Unleash Your Potential: Nurturing a Growth Mindset

First, let's address the elephant in the room – why the hullabaloo about growth mindset? Well, Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, in her book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," describes a growth mindset as the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and the magic ingredient – resilience. I know, I know. It sounds like something you’d read off a motivational poster. But hear me out.

Research by the lads and lasses at Stanford University revealed that people with a growth mindset, compared to their fixed mindset counterparts, were more likely to, and I quote, "embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others." (Dweck, 2006). Doesn't that sound like a superpower you'd want to have?

In other words, adopting a growth mindset is like getting a software update for your brain, minus the annoying bugs and the need for a Wi-Fi connection.

Let's dig deeper into how to foster a growth mindset.

Step 1: Embrace the Power of 'Yet'

Adding the word ‘yet’ to the end of every negative thought you have is like adding a smiley emoji at the end of a regretful text – it lightens the mood and opens up possibilities. "I can't play the piano… yet," sounds a whole lot better than "I can't play the piano," doesn't it? It might seem simple, but it's a solid start.

Step 2: Remember that Failure is the Stepping Stone to Success

Let's turn to the great philosopher Michael Jordan, who once said, "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Okay, so you may not be dunking basketballs or sinking the game-winning shot. But the point is clear – failure isn't the end. It's just a stepping stone in your journey to success.

Step 3: Open a Feedback Café

Constructive feedback is the caffeine to your growth mindset coffee. Don't shy away from criticism. Instead, invite it for a cup of joe at your newly opened Feedback Café. Remember, though, the operative word here is 'constructive'. Someone yelling, "You stink!" from across the street doesn't count. To aid you in your journey, consider these handy resources: Carol Dweck's book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" and Angela Duckworth's "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance". To keep it fun, try online games like 'Brainology', developed by Dweck and her team to help young minds nurture a growth mindset.

Step 4: Practice Makes Progress

No, it's not a typo. Rather than striving for perfection, aim for progress. With each new challenge you face, see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Each time you encounter a setback, ask yourself, "What can I do better next time?" You'll be amazed by how much you can grow.

Step 5: Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People

Much like plants, we tend to absorb the energy around us. Surround yourself with individuals who share a growth mindset. People who view challenges as opportunities, who learn from criticism, and who find lessons in the success of others can help you nurture your growth mindset.

Step 6: Celebrate the Small Wins

Every accomplishment, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Finished a project? Give yourself a pat on the back. Learned a new skill? Do a little victory dance. Celebrating the small wins will keep you motivated on your journey to a growth mindset.

Before you venture off into the wild world of growth mindset, remember these sage words from Carol Dweck herself: "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow."

Finally, remember, the journey to a growth mindset is not a race, but a marathon. It takes time, effort, and some resilience. But the rewards – increased grit, resilience, and a greater ability to face life's challenges head-on – are worth it.

Happy growing!

Lauren

Finally for your ears - my latest podcast guest appearance.

Lauren St. George shares her wisdom and a specific program that will guide you towards better mental health and, of course, a happier brain. Cheers to that!