How one little word can change everything - the power of 'yet'

Have you come across the concept of having a 'growth mindset'? In simple terms this is the belief that our intelligence can be developed and we can constantly learn and grow, that our attitude and effort are what contribute to our success.

It is the opposite to a 'fixed mindset' where we believe that 'we are what we are' and that we are stuck with our lot in life. When thinking like this someone could be quite defeatist, using language like 'I could never do that' or 'they always get all the luck'.

I had initially taken quite a black and white attitude to the growth mindset v fixed mindset concept (no surprise to those that know me well!) that growth mindset = good and fixed mindset = bad.

But I got a challenge from a coachee recently which has really helped open my eyes to the shades of grey! They said to me 'but how can I adopt a growth mindset when I recognise I am getting stuck in a fixed mindset? I can recognise it but then don't know to change.' I realised it isn't always straightforward.

Since then I have been doing lots more reading about the concept and came across a number of tips, which are included in my blogs below:

But today I wanted to highlight one in particular which I think is brilliant and simple and can change everything. Just by adding one little word: the word 'yet'. Let me share an example. I can't run for long enough to do a 5k. Yet. I can't speak Spanish, yet. I haven't written a book yet.

You move from a statement of something you can't do, to a powerful statement of intent. I am totally going to write a book at some stage, when the time is right. I haven't yet. But I will.

This is helpful for work and career goals but also in life, for things you can't do yet, but want to.

What are you going to add 'yet' to? I want to know! Please share in the comments.