What does it mean to have a growth mindset?
Growth mindset describes a way of viewing challenges and setbacks. People who have a growth mindset believe that even if they struggle with certain skills, their abilities aren't set in stone.They think that with work, their skills can improve over time.
Having a growth mindset can have real benefits. It helps people reframe their approach to challenges and stay motivated to work towards improving thier skills. Instead of thinking, "I can't do this," they think, "I can't do this yet."
Why is a having a growth mindset beneficial?
Having a growth mindset is beneficial because it can help you overcome obstacles you may face when learning something new or developing a new skill. People with growth mindsets understand the importance of persistence and determination. By changing the way you think, you can change the way you learn.
1. A lifelong love of learning
Growth mindsets make students more open to new information, and therefore; more open to learning in the future. When a student feels like they can achieve anything
through hard work, they'll be more receptiive to dedicating themselves to their school work.
2. Improved career success
Today's employees need to be adaptable, willing to learn, and ready to take on any challenge. From a hiring perspective, the ability to learn and be trained on new tasks
is highly desirable.
3. Evolution outside the classroom
A growth mindset doesn't disappear after the students close their laptops. Constant growth and trial and error are part of being a well-rounded person outside of school
as well.
10 ways to develop a growth mindset
1) Reflect- take time to acknowledge, embrace, and reflect on your failures. Become aware of areas you can improve
2) Find your purpose- find meaning and purpose in your life
3) Take on challenges- embrace challenges and look at them as a learning opportunity you would not get otherwise
4) Foster grit- grit is the ability to persevere through obstacles in order to reach our end-goal. It is an internal push to keep moving forward
5) Incorporate "yet"- incorporating the word "yet" into our vocabulary signals that despite any struggle, you can overcome anything. Incorporating the power of "yet" starts the process of moving form a fixed mindset to a growth mindset
6) Jot down goals- once they reach their first goal, people with a growth mindset come up with new goals to pursue
7) Alter your attitude- the power of positive, optimistic thinking can not only inspire you, but also those around you
8) Ask for constructive feedback- a person with a growth mindset proactively seeks out feedback from peers, friends, and leadership
9) Practice mindfulness- meditation, walking, paying attention to your senses, etc. all help to focus on the present moment and to clear a cloudy mind
10) Appreciate the journey- see the value in your journey. When you are only focused on the outcome, you miss out on valuable learning moments.