Growth Mindset for Confident Individualists (Introverted, Assertive): Progress on Their Own Terms

Personal progress is rarely accidental. Some people know this and have a solid growth mindset that underpins their goals and the efforts that they put forth in achieving them. Other people – usually those with a fixed mindset – may believe that success is determined by little more than talent and luck. Confident Individualists (Introverted, Assertive personality types) have characteristics that make them especially likely to experience a mix of both attitudes.

As discussed in the first article of this series, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed, while a fixed mindset is the view that abilities are fixed and cannot be changed or improved.

We discussed growth and fixed mindsets in depth in our previous mindset article and considered how personality traits may relate to people’s approaches to growth. In particular, personalities with the Extraverted and Assertive traits may find it easier to embrace a growth-mindset approach, compared to their Introverted and Turbulent peers. Confident Individualists possess growth-building Assertiveness, yet they’re also Introverted and may shy away from challenges that fall outside their current comfort zone. This combination of traits, when harnessed well, can lend itself to a healthy growth mindset for these reserved warriors.

Working on Themselves, by Themselves

Self-assured, though quietly so, Confident Individualists are known to be a determinedly independent bunch. When they go after something, they do so because they intrinsically want to, with little regard for external rewards or praise. This, along with their robust self-control, might be why they’re likely to develop their skills privately and away from others. Confident Individualism might just be the dark horse of the four Strategies. Introverted, Assertive people are often the ones you wouldn’t expect to speak five languages, play the clarinet, and be master painters, because they tend to avoid flaunting their hard-earned abilities.

Simply put, Confident Individualists have the self-motivation and confidence in themselves to tackle their biggest goals. This is highly aligned with a growth mindset – but there’s a catch. These personalities are more likely than any other Strategy to say they try to avoid relying on others. And this can come at a cost. Without asking for help or advice, especially from people who have already accomplished what they hope to achieve, they may stunt their own growth or even limit their exposure to some skills and hobbies. Then, they may be more likely to believe that there’s a ceiling to their growth, triggering a fixed-mindset attitude.

Contained Growth

Confident Individualists have the Assertive poise needed to approach challenges with gusto – which is a critical part of having a growth mindset. But even so, these personalities may inadvertently limit their growth by sticking to their Introverted comfort zone. And this doesn’t just mean that they avoid relying on others. They might also stick to environments and situations that feel familiar or within their control. These personalities may believe that they can grow, but they want to do it on their terms and within their boundaries. This can be healthy, but it may also make them quick to throw their hands up and say, “Eh, this ain’t for me,” when faced with discomfort.

But most growth arises only out of challenge and discomfort. Confident Individualists understand this and cite personal growth as their primary reason for taking risks. Yet these personalities are also much less likely to take regular risks, compared to Extraverted types. As a result, achieving the growth that they desire may not come so easily.

Building a Growth Mindset for Confident Individualists

Growth and fixed mindsets are two points on a spectrum, and most people fall somewhere in the middle. It’s common for many people to have a growth mindset in some areas and a fixed mindset in others. Confident Individualists, with their mix of cautious Introversion and confident Assertiveness, know this all too well. Where they struggle with a more fixed-mindset approach, they can develop a helpful growth mindset with a few adjustments.

Watch Out for Complacency

Confident Individualists might be one of the more likely groups to try to develop a skill simply because they want to, rather than because they want to impress or please others. This intrinsic motivation is often at the heart of a growth mindset, but it can also lead to complacency in some cases.

Because these personalities pay less mind than others do to outside opinions or societal expectations, they might settle, setting themselves up for a fixed mindset. The majority of Confident Individualists say they usually meet their own expectations, but if expectations are kept low, it leaves little urgency for further growth. People who find it too easy to reach their goals might want to consider diving deeper and broadening their goals to unlock greater excellence, rather than allowing themselves to grow complacent.

Ask for Help

Confident Individualists (and Introverts in general) may slide into a fixed mindset for a few reasons. One of those reasons is that they seek social support less often than Extraverted personalities do.

Though many things can be accomplished alone, continued progress often requires a supportive mentor or trusted confidant. Without collaboration and a helping hand now and then, Confident Individualists may approach a quick limit to their abilities. Then, they may believe that they simply aren’t talented or lucky enough to get better, when it’s actually their independent nature stifling their growth.

These personalities might want to consider joining a class or chatting with others in an online forum dedicated to the skill that they hope to develop. They don’t have to follow all the advice or guidance given to them – simply having a few people in their corner to offer a fresh perspective can be enlightening enough.

Welcome Feedback

Confident Individualists are rarely moved by feedback, whether it’s praise or criticism. But even though they can handle it, they’re much less likely to ask for feedback, compared to Extraverted People Masters and Social Engagers.

However, without welcoming feedback from others, they may overlook personal shortcomings. Feedback, whether affirming or constructive, can be extremely helpful when working to broaden one’s skills. And feedback doesn’t always have to come directly from another person. Confident Individualists can turn to skills assessments, books about a subject that they want to master, or even the personality profiles on the 16Personalities website.

Still unsure of what your personality type is? Take our free personality test to discover your unique strengths and weaknesses.

Putting It All Together

A growth mindset is bolstered by self-esteem and a healthy dose of confidence, things that many Confident Individualists possess, thanks to their Assertive trait. Yet because of their Introverted tendencies to go it alone and resist challenges that lie far outside their comfort zone, they may hold themselves back from achieving the greatness that they envision.

By banishing complacency and making room for outside help and feedback, Confident Individualists can strengthen their mindset and command an impressive level of growth – even if a lot of it does still take place behind the scenes.