How do I cultivate a growth mindset?

Hi sweets, how are you today? 

Top of the morning to you all, I trust God you are doing well. So for a while, I have been sharing my thoughts with you on Mindsets and I also used Carol Dweck's research findings to buttress my points. I know by now, a good number of you must have learnt a couple of things i believe will spur you on your journey to greatness. To all who shared my posts, I say a big thank you, it meant a lot to me and Iam excited😊.Also those who gave me feedback on how this 'series on Mindsets' has been helpful to them, I appreciate you too.

So today, I will be sharing insights on how to cultivate a growth mindset with you, so you could make adjustments where necessary as you keep growing. 

According to Carol Dweck's research,

The consequences of believing that intelligence and personality can be developed rather than being immutably engrained traits, Dweck found in her two decades of research with both children and adults, are remarkable. She writes:

“Believing that your qualities are carved in stone creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over. If you have only a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, and a certain moral character, well then you’d better prove that you have a healthy dose of them. It simply wouldn’t do to look or feel deficient in these most basic characteristics.”

The fixed mindset can negatively impact all aspects of your life, Dweck says.

“I’ve seen so many people with this one consuming goal of proving themselves in [a learning setting], in their careers, and in their relationships. Every situation calls for a confirmation of their intelligence, personality, or character. Every situation is evaluated: Will I succeed or fail? Will I look smart or dumb? Will I be accepted or rejected? Will I feel like a winner or a loser?”

But when you start viewing things as mutable, the situation gives way to the bigger picture.

“This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments, everyone can change and grow through application and experience.”

This is important because it can actually change what you strive for and what you see as success. By changing the definition, significance, and impact of failure, you change the deepest meaning of effort.

The following are ways to cultivate a Growth Mindset...

#1. Replace the word 'failing' with the word 'learning' . When you make a mistake or fail an assignment, you have not failed; you have learned. 

#2. Acknowledge and accept your imperfections. Shying away from your weaknesses means you will never overcome them. Remember you are not perfect.

#3. Provide regular opportunities for reflection. Most of us don't engage in reflections, we just get home and sleep😁. Try to reflect at the end of each day.

#4. There are different ways to learn and what works for Jones may not work for James. Try different learning tactics there is no size fit all model for learning.

#5. Take ownership over your attitude. Once you have developed a growth mindset, own it. Acknowledge yourself as someone who possesses a growth mindset.

#6. Emphasize growth over speed. Learning fast isn't the same as learning well and learning well sometimes requires allowing time for making mistakes.

#7. View your challenges as opportunities

#8.  Learn to use the word 'yet'. Often times when faced with a great task, we just say I don't know it😂😂😂. The truth is you can know it... Whenever you see yourself struggling with a task, just say you haven't mastered it yet says Dweck... 

#9. Follow the research on brain plasticity. The brain isn't fixed,the mind shouldn't either..

Thank you all. Learning never ends.

Assignment for today

1. Ruminate over these points listed above and see how you could integrate them in your life. It's not going to be easy I promise you but it's worth it .

2. Endeavor to share this with your colleagues, relatives and friends. 

You can always reach out to me via mail..ebeleannemarie21@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers to your Rise