From Fixed to Flexible: Adopting a Growth Mindset for Spiritual Growth

By: John Thurman, M.Div., M.A., LPCC

Ever Feel Stuck?

Do you ever feel stuck—spiritually, emotionally, or even in the way you pray and serve? You’re not alone. That feeling of being “stuck” often comes from what psychologists call a fixed mindset: the sneaky belief that who you are right now is who you’ll always be. But here’s where faith gives us a lifeline—God never calls us to stay stuck. He invites us to become the person he called us to be. This article, “From Fixed to Flexible: Adopting a Growth Mindset for Spiritual Growth,” will help you move from stagnation to steady transformation.

What a Fixed Mindset Looks Like

Let’s be honest about what a fixed spiritual mindset looks like. Maybe it sounds like, “I’m just not a praying person,” or “I’ve always struggled with this sin; I will never change.” Or it’s avoiding challenges because they might reveal your weaknesses (spoiler alert: we all have them). This kind of thinking breeds shame and resignation faster than weeds in an untended garden. When we buy into the lie that we can’t change, we stop trying, isolate ourselves, and give up on growth altogether. Scripture warns against this double-mindedness—James 1:5–8 tells us that if we ask God for wisdom but doubt His willingness or ability to help, our hearts become unstable and divided. A fixed mindset keeps us tethered to our current limitations rather than to God’s transforming power.

What a Growth Mindset Looks Like

But let’s flip the script. A growth-oriented spiritual mindset believes that abilities and character can develop with effort, learning, and most importantly, reliance on God’s grace (and maybe a little holy stubbornness). It reframes failure as feedback and sees every challenge as a training ground for deeper faith. Spiritually speaking, it says things like: “I’m not there yet, but I can grow in prayer,” or “This struggle is my opportunity to depend more on God.” The apostle Paul nailed it when he wrote in Philippians 3:12: “I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Growth-minded faith isn’t about pretending to be perfect; it’s about being humble enough to learn and persistent enough not to quit, even when progress feels slower than Moses wandering through the desert.

Where Psychology and Scriptures Meet

Here’s some encouraging news: Scripture and psychology are singing from the same hymnbook. Dr. Carol Dweck’s research shows how mindsets shape our lives. Romans 12:2 reminds us not just to avoid copying worldly patterns but to let God transform us by changing how we think (yes, even those stubborn brain pathways). Neuroplasticity tells us that our brains can rewire through repeated practice; Scripture assures us that God’s Spirit works as we cooperate with Him—through prayer, study, practice, and even community potlucks. Embracing the principles of “From Fixed to Flexible: Adopting a Growth Mindset for Spiritual Growth” means using both spiritual disciplines and psychological insight to grow.

Why Change Feels Hard

While change can feel as uncomfortable as wearing wool socks in July, God isn’t calling us to stay stuck in our old patterns. He’s inviting us into a lifelong process of transformation—a journey that requires flexibility, curiosity, and even a little discomfort.

Ten Ways a Growth Mindset Enhances Your Spiritual Life

Embrace the Process: Spiritual growth isn’t instant oatmeal; it’s more like slow-cooked stew. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us, “We are being transformed into his likeness.” Give yourself grace for the journey
Welcome Challenges: Trials aren’t divine punishments; they’re your faith’s gym membership (James 1:2–4). Each challenge builds endurance and shapes character.
Cultivate Curiosity: Approach Bible study with an open heart—less Judge Judy, more eager student.
Build Resilience: Every setback is a chance to deepen roots in faith.
Seek Feedback: Don’t go alone! Mentors and spiritual friends are like mirrors, reflecting both your blind spots and your progress.
Set Growth Goals: Instead of vague wishes (“I want to be more patient”), set habits that shape who you’re becoming (“I’ll pause before I react”).
Pray for Teachability: Ask God daily to soften stubborn spots in your heart—He’s never met a hard head He couldn’t redeem!
Journal Regularly: Track answered prayers, lessons learned, and those “aha!” moments you’ll want to remember when life gets foggy.
Integrate Scripture and Practice: Don’t just read the Word—live it out in small steps (one kind word at a time).
Stay Connected: Church community isn’t just for potlucks; it’s where correction meets encouragement.

Overcoming Common Obstacles

Shame loves dark corners—it whispers you’re beyond change or too broken for grace. But Romans 8:1 makes it clear: “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Name shame aloud and trade it for mercy.

Comparison is another joy thief. Galatians 6:4 tells us not to measure ourselves by someone else’s highlight reel but to focus on our own walk with Jesus.

And comfort zones? Well, nothing grows there except maybe moss. Start small—a new habit for thirty days—and celebrate each little step as if you’ve climbed Mount Everest.

Practical Steps to Move from Fixed to Flexible

Choose One Growth Goal: Pick one area (prayer, Scripture reading, serving others) and commit five minutes daily.

Reframe Your Language: Swap “I can’t” for “Not yet” or “I’m learning.” You’d be surprised how much lighter shame feels when you do this.

Seek Specific Feedback: Ask someone wise what one tweak could help you grow this month—and put it into practice.

Journal Progress: Weekly reflections remind you how far God has brought you, even if your memory gets fuzzy during tough seasons.

Practice Spiritual Rehearsal: Picture facing temptation or difficulty; imagine yourself responding faithfully before the moment arrives.

Scripture Prompts for a Growth Mindset

Romans 12:2: Let God transform your thinking so He can transform your life.

James 1:2-4: View trials as a training ground for endurance.

Philippians 3:12: Keep pressing on, because none of us has arrived yet.

Spiritual Growth is a journey, not a Destination

Most of us have more “fixed mindset” moments than we care to admit. Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “I’ll never change,” or “That’s just the way I am.” But here’s the good news: spiritual formation isn’t about arriving; it’s about becoming. Shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset isn’t just trendy psychology—it’s deeply spiritual and practical. When you embrace the approach “From Fixed to Flexible: Adopting a Growth Mindset for Spiritual Growth,” you’re saying yes to God’s ongoing work in your life.

When you embrace this mindset, you’re saying yes to God’s ongoing work in your life. It means cooperating with Him through intentional habits, leaning into community (yes, that means letting others see your messy bits), and practicing patience with yourself and with God’s timing. So if today finds you feeling stuck or spiritually sluggish, take heart. Change isn’t just possible; it’s expected in the Christian life. All God asks is that you show up willing, not perfect, and trust Him for every step forward.

Take the Next Step

Take one small step this week—pick a tiny habit, reach out to someone wise, or swap that discouraging inner voice for an honest-but-hopeful “Not yet.” Over time, those little shifts add up like compound interest on your soul. You are being formed every day by grace and grit alike. Don’t despise small beginnings; keep pressing on. After all, if Peter could go from a fisherman to the rock of the church (with plenty of stumbles along the way), there’s hope for all of us.

Helpful Links

How to Unlock Your Mind by John Thurman (article)

Transform Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life! – John (article)

The Christian’s Guide to Developing a Growth Mindset: 10 Practical Steps to Transform Your Life – John Thurman (podcast)

Contact John:

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