5 steps towards a growth mindset
Have you ever met someone who seems content with what they know, unwilling to learn anything new… even when the world around them is bursting with knowledge and opportunities? I’ll admit, that attitude baffles me. We live in an age where information is at our fingertips, where every day offers a chance to grow, shift perspectives, and become better versions of ourselves. Yet, some people choose to stay still?
Adopting a growth mindset isn’t about learning everything all at once. It’s about being open. It’s about realising that you don’t know everything, and that’s perfectly fine because it just means there’s room to learn. It’s about believing that you’re capable of knowing more, doing more, and becoming more than you are right now.
Here are five steps to help you move towards a growth mindset:
1. Acknowledge That You Don’t Know Everything
The first step is humility. It takes courage to admit that there’s more to learn. The moment you say, “I don’t know, but I’d like to find out,” you open a door to discovery. A fixed mindset says, “I can’t.” A growth mindset says, “I can’t yet.” That small shift changes everything.
I once overheard a conversation between two colleagues while they were preparing a simple list for a project. One of them said, “I’ll just type it out in Word,” while the other replied, “Why not use Excel? It’ll be easier to sort and edit later.”
The first colleague frowned and shook her head. “No, that’s too complicated. I prefer Word… Excel is so confusing.”
What struck me wasn’t her lack of skill, but her resistance to even try. It wasn’t that she couldn’t learn — she simply didn’t want to. In that moment, I realised how often we close the door to growth, not because we’re incapable, but because we’ve already decided something is beyond us.
Acknowledging that we don’t know yet gives us space to grow. The sahabah RA were not ashamed to ask questions or seek understanding. Their humility in learning was part of their greatness — and it’s a lesson we can all take to heart.
2. Replace Fear with Curiosity
Many people avoid learning new things because they fear failure. They’d rather not try than risk looking foolish. But the antidote to fear is curiosity. When you become curious, you see challenges as puzzles to solve rather than threats to your ego.
Instead of saying, “I’m terrible at this,” try asking, “What can I do differently next time?” Curiosity shifts your focus from fear of judgment to fascination with growth. Every mistake becomes a teacher, not a tormentor.
And if fear is your friend, perhaps reflect on the matter rationally and ask yourself: What’s the WORST that can happen? You’ll find that, most of the time, the difficulty lies in your mind.
3. Surround Yourself with Learners
Your mindset is often shaped by the people around you. Spend time with those who love learning — people who question, experiment, and share insights freely. You’ll find their enthusiasm contagious.
When you’re around others who grow, you grow too. And if you’re in a space where complacency feels normal, gently challenge it. Share what you’re learning, invite conversations, and be the spark that ignites someone else’s curiosity.
4. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
A growth mindset values the process more than the product. Too often, we measure success only by outcomes — grades, promotions, recognition. But what about the hours of effort, the failed attempts, the persistence in private moments?
Remind yourself that progress isn’t always visible, but it’s happening. Celebrate your effort: the time you spent reading, reflecting, or practicing something new. That’s how real growth takes root — through consistent, intentional effort.
5. Keep the Beginner’s Spirit Alive
One of the most beautiful traits a person can have is the beginner’s spirit — that sense of wonder and willingness to learn, no matter your age or experience. The moment you think you’ve “arrived,” you stop growing.
Whether you’re learning a new skill, exploring a new field, or deepening your spiritual understanding, keep approaching life like a student.
Nabi SAW said, “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” It’s not limited to school or youth — it’s a lifelong journey of refinement and discovery.
A growth mindset is not about becoming an expert in everything — it’s about staying teachable. It’s about recognising that you are a work in progress, created by Allah SWT with limitless potential to learn, adapt, and improve.
So, stay curious. Keep learning. And never let the comfort of what you know stop you from discovering what you could know.
That’s all from me for now. Stay tuned for more… and remember: ‘Just Dua It.’
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
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P.P.S. My book, Kismet – For roses to blossom is available locally and on Kindle Unlimited.