Growth Mindset in Young Adults: Turning Struggles Into Stepping Stones
- Justin Lyons
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
“Becoming is better than being.”
Have you ever stared at your to-do list and thought, “I’ll never get through this”? Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m just not good at this subject, this skill, this job…”
You’re not alone. Many young adults feel the weight of expectation—juggling studies, work, relationships, and figuring out who they want to be in the world. It can feel like every setback is proof you’re not “enough.”
But what if I told you that the way you think about challenges can change everything?
That’s where the growth mindset comes in. And once you learn to shift your perspective, struggles stop feeling like roadblocks and start looking more like stepping stones.
What Is a Growth Mindset (And Why Does It Matter)?
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, who pioneered this concept, explains that a fixed mindset believes abilities are set in stone—you’re either smart or you’re not, talented or untalented.
On the other hand, a growth mindset believes skills and intelligence can be developed through effort, strategies, and support.
Here’s the difference in action:
Fixed mindset: “I failed this exam. I’m just not good at math.”
Growth mindset: “I failed this exam. I need to try new study strategies and practice more.”
See the shift? One closes the door. The other opens it.
Studies show young adults with a growth mindset experience higher resilience, lower stress, and greater academic and career success. Why? Because they see setbacks as temporary and solvable, not permanent proof of failure.
Why Young Adults Need This Mindset Now
More Than Ever
The journey from teenager to adulthood is packed with big changes—college decisions, career paths, independence, and building relationships. With so many transitions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s exactly why a growth mindset matters most during these years. It teaches you to:
See mistakes as part of the process.
Build resilience when life doesn’t go as planned.
Stay motivated when things get hard.
Believe in your ability to grow into the person you want to be.
As one young professional told me after failing her first big job interview:
“At first, I thought I wasn’t cut out for this. But then I realized each interview is practice. Now, I walk into them thinking, ‘What can I learn this time?’ And it’s completely changed my confidence.”
Practical Ways to Build a Growth Mindset
Here’s the good news: a growth mindset isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something you practice—like a muscle that gets stronger with use.
1. Reframe Your Self-Talk
Catch yourself when you say “I can’t.” Add one tiny word: “yet.”
“I can’t balance my budget… yet.”
“I’m not a good cook… yet.”
This one word shifts your brain into possibility mode.
2. Embrace the Power of Effort
Remind yourself that effort is what makes you stronger. Just like lifting weights builds muscle, pushing through challenges builds resilience.
3. Learn From Failure (Don’t Fear It)
Keep a “failure journal.” Each time something doesn’t work out, write:
What happened
What I learned
What I’ll try next
This simple exercise rewires your brain to see failure as feedback, not defeat.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Waiting until you’ve “made it” to celebrate will keep you discouraged. Instead, celebrate progress. Finished a draft? Give yourself credit. Showed up for the gym after a tough day? That’s a win.
5. Surround Yourself With Growth-Oriented People
Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Seek out friends, mentors, and peers who encourage learning, resilience, and effort—not just perfection.
Fun Activity: The “Challenge Journal”
Here’s a simple practice for one week:
Day 1–7: Write down one challenge you faced each day.
Note how you responded.
End with a reflection: What did I learn?
At the end of the week, reread your entries. You’ll start to notice how much you’ve grown just by reflecting on your challenges.
Reflective Questions for You
When was the last time you said “I can’t” to yourself? How would it feel to add “yet”?
What’s one small win from this week that deserves celebrating?
Who in your circle encourages growth, and who might be holding you back?
Why Growth Mindset Isn’t Just About Success
Here’s the beautiful truth: a growth mindset isn’t just about getting good grades, landing promotions, or checking boxes on your goals. It’s about creating a life where challenges don’t break you—they build you.
When you shift from “I failed” to “I’m learning,” you free yourself from fear and open yourself to growth.
This week, choose ONE area of your life where you feel stuck. Write down three ways you could reframe the challenge into an opportunity.
And if you’re ready to dive deeper into building resilience, confidence, and a stronger mindset, explore more resources at www.specialconnectsllc.com.
Because your mindset isn’t just a tool—it’s your superpower.
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