Embracing a Growth Mindset
Jan 10, 2025
Embracing a Growth Mindset – Turning Resolutions into Intentions
The start of a new year is often a time when clients are eager to set goals. While this energy is valuable, resolutions that focus solely on fixed outcomes can create pressure and frustration if progress doesn’t go as planned. A powerful way to support clients is by helping them reframe resolutions into intentions that foster a growth mindset and allow for greater adaptability.
The Challenge with Resolutions
Resolutions often centre on achieving specific results, such as “exercise five days a week” or “secure a promotion by mid-year.” While these outcomes can provide direction, the rigidity of resolutions can lead to feelings of failure if the path forward becomes unclear or obstacles arise.
Recently my client shared their struggle with a resolution to “build confidence in speaking up during meetings.” While the resolution reflected a meaningful goal, it created pressure to achieve a fixed standard of performance. By reframing it into an intention, such as “approach opportunities to speak with curiosity and a focus on learning,” the client was able to shift their mindset and see each attempt as a step forward rather than a pass/fail test.
Using Evoking Awareness to Reframe Goals
The ICF Core Competency 7: Evoking Awareness provides a foundation for helping clients move from rigid resolutions to more flexible intentions. Questions such as the following can uncover what truly matters to clients:
- What do you hope to experience or learn through this goal?
- How might you define success in a way that feels more sustainable?
- What internal shifts are you seeking as you pursue this?
These questions help clients connect their goals to deeper values, fostering a sense of ownership and enabling them to steer their own way.
Shifting from Resolutions to Intentions
Intentions focus on the journey rather than the destination, making room for flexibility and incremental progress. For example:
- Instead of “exercise five days a week,” an intention might be “find enjoyable ways to move my body regularly and stay consistent.”
- Instead of “secure a promotion,” an intention could be “develop my leadership skills and seek out opportunities to add value at work.”
- Instead of “build confidence in meetings,” an intention could be “practice speaking up in one meeting each week and reflect on what felt successful.”
Encouraging a Growth Mindset
As coaches, fostering a growth mindset in our clients involves normalising challenges and celebrating progress. Some ways to do this include:
- Acknowledging effort and experimentation, even if results are not immediate.
- Helping clients reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn.
- Encouraging reflective practices to highlight personal growth over time.
Supporting a client to notice small wins, such as contributing a question during a meeting, helps build their confidence and momentum over time.
Applying This in Coaching Conversations
At the start of the year, it’s worth considering how you’re supporting clients in aligning their goals with their values and fostering adaptability. Are you creating space for them to reflect on the how and why of their goals? Are you encouraging them to approach their ambitions with curiosity and openness? These conversations not only support client growth but also deepen the coaching partnership.
Conclusion
Reframing resolutions into intentions is a powerful way to start the year with purpose and flexibility. By evoking awareness and encouraging a growth mindset, you help clients embrace challenges and celebrate progress, creating a strong foundation for sustainable success.
Sharing these mentoring moments with you,
Gaye
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