## Shifting Mindsets There are two mindsets: fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset is described by Maria Popova of *Brain Pickings* as: > Our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can't change in any meaningful way, and success is the affirmation of that inherent intelligence, an assessment of how those givens measure up against an equally fixed standard; striving for success and avoiding failure at all costs become a way of maintaining the sense of being smart or skilled. A fixed mindset focuses on the illusion of safety by avoiding failure and keeping its world small and controllable. A growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities. A growth mindset allows us to be more reflective. It creates space for us to ask questions critically and check in with ourselves. --- ## Reducing implicit bias - Taking a step back before making decisions - Pausing in the middle of an action - Listening to people who see things differently - Interrogating our motivations and decision - Removing assumptions or judgement from communications - Allowing people to be who they are