What is a Growth Mindset and how can you benefit from it ?

Author: Luke Heather

Have you ever let negative thoughts invade your mind when you are met with a challenge? It might be a bit of "I'll never get this" or "I just can't do it". Instead of saying "I can't do it", growth mindset asks you to say "I can't do it yet". The power of yet is a big part of growth mindset, with the implication being that while I can't do this yet, if I keep trying I may be able to do this later, next time, in a few weeks etc. Growth mindset is about thinking positively, and seeing solutions not barriers. Growth mindset is about the long game, not the short game and it helps you to see that there is no future in just giving up when things are difficult. The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset.

Having a growth mindset is the key to success. Success is having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be. Facing new challenges is always difficult for the mind to comprehend, thinking to yourself I cant do this, its going to be too difficult, I shouldn't be here. Research from behavioral psychologists, such as Carol Dweck, the creator of the growth mindset theory, has shown that kids that go into a challenging situation with a fixed mindset commonly fail the challenge, but for kids that go in with a growth mindset we usually see an outstanding improvement.

What can I say to myself?

To have a growth mindset, try thinking..

• I'm on the right track
• I can always improve, so i'll keep trying
• Mistakes help me learn
• I'm going to try and aim to get B's on my report this year

Instead of a fixed mindset...

• I'm not good at this
• I give up
• This is too hard
• I can't be bothered

It may be hard to believe but the way you think does depend on your performance in anything from school work to being on the sporting field. Changing from a doubter to a believer could be a defining factor between yourself and your opponent, your opponent could be your own mind, the other team or an opponent going for the same job as you.

Researchers have started to notice that teacher praise has a big impact on a student's mindset, and the feedback that teachers give their students can either encourage a child to choose a challenge and increase achievement or look for an easy way out. For example, studies on different kinds of praise have shown that telling children they are smart encourages a fixed mindset, whereas praising hard work and effort cultivates a growth mindset. When students have a growth mindset, they take on challenges and learn from them, therefore increasing their abilities and achievement.