Growth Mindset for People Masters (Extraverted, Assertive): Rising to Any Challenge

Mindset is a crucial, though sometimes overlooked, ingredient for success. A growth mindset inspires some people to savor the challenges that dot the path to greatness. Meanwhile, others are limited by a fixed mindset and the belief that their abilities are determined by factors outside of their control, like talent and luck. People Masters (Extraverted, Assertive types) may be among the most likely personalities to embrace a growth mindset over a fixed mindset.

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.

As mentioned in our previous article on growth and fixed mindsets, personality traits could be related to how people approach personal growth. In particular, personalities with the Extraverted and Assertive traits may find that a growth mindset comes as second nature, compared to their Introverted and Turbulent peers, who may gravitate toward a fixed mindset. People Masters, given that they’re both Extraverted and Assertive, approach many of life’s challenges with a zest similar to a growth mindset. But if they’re not careful, their often bold confidence could land them in some sticky situations.

Confident and in Control

People with a growth mindset believe that they can influence their own growth through hard work and determination. They take responsibility for the progress that they make and don’t fall victim to the fallacy that their skills and abilities are out of their control.

This is similar to People Masters, who, in our research, are the most likely bunch to say they believe that they’re in control of their future. The majority of them (and more than any other Strategy group) also believe that they have what’s needed to transform themselves. These personalities see few limits to their personal growth and may live their lives with an “I can do anything I set my mind to” attitude. This arms People Masters with unshakable confidence when chasing new challenges.

Even though these ideas can be part of a healthy growth mindset, a little discernment can go a long way when deciding which risks will actually lead to greater opportunities – and which ones may only be setbacks in disguise.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

One reason why Extraverts (and especially Assertive types like People Masters) may be more likely to have a growth mindset than a fixed mindset is that they don’t mind failing publicly. True growth requires taking baby steps and stumbling along the way. Introverted personalities might not debut their abilities until they feel that they’re “good enough” to display. But Extraverts thrive when sharing their growth with others, solidifying their success.

People Masters might, through their social circles, see how their peers progress (and slip up) over time, normalizing the reality of not being good at something new right away. This can give them much-needed comfort when trying something new, without getting discouraged or questioning whether they’re not “naturally talented” enough (a fixed-mindset belief) to continue. People Masters can also learn tips and strategies from friends and teammates, further supporting their growth.

Additionally, People Masters can be highly competitive, which may bolster their motivation to excel and improve. While competition isn’t exactly the same as cooperative teamwork, friendly competition still pushes these personalities to grow and achieve more than they would have without it, making it another example of how other people are vital to their growth.

Building a Growth Mindset for People Masters

With their confident and social nature, People Masters may find that growth-mindset thinking is practically instinctual. However, their traits, when taken to extremes, could also produce attitudes similar to a false growth mindset.

A false growth mindset occurs when someone thinks that they have a growth mindset, but they fail to utilize the focus and thoughtful planning that is needed to realize their goals. There are a few tips that People Masters can use to bring about the growth that they’re so capable of achieving.

Practice Caution

“Cautious” isn’t a word commonly associated with Extraverted and Assertive personalities – and that’s why People Masters are so comfortable taking chances and occasionally making mistakes, similar to those with a growth mindset. But throwing caution to the wind can have negative consequences too. People Masters are the most likely personalities to say they see problems as opportunities, but this optimism can also contribute to a false growth mindset if not reigned in. Believing that there’s no limit to their success can be dicey when mixed with overconfidence, for a couple of reasons.

First, there is opportunity cost – for every action taken, there are actions not taken. Seizing every opportunity as it comes leaves little room for long-term strategy and growth. Second, even People Masters have their limits. Fighting against the realities of overextension – and exhaustion – with the attitude that they “should” be able to will themselves through it can lead to less growth, not more. A healthy growth mindset must be balanced with a bit of reason and caution at times.

Play the Long Game to Succeed

Another way that People Masters could fall into the trap of a false growth mindset is that they may be satisfied with their attempts at growth, even if they fall short of their goals. In other words, they’re confident and outward-oriented enough to dabble in new things, but they might not continue them, falsely believing that they’ve already arrived at the destination.

People Masters who continue trekking forward, staying on the slow and steady journey of growth, often uncover remarkable success. But, of course, doing so takes additional hard work and commitment. While some personalities may struggle to take the first step at all, excitable People Masters may find that initial jump to be the easiest. But they must learn to stay the course to experience deeper, richer growth.

Break Away from the Pack Sometimes

For People Masters, a lot of growth happens alongside their peers and supporters. Working with others can be highly advantageous for these personalities. But, at times, their abilities (or at least the extent to which they develop them) could be determined by who’s in their network. It’s not that they limit their growth out of a fear of rejection or lack of independence. In fact, People Masters tend to take on an influential leadership role in their friend groups. But these personalities might, unintentionally, limit themselves based on the interests and skills of those around them.

Unpopular and, especially, solitary activities might be left neglected by these personalities. These Extraverts might shy away from growth that involves breaking away from the pack and spending a little more time alone. And they may even make the mistake of assuming that this growth would be less stimulating or exciting than growth that happens in the company of others.

But this in itself can create a fixed mindset where they cut themselves off from solitary opportunities, assuming that they won’t like or enjoy them. Sometimes it takes stretching oneself beyond one’s familiar social role to grow in unimaginable ways.

Putting It All Together

People Masters may find that their Extraverted and Assertive traits can lend themselves to a healthy growth mindset. Yet these personalities may sometimes have blind spots that can derail their growth and create a false growth mindset.

With a bit of self-awareness and a few key strategies, these personality types can thrive when facing even the most challenging endeavors.