you for your support!

Triggered? Here’s Proof It’s All Working Out for You Episode 171
Build A Life You Don’t Need A Vacation From Episode 169
No One Is Coming To Save You (and why that’s liberating) Episode 164

Join the Energy Academy

Feel fully ENERGIZED at the end of your day without working harder and longer. Make the right changes to raise your energy levels to new heights.

Learn the process of change and apply it to anything in your life. Never struggle again to overcome habits and behaviours that suck the energy out of your life!

Follow me on social media