Embracing a Growth Mindset

What would you attempt to fail if you knew you would grow? No, I didn’t get that wrong. This upside-down version of the well-known inspirational quote, “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” was recently posited by Kimberly Inskeep, President and Chief Culture Officer at cabi Clothing. As a cabi stylist, I had the pleasure of listening to Kimberly at the launch of the company’s spring collection in San Diego.

Kimberly was inspired by Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, PhD, which explores the fixed vs. growth mindset. The first is defined by the beliefs that I have arrived; effort is for other, less endowed people; and natural talent requires no effort. In short, the fixed mindset limits achievement. A growth mindset, alternately, is based on the understanding that I am not perfect, I never will be, and I am constantly in process. According to Dweck, people with a growth mindset thrive during challenging times and have a passion for stretching themselves.

Kimberly, who is known for her thought-provoking, tear-jerking, action-inducing talks, also referenced 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell. According to his Law of Expansion, growth increases capacity, and we all have the capacity to grow. The Law of Contribution states that by growing yourself, you help others to grow.

By combining these ideas, Kimberly challenged cabi leaders to consider their leadership visions and how they reflect a growth mindset. In other words, “What would you attempt to fail if you knew you would grow?” Really, what would you attempt? What do you think employees would attempt? What would your company look like it this mantra was embraced wholeheartedly? Remember: F.A.I.L means First Attempt In Learning.

Sage Johnson, Professional Freelance Writer

I credit my early love of writing – and costume jewelry – to my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Nesbit, a stork of a woman who sang, “Clang, clang, clang went the trolley. Boom, boom, boom went my heart.” In junior high, I covered the community college hockey team for my hometown newspaper. I got to ride the bus to out-of-town games with the team – including a certain defenseman – which was payment enough for me. I eventually had to swear off hockey players, but could never shake writing, even when I dipped my toes into other careers (like real estate, long story). My sister says I don’t have a “type” when it comes to guys, and I guess the same is true of my writing experience. I get butterflies at the prospect of a press release on a tight deadline, and I lose all sense of time and space when immersed in a technical paper, case study or cover story. I used to take pride in the commonly-held belief that a journalist is a “jack-of-all trades and master of none.” Although I proudly own my writing promiscuity, I would argue professional writers are masters of The Story. That tall drink of water that enters every room like he owns the damn place. The jaw bone in the tux at the red neck wedding. The perfectly insouciant posture chatting up the bartender. The guy who discusses geopolitics and Packer football with equal passion. Like it or not, we’re all drawn to The Story.