What do you do if you want to cultivate a growth mindset in higher education?

1 Embrace challenges

One of the key aspects of a growth mindset is to see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve, not as threats to your self-esteem or performance. When you face a difficult assignment, exam, or project, don't avoid it or give up easily. Instead, try to approach it with curiosity, enthusiasm, and persistence. Ask yourself what skills and strategies you need to master the challenge, and seek help from your instructors, peers, or mentors if needed. Remember that challenges are not indicators of your limitations, but of your potential.

2 Seek feedback

Another way to cultivate a growth mindset in higher education is to seek and accept feedback from others. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and guide you to improve your work and learning. Don't take feedback personally or defensively. Instead, view it as a gift that can help you grow and achieve your goals. Ask for specific and constructive feedback from your instructors, peers, or mentors, and use it to revise your work, adjust your strategies, or learn new skills.

3 Learn from others

A third tip to cultivate a growth mindset in higher education is to learn from others who have achieved success or overcome adversity in your field of study or interest. You can find inspiration and guidance from reading biographies, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, or attending events featuring successful people. You can also learn from your classmates, instructors, or mentors by observing their work habits, asking questions, or collaborating with them. Don't compare yourself to others or feel intimidated by their achievements. Instead, appreciate their efforts and learn from their experiences.

4 Celebrate effort

A fourth tip to cultivate a growth mindset in higher education is to celebrate your effort and progress, not just your outcomes or grades. Effort is the key factor that determines your growth and learning, and it is something you can control and improve. Recognize and reward yourself for the time, energy, and dedication you put into your work and learning. Celebrate your small wins and milestones, and reflect on how far you have come. Don't let setbacks or failures discourage you. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and improve.

5 Adopt positive self-talk

A final tip to cultivate a growth mindset in higher education is to adopt positive self-talk that supports your growth and learning. Self-talk is the inner dialogue that you have with yourself, and it can influence your motivation, confidence, and performance. Avoid negative self-talk that reinforces a fixed mindset, such as "I can't do this", "I'm not smart enough", or "This is too hard". Instead, use positive self-talk that fosters a growth mindset, such as "I can do this", "I can learn this", or "This is challenging but interesting".

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?