Growth Mindset 1
(Monday)
Context:
We are born with a natural growth mindset. Babies don’t doubt their ability to learn how to walk or talk. They try, fail, and try again without worrying about mistakes. Over time, however, life experiences can weaken this mindset and replace it with doubt or fear of failure.
In life and work, you will face many challenges. Successful people make a habit of rebuilding and protecting their growth mindset. Think about someone you consider successful—do you think they could have reached that level if they doubted themselves or believed they couldn’t learn new skills or improve?
What it is: One psychologist explains a growth mindset as the ability to enjoy challenges and see failure not as a label, but as a chance to learn and improve. Instead of giving up, you use mistakes to grow your skills and abilities.
Having a growth mindset means believing you can learn new subjects and develop new skills. You understand that effort and practice help you get better over time. A growth mindset is the belief that improvement is always possible.
Why it’s important: Knowledge is power.
Knowledge helps us complete important tasks in school, work, and everyday life. When we hold limiting beliefs, we are less likely to try new things or continue learning.
Throughout your life, you will need to learn many new skills—such as managing money, researching loans, or understanding contracts. If you believe you can’t learn or are afraid to try, you limit your opportunities for success.
A growth mindset helps you do more than just get by—it helps you grow, improve, and enjoy the process of becoming more capable and confident.
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
This week, pay attention to your work habits. Notice whether you put in consistent effort and whether you have natural talents or strengths. Ask yourself if you’re working to develop both.
Take time to honestly reflect on your effort. If you’re not working as hard as you could, try to understand why. Is the work uninteresting? Do you feel discouraged or unsure you can improve? Do you put things off? Understanding these habits matters, because the ability to work hard and keep trying plays a big role in success at school, at work, and in life.
Thought of the day.
“Lay one brick at a time”. - Will Smith.