What Does a Growth Mindset Look Like?

Imagine viewing every seemingly insurmountable obstacle as an opportunity for personal or professional growth. This perspective is at the core of the “growth mindset,” a concept that believes that people can change and grow. Adopting this mindset can propel you toward personal and professional success in the real estate business.

A growth mindset recognizes that our capacities are not fixed. The only ceilings are the ones we impose–and we can break through those. When it comes to working in the real estate industry, whose cyclical nature requires you to thrive in the face of adversity, a growth mindset nourishes a long-term career. 

But what does a growth mindset look like when applied to real estate?

From Research to Reality

The concept of mindset is one that’s backed by science. A neurological study by Dr. Carol Dweck of Stanford University uncovered differences in how people react to errors. Dr. Dweck’s research has been pivotal in clarifying the concept of a “growth mindset.” In a nutshell, she defined two mindsets:

• A fixed mindset: Intelligence is seen as static. People believe their capabilities are constant and unchangeable.
• A growth mindset: Intelligence and abilities are seen as qualities that can be developed through dedication and perseverance.

Individuals with a fixed mindset showed negligible brain activity when confronting mistakes. However, those with a growth mindset displayed significant brain activity, signaling engagement and learning.

The Anatomy of a Growth Mindset

We’ve all heard the excuses–the “I cant’s” and the “I don’t know.” Those people who expect deals to fall into their lap, who don’t put in the work and the grind, who see selling homes as a “part-time thing….” Those people are the ones that don’t last.

Helping people buy and sell real estate is a tough business that economic uncertainties can make even more challenging. But those with a growth mindset don’t care if there are fewer homes to sell, fewer buyers buying, or whatever the conditions are. They find a way to succeed.

What these individuals have in common are:

• Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. Resilient individuals don’t see failure as a negative endpoint but as a step toward success because they have learned what isn’t working.
• Embracing Challenges: Instead of avoiding difficulties, those with a growth mindset tackle them head-on, knowing that overcoming obstacles leads to personal and professional growth. Going through problem-solving leads to new discoveries and can open doors to new lines of business.
• Learning from Feedback: Critique isn’t taken personally—it’s embraced as a valuable tool for learning and improvement.
• Humility: Humble acceptance of the fact that no matter our level of expertise, there is always room to grow. No one person is ever “the expert.” They seek to uplift others rather than climb over them on the ladder to success.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to new conditions and altering strategies in the face of changing realities is an absolute must for longevity in real estate–and any business.

Real-life Illustrations

Harvard Business School Online shared the story of Indya Wright. When transitioning from commercial banking to establishing her own PR firm, Wright recognized her capability to learn and adapt. She knew her previous career in finance didn’t confine her. Rather, she was empowered to absorb the “language” of a new, unrelated industry.

“You need to find ways to equip yourself with the skills necessary to sustain your business,” Wright said, calling her taking classes “investing in her success.” It showcases her commitment to continuous learning—a hallmark of the growth mindset.

This carries over to real estate. How many top performers started in a totally different career? We’ve met teachers, former business owners, firefighters, paramedics… They didn’t let their past work hold them back but leveraged the soft skills they had. Details like how to market homes, understanding financials, or industry regulations can all be learned. The ability to communicate clearly or to collaborate with people? That transcends career paths.

Why lean into a growth mindset

A growth mindset is transformative. It’s the belief that we are never fully formed—that each day presents a new canvas to paint our progress, plot our evolution, and play out our potential. It shapes how we interpret our experiences and informs how we respond to them. Each setback is reframed as a set-up for an even better comeback, each critique as a critical point for learning, and every change as a chance to excel in new ways.

In a meeting with a new staff member, real estate mogul Lori Finkelstein recounts saying, “I just want you to know I’m really excited about our journey together. It’s not going to be perfect, and I’m giving you permission right now to go barrel forward, knowing you’re going to fail at certain points. But don’t wait to get it perfect for us to move forward. That’s why everyone gets stuck. They’re so afraid to mess it up.”

In giving herself and the people on her team permission to fail, Lori opens the door to limitless possibilities. They feel empowered to take risks, adapt, and change. This action lays the foundation for contributing positively to the communities and industries we belong to.

Fostering growth in yourself

Understanding what goes into the growth mindset is the first step to integrating it into our lives. Start by shifting perceptions and behaviors to view life as a series of growth opportunities. Resilience, embracing challenges, constructive feedback, humility, and adaptability are not just abstract concepts—they are practical tools that can redefine our career trajectory. So challenge yourself to grow as a real estate professional. Learn from every fall, rise with insights, and always remember—your potential is perpetually under construction.