Growth Mindset for Social Engagers (Extraverted, Turbulent): Embracing Nonlinear Progress

When it comes to personal growth, mindset can propel some people to soaring heights – and keep others from getting off the ground. Specifically, a growth mindset empowers people to improve themselves, leading to tremendous growth. A fixed mindset, on the other hand, discourages people from developing their abilities, often trapping them on the sidelines of their own dreams. Social Engagers (Extraverted, Turbulent types) typically approach self-improvement with an enthusiasm similar to those who have a growth mindset.

As discussed in the first article in 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.

We discussed how personality traits may relate to growth in our previous article on growth and fixed mindsets. Personalities with the Extraverted and Assertive traits may find it easier to adopt growth-mindset attitudes, compared to their Introverted and Turbulent counterparts. Social Engagers have the Extraverted drive to stretch their comfort zone and take on new challenges. But just when they begin making headway, their Turbulent trait often steps in to pump the brakes.

Shifting between Progressing and Pausing

Social Engagers have some of the fundamental qualities that facilitate growth, thanks to their Extraverted trait. They have a passion for growing alongside others, aren’t afraid to try new things, and are brimming with excitement for life itself. These characteristics make it possible for people with these personalities to go after big goals. However, their Turbulent trait counteracts this, clouding their ambition with doubt.

Because of these sometimes contradictory traits, Social Engagers might find themselves making progress only in short bursts before getting distracted by their insecurities. And when they make a mistake, the majority of Social Engagers – second only to Constant Improvers (Introverted, Turbulent types) – say they question their abilities rather than brushing themselves off and trying again. They’re all too familiar with a “two steps forward, one step back” pattern of growth. But growth is growth, even if it’s slow or interrupted. As long as these personalities don’t get stuck in a fixed mindset and the black-and-white thinking that goes with it (“I’m not progressing like I wanted to, so I might as well just give up – I’ll never be good at it anyway”), they’re capable of achieving even their biggest goals with time.

The Need for External Validation

Social Engagers are known to chase success, but their motivations are often, surprisingly, aligned with a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset. Though these personalities flock to exciting and novel challenges (similar to a growth mindset), much of their drive comes from wanting to receive recognition and prove themselves to others (similar to a fixed mindset).

This need for external validation can be seen in our survey results. In our “Ambition” survey, Social Engagers are the most likely Strategy to say they strive for accomplishments that would make others look up to them. And in our “Self-Motivation” survey, they’re the top group to say they’re inclined to complete tasks for an external reward.

Take our free surveys on personal attributes, introspection, life challenges, and dozens of other topics, and compare your results to all 16 personality types’.

For many Extraverted, Turbulent types, proving to others how “smart” or “talented” they are is often reward enough, at least for their ego. That might be why Social Engagers are the most likely Strategy to say their ego is threatened often and the second-most likely to say their ego pushes them to success. But accomplishing things just for the sake of confirming a label distracts these personalities from having a true growth mindset.

Building a Growth Mindset for Social Engagers

While growth and fixed mindsets may be opposites, most people (and personality types) don’t have only one or the other. Instead, they may have a growth mindset in some instances and a fixed mindset in others. They may also experience aspects of both at the same time.

This is often the case for Social Engagers, who even with the support of their Extraverted trait, may lack the self-confidence needed to stay committed to growth. But a few adjustments can make all the difference for these success-oriented personalities.

Watch for Triggers

Like most Turbulent types, Social Engagers experience waves of self-doubt and questioning that can get in the way of growth. One way for these personalities to not be derailed by doubt is to begin noticing what triggers it.

Because Social Engagers are often pulled back and forth between growth and fixed mindset attitudes, they may be able to catch the thoughts or beliefs that are responsible for their moments of doubt. For example, they might begin working confidently toward a goal before noticing that a peer is outperforming them, triggering their Turbulent insecurities. Or they might face a new challenge with excitement but realize that they lose steam once they make a mistake.

These triggers come up for most people, but Social Engagers may be more rattled by them than Assertive types are. Identifying them is a good starting point for these personalities. Then, if possible, they can begin challenging the thoughts that come along with these triggers, such as by thinking back to other times when they overcame hardship or by reframing nervousness as excitement.

Keep Positive Company

Social Engagers, just as their name suggests, thrive when engaging with others. They keep a large group of friends and acquaintances around them and put a lot of thought into the impression that they leave on others. However, these personalities may find that the quality of their relationships directly affects their personal growth.

As the most likely Strategy to say they have a strong need to belong (and the most likely to admit that this need motivates them to act in ways that they otherwise wouldn’t), Social Engagers can be easily influenced by those around them. If the people around them are encouraging and optimistic, they’ll likely feel more comfortable taking the steps needed to improve themselves. But if the people around them are critical, closed-minded, or resistant to change, Social Engagers may feed off of this negativity and stray from their goals.

For those wanting to strengthen their mindset, it’s best to carefully consider the company they keep. Social Engagers don’t have to sacrifice their social life, but they may want to evaluate who they keep in their corner, especially when working on themselves and their abilities.

Devise a Plan

Social Engagers are usually willing to try something new. For instance, when it comes to hobbies, they’re the most likely Strategy to say they’re always looking for new ones. However, they’re also the most likely to say they lose interest in new hobbies quickly. Rather than taking the time and energy needed to master new skills, they may give up once their Turbulent uncertainty kicks in.

This often happens when Social Engagers pause after hitting one of their triggers. But rather than fighting these setbacks, these personalities might as well embrace them by devising a plan that accounts for these much-needed breaks. This can be done by creating a loose schedule of some of the milestones they want to reach, with some opportunities to stop and check in with themselves thrown in. Their schedule should follow a realistic pace and allow for a bit of spontaneity, which these personalities tend to prefer. If they still struggle to stay committed, they can work with a coach, mentor, or even a therapist to help them dissect some of the habits and insecurities that may be hindering their progress.

Putting It All Together

Social Engagers have the passion and enthusiasm needed to grow, thanks in part to their Extraverted trait. Yet a growth mindset doesn’t always come easily to these Turbulent personalities, especially when they find themselves getting caught up in doubtful thought patterns.

Becoming aware of these thoughts and their triggers is one way to begin untangling any fixed-mindset attitudes that Social Engagers may gravitate toward. Then, by surrounding themselves with supportive friends and outlining a plan for success (that allows for some breaks along the way), this ambitious bunch can begin impressing themselves with the strides they make – rather than worrying about impressing others.