Working with psychological resistance lies at the core of liberatory work. Often in our work, we celebrate and nurture valid resistance to harm and oppressive systems. However, at times, our clients can get stuck in a form of resistance that feels manageable to cross but depends on old, unhealthy habits, especially if their life was challenging. We notice the resistance to adopting a growth mindset. So, how do we approach that? In our experience, clients can overcome initial resistance to adopting a growth mindset by using several practical and supportive strategies:
- Build awareness of mindsets – start by helping clients understand the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset. Awareness is the first step – recognising when fixed-mindset thoughts arise (such as “I’m just not good at this”) allows clients to pause and consider alternative perspectives.
- Challenge limiting beliefs – encourage clients (or yourself) to identify and question their limiting beliefs or self-defeating stories. Ask reflective questions like, “What evidence do you have for this belief?” or “How might you reframe this story to support your growth?” This process helps dismantle internal barriers to change.
- Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities – support clients in viewing failures and challenges as a natural and valuable part of the learning process, rather than as proof of their limitations. Invite them to reflect on what they learned from setbacks and how effort contributed to past achievements.
- Use growth-oriented language – encourage clients to shift their self-talk to focusing on effort, learning, and progress. For example, adding “yet” to statements (“I can’t do this… yet”) can reinforce the idea that abilities develop over time. This can feel so simple and so empowering!
- Cultivate self-compassion and emotional tolerance – remind clients that discomfort, frustration, or self-doubt are normal when facing challenges. Practising self-compassion helps them respond to setbacks with kindness rather than harsh self-criticism, making it easier to persist and try again.
- Take small, gradual steps – change can feel overwhelming, so encourage clients to start with small, manageable actions. Gradual exposure to new challenges builds confidence and reduces resistance over time.
- Seek support and empathy – encourage clients to seek support from coaches, therapists, peers, mentors or support groups. Sharing experiences and receiving encouragement can boost motivation and help normalise the challenges of adopting a new mindset.
By combining these strategies (awareness, reframing, supportive language, self-compassion, incremental action, and social support), clients can move past initial resistance and begin to embrace a growth mindset, opening the door to greater resilience and personal development.
We would love to know what works for you. How do you cultivate a growth mindset? Do you see any benefits of those practices? Let us know!