12/12/18

By: Jennifer Seip

Have you ever heard the term, “Growth Mindset?” Many people believe that the key to success is hidden in this framework.

What is Growth Mindset?

Growth Mindset is the belief that people’s most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Because our brains are plastic, if we consistently challenge ourselves then eventually we can achieve more than we otherwise would have.

Resiliency

Having this mindset creates a resilience that is essential for big accomplishments.

For example, take a look at Steve Jobs. He started and failed several businesses before creating Apple. After each failure, he would be more determined. Then he’s create something new. Steve worked tirelessly and eventually became a world leader in technology.

A second example is Lebron James. He has been known to embrace a Growth Mindset stating,

“you can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way you succeed. You’re not gonna succeed all the time and I know that.”

Growth Mindset and the Law of Attraction

You might be thinking that this framework is similar to the law of attraction. Which positions itself as, if you think about it, you will get it.

On the contrary. Having a Growth Mindset means that you are consistently working towards your goal. Analogous to habit making and each effort brings you closer to achieving. Thus, when you fail, you don’t stop and give up. Rather you see that failure has a learning curve. Then you embrace the process.

What is the opposite of a Growth Mindset?

People who do not have a Growth Mindset have what’s called a Fixed Mindset. This mindset prevents change from happening. It keeps you where you are. Person’s with a fixed mindset say things like “This is who I am and I cannot change.” They see failure has something more permanent. 

Additionally, having a fixed mindset is not always a bad thing. individuals who think this way usually are doing so to protect themselves from harm. If you or someone you know is currently sitting in a fixed mindset, let them be. It is doing something positive for them.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the science behind a growth mindset is evident. It comes from our brain and its ability to adapt. Growth mindset is all about learning!

Do you want a Growth Mindset? Here is a list of 25 things you can start doing today! (Briggs & Saga, 2015)

 “

1. Acknowledge and embrace your imperfections; don’t hide from your weaknesses.

2. View challenges as opportunities for self-improvement.

3. Try different learning tactics and strategies; don’t consider any strategies one-size-fits-all.

4. Keep up on the research on brain plasticity to continually encourage the growth mindset.

5. Replace the word “failing” with the word “learning” in your vocabulary.

6. Stop seeking approval for others, and prioritize learning over approval.

7. Value the learning process over the end result.

8. Cultivate a sense of purpose, and keep things in perspective.

9. Celebrate your growth with others, and celebrate their growth as well.

10. Emphasize learning well over learning quickly.

11. Reward actions instead of traits.

12. Redefine “genius” as hard work plus talent, rather than talent alone.

13. Give constructive criticism, and accept criticism of your own work as constructive.

14. Disassociate improvement from failure; “room for improvement” does not mean “failure.”

15. Reflect on your learning regularly.

16. Reward hard work before talent or inherent ability.

17. Emphasize the relationship between learning and “brain training;” like any other muscle, the brain can be trained.

18. Cultivate your grit (determination and perseverance).

19. Abandon the idea of succeeding on talent alone; recognize that it will always take some work as well.

20. Use the phrase “not yet” more often, as in, “I haven’t mastered it yet.”

21. Learn from the mistakes that others make.

22. Make a new goal for every goal you accomplish; never stop striving towards your goals.

23. Take risks and be vulnerable with others.

24. Think realistically about how much time and effort your goal will take.

25. Take ownership of your own attitude, and take pride in your developing growth mindset

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Reference:

Briggs, Saga. (2015). 25 Ways To Develop A Growth Mindset. informED. Retrieved from: https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/develop-a-growth-mindset/.

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