Growth Mindset 1
(Monday)
Context:
While we are born with a 'growth mindset'. For example, babies don’t doubt that they can learn to walk or talk. However, life experience can damage and reduce our inborn mindset that anything is possible.
In life and work, you will face untold challenges and obstacles. Successful people make it a habit to consciously build and maintain their ‘growth mindset’.
Think about someone who to you is successful. Do you think they could have reached their level of success if they doubted their ability? If they believed that they could not become smarter or more skilled?
What it is: One psychologist explained that it means “that you thrive on challenges, and don't see failure as a way to describe yourself but as a springboard for growth and development of your abilities. Your intelligence and talents are all susceptible to growth.”
Having a growth mindset means you believe you can learn new subjects and skills. With a growth mindset, you know you can become smarter with hard work and determination. A growth mindset is an ‘anything-is-possible mindset’.
Why it’s important: Knowledge is power.
Knowledge allows us to complete necessary tasks in school, work, and life. If we give in to limiting beliefs, we won’t try new things or learn new things.
You will need to learn new things for the rest of your life: how to do your taxes, how to research home and car loans, how to review contracts etc. If you are scared to learn or believe you can’t learn new things, you will limit your chances for success.
A growth mindset will not just allow you to survive but thrive. It will help you enjoy growing up.
Primer Questions
Is there a difference between talent and skill?
Does being naturally talented guarantee that you’ll be successful?
Do you have a growth mindset at the moment?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal.
What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means
Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts). This is because they worry less about looking smart and they put more energy into learning.
- What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means, Harvard Business Journal
Natural talent vs. Hard work
Have you heard of the term work ethic? If you have not, look up the definition before you watch this video.
While some may be given natural born talent, everyone can use a strong work ethic to become successful at whatever they set their minds to.
Watch the video then answer the questions below, or discuss them with others.
Questions for reflection
Do you know someone who is naturally talented but doesn’t work hard? Or have you ever thought that someone is ‘wasting their talent? If you had their talent what would you do differently?
Do you know someone who is talented, or that does well in school by having a strong work ethic?
Would your friends or family say that you’re a hard worker? If not, why?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal, or discuss them with others.
Can schools learn from the workplace?
There are many schools that espouse or promote developing a growth mindset. Many companies promote a growth mindset in an effort to improve employee performance. However, successful companies do more than just talk about the importance of having a growth mindset. Note the following from the Harvard Business journal below.
“Organizations that embody a growth mindset encourage appropriate risk-taking, knowing that some risks won’t work out. They reward employees for important and useful lessons learned, even if a project does not meet its original goals. They support collaboration across organizational boundaries rather than competition among employees or units. They are committed to the growth of every member, not just in words but in deeds, such as broadly available development and advancement opportunities. And they continually reinforce growth mindset values with concrete policies.”
- What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means, Harvard Business Journal
REMEMBER: Based on the excerpt above, failing is a part of learning and a part of having a growth mindset, even if it means not reaching a specified goal.
Can you use this same approach mentioned in the article at school and focus on doing your best and learn something useful, rather than focusing on getting a specific grade? That way, no matter the outcome, you’ll still have benefited from the experience.
Discuss the following: No matter how talented you are, if you aren’t willing to work hard, you are not guaranteed success.
Do you agree/disagree? Explain.
Are you good at something because you are naturally gifted?
Are you good at something because you worked hard?
REMEMBER: Don’t get overwhelmed. Whether you’re trying to learn a new skill, accomplish a task, or reach a goal, take it one step at a time.
Growth is gradual. Be patient and just take one step at a time.
Watch this online extra video and discuss it with your friends, classmates, or family.
Metacognitive Goals
For this week, try to notice if you have a strong work ethic. Also, note if you have ‘natural’ talents and abilities. Do you work hard to develop both?
Really try to understand if you are a hard worker. If not, try to determine why. Do you not care about the job you’re doing or the information you’re learning? Do you feel that nothing matters, that you’ll never get better? Do you procrastinate? Are you lazy? Being able to work hard is so important for success in school, the workplace, and life.
Thought of the day.
“Lay one brick at a time”. - Will Smith.