Students who actively learned from the feedback and integrated those messages into their learning process typically achieved the best results. They embraced the opportunity to adapt their learning journey, cater to their preferred learning style, and adjust their study methods. In contrast, students who resisted the feedback and fixated on negative emotions struggled to move forward. They were unable to take the feedback in stride and use it to improve.
As professionals, we share more with our childhood selves than we might realize. We still have a path of growth ahead, even if it’s not as straightforward as it once was. We might receive feedback at unexpected or inconvenient times, but we must accept it and use it to our advantage. To advance our careers, we must not remain the same tomorrow as we are today. Each of us has the opportunity to be better tomorrow.
My experience working with thousands of job seekers, advising businesses, mentoring employees, and training individuals reveals a key difference between those who thrive and those who stagnate: growth mindset vs. fixed mindset.
Growers actively push forward despite obstacles. They learn from challenges and setbacks, using them as stepping stones to progress. Conversely, languishers become bogged down by difficulties. They fixate on negative emotions and past situations, hindering their ability to move on.
This pattern has emerged consistently across my work in career coaching, business consulting, employee mentorship, and even self-defense training. The ability to learn, adapt, and move forward is a crucial factor in achieving success in any area of life.
This distinction isn’t about inherent talent, but rather about approach. By cultivating a growth mindset, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
I notice that growers view all input and feedback as opportunities for growth. Whether delivered gently or harshly, it is the receiver’s responsibility to see it not as criticism, but as a chance for learning and development. Not all input is good, but it becomes valuable if we set aside pride and ego and look for opportunities to learn with an open mind. I once had a boss with an abrasive leadership style who often frustrated and angered me. However, when I set aside my emotions and pride, I learned from him. Despite disliking his delivery, his feedback became valuable, enabling me to learn and grow. Now, I remember him fondly because of the lessons I gained.
Being able to set emotion aside and being open to accept feedback as an opportunity to grow and learn also opens the door for mentors to share with you and invest in you. Wise people tend to invest in things that provide returns. Mentors are no different: they look to help people who do something good with what they have been given.
In anything there can be a lesson, just as when we were in school. Even if you get feedback that completely misses the mark or angers you at first, you can view it through the lens of growth. Take a step back and think about how you can use that feedback to your advantage before you wrap your emotions around it. This will open the door to forward progress and will show others your potential and strengths. These are, after all, two of the keys to success in work and in life.
Final Thoughts
I’d love to hear your stories about how you have used feedback as opportunity for growth, or if you’d like to discuss growing your career in a positive direction, feel free to contact us today.
Do you want to take your career on a UX track? If so, be sure to check out our post on Three Skills Every User Experience Pro Should Develop. Are you more interested in developing your Digital Strategist career? Take a look at our post on 3 Questions to Ask Before Taking Your Next Digital Strategist Role
