Growth Mindset for Constant Improvers (Introverted, Turbulent): Outgrowing Insecurities

Is personal growth infinite, or are there limits to how much growth can be achieved? For people with a growth mindset, growth (almost) always feels like a possibility. Meanwhile, people with a fixed mindset believe that growth is bound by talent and luck above all else. Constant Improvers (Introverted, Turbulent personality types), as their name suggests, continuously strive to do better and be better. On the outside, they may seem to have a solid growth mindset propelling them forward.

As discussed in the first article of this series, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed, while a fixed mindset is the view that abilities are fixed and cannot be changed or improved.

Our previous article on growth and fixed mindsets explained some of the possible connections between personality traits and how people approach personal growth. In particular, personalities with the Extraverted and Assertive traits may be more likely to have attitudes similar to a growth mindset, while Introverted and Turbulent types may fall more easily into fixed-mindset thinking. Constant Improvers crave growth, perhaps more than any other Strategy group. However, their Introverted and Turbulent traits may lead them to develop some habits and thought patterns that could stunt their growth if they’re not careful.

Growth-Oriented but Afraid of Failure

If anyone can envision triumphant success, it’s Constant Improvers. These personalities see the areas of their lives – and themselves – that they feel need improving, and they get to work fixing as they see fit. In this way, they have a desire to change that’s in line with a growth mindset.

However, Constant Improvers’ perfectionism and fear of failure, triggered by their Turbulent trait, may throw a wrench in their pursuits. They tend to define themselves by their accomplishments as well as their shortcomings, which can make simple mistakes feel overwhelming. That might be why they’re more likely than any other Strategy to say that they see their mistakes as failures rather than necessary stepping stones to success. Then, they tend to dwell on those mistakes, instead of brushing themselves off and trying again.

For these personalities, growth can feel like it’s all or nothing: either they hit the target squarely on the bull’s-eye or they might as well have thrown the dart directly at the floor. This way of thinking is much more indicative of a fixed mindset than a growth mindset. And it might be the most significant reason why these success-driven personalities sometimes fail to realize their dreams.

Struggles on the Path to Success

In a growth-mindset approach, people believe that growth isn’t a destination that you arrive at – it’s a process that, while challenging, is also inherently rewarding. Constant Improvers might appreciate this concept but struggle to put it into practice.

Constant Improvers can easily become dissatisfied with their progress and lose sight of their goals once they begin doubting their abilities. More than other personalities, they say their motivation decreases when a task is harder than they anticipated. These Introverts are also highly likely to quietly compare themselves to others and to say that these comparisons trigger negative feelings as a result.

These internal hurdles may lead Constant Improvers to give up easily or bounce around from goal to goal. By contrast, those with a growth mindset accept – and even expect – the challenges that arise on the path to success and typically stay committed no matter how their progress stacks up against others’ or their own expectations.

Building a Growth Mindset for Constant Improvers

Constant Improvers lack two key traits – Extraversion and Assertiveness – that are associated with a growth mindset. But they’re just as capable as anyone of developing a growth mindset (and suggesting otherwise would, in itself, be a fixed-mindset belief). These driven personalities can begin developing a healthy growth mindset by making a few adjustments to how they approach achievement.

Focus on Fewer Goals

Constant Improvers, given their Introversion and how introspective they can be, focus much of their attention on themselves. They might have a long mental list of all the things that they want to (or think that they should) do to better themselves. Yet they’re the most likely Strategy to say they feel drained when accomplishing too many things in one day. They’re also the most likely to become overwhelmed by their to-do lists.

To grow without getting burned out, Constant Improvers must be selective. Just like anyone else, these personalities can do just about anything, but they can’t do everything. When they strive for excellence in too many areas at once, they’re likely to spread themselves too thin, reaching few of their goals, if any at all. Then, they might develop a fixed mindset, falsely believing that they just aren’t capable of doing great things.

To avoid this trap, it’s best to narrow down a dizzying list of aspirations to just one or two items. Then, break each item into smaller steps. For example, a goal of developing public-speaking skills can start with small, short-term steps like studying public speakers online and practicing in front of family members.

Pinpoint Values

The most successful people often have a core value or motivator pushing them forward. For people with a growth mindset, the value might be growth itself. For others, external rewards like praise and social status drive them. But for Constant Improvers, their motivation typically comes from within, though it may not always be attached to a clear value. When asked if they spend a lot of time wondering where their life is going, Constant Improvers are more likely than any other Strategy to say they do, and they’re the least likely to say they know the purpose of their life.

Rather than being guided by a core value, some Constant Improvers feel compelled to act out of insecurity or perhaps to avoid embarrassment. But to stay committed to growth, especially when the going gets tough, these personalities need a deeper, more purpose-focused value. For example, some people might be motivated by the value of helping those in need, while others are driven by personal freedom and independence. And some people might value fun and novelty above all else.

The specific values differ depending on the individual, but what matters most is that Constant Improvers have at least one in mind to lay the groundwork for future growth. For people who aren’t sure where to start, it can help to brainstorm past experiences or accomplishments that they feel have given the most meaning to their lives. Then, determine what made those moments so meaningful to uncover the core value.

Celebrate Personal Wins

Many Constant Improvers may feel that the small steps taken on the path to success aren’t significant or worth celebrating. They tend to be cautious when it comes to feeling proud of themselves, and they’re among the least likely Strategies to say they’re satisfied with their accomplishments. Yet at the heart of a growth mindset is savoring personal wins, no matter how tiny they may seem.

Celebrating personal wins can help Constant Improvers shift their focus away from the perfectionism that often drives them and toward the ways in which they’re already successful. And celebrating doesn’t require a grand ceremony – it can be done quietly and privately, just like these personalities often prefer. Just keeping a journal to record small victories (like signing up for a course, emailing a mentor, or finishing a skill-building book) can be an effective way to honor everyday progress. Then, when looking back at the pages, Constant Improvers may be pleasantly surprised by how far they’ve come.

Putting It All Together

Constant Improvers strive to better themselves, but that doesn’t mean that a growth mindset comes easily. These personalities value progress, yet their doubts and fears can often get in the way.

To realize the growth that they crave, Introverted, Turbulent personality types must accept less than perfection. If they narrow down their aspirations to clear, attainable goals that are connected to their core values – and take time to appreciate the little steps along the way – they can unlock the immense potential that’s been hiding behind their insecurities all along.