Growth Mindset

The power of a growth mindset is immeasurable. Below, I explore what growth mindset means to me in terms of my own learning and the learning of others. Please review this TEDtalk by Carol Dweck for more information from one of the pioneers of growth mindset herself.

Growth mindset is a learning philosophy that focuses on what learners will be able to achieve in the future instead of focusing on what they are unable to achieve in the present. Carol Dweck discusses the “power of yet” in her TEDtalk, explaining that students who are told they aren’t able to do something “yet” instead of “now” express greater grit and resilience in their work. They have a much more optimistic outlook on their education and their brain actually begins to function on a higher level, establishing more neuron connections through higher level thinking (see Figure 1 below).

Students who learned with a growth mindset explicitly showcased immense improvements over time, regardless of their circumstances. This proves that by focusing on the development of abilities and the wise praise of character traits such as focus, improvement and perseverance, the possibilities are limitless.

When reflecting on growth mindset, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the students who simply craved an A. I wanted success and that was how it was defined to me. Even now, I long for validation in my efforts through praise of my capabilities. Though, with a growth mindset, I am aiming to shift my perspective on learning and working. My new philosophy has become “don’t make it perfect, just make it happen”. Rather than delaying and procrastinating on work to try and make it perfect, I have just started completing my work and have become more accepting of suggestions and revisions, seeing them as opportunities to grow and become better rather than pinpoints of my shortcomings.

I hope to continue to grow as a leader utilizing growth mindset methods. Eventually, I would like to become a project manager or lead at my work so I can have a little more say on the products we develop. Especially with a growth mindset, I will continue to be receptive of the ideas of others and accept construct criticism with grace.

Connecting growth mindset to my innovation plan, I hope to model for students participating that continuous improvement is a part of life. No matter where they start, through determination and humility, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

TED. (2014, December 17). The power of believing that you can improve | Carol Dweck [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0mgOOSpLU&feature=youtu.be