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Growth mindset in kids


Growth Mindset in Early Learners

Do you have children in your care that easily give up when learning a new skill?  Have you noticed children who get overly frustrated if they don’t see success come easy to them?  What we are really asking here is if the children have a growth or a fixed mindset. A mind set is a self-belief or a self-thought that may either be positive or negative. Our mindsets are what guide our actions, reactions and behaviors, in particular to gaining knowledge and learning new skills. A fixed mindset equals fixed intelligence.  People in this mindset perceive they have no way to improve themselves. A Growth mindset equals intelligence that can be developed.  People with this mindset tend to work harder because they know they can improve.

Young children naturally lean toward the growth mindset as they are curious about their environment and explore and learn through all of their senses. They learn through trial and error, and incidentally as well as through modeling and teaching.   I wonder at what point do people make the shift from growth to fixed mindsets?

Carol Dweck, Lewis and Virginia Eaton professor of psychology at Stanford University and the author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success states, “If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.”

Here, Imagination Soup outlines Five Parenting Strategies to Develop Growth Mindset and Carol Dweck’s Study on Praise and Mindsets is outlined in this short video.

At a Childcare Providers workshop I attended recently, the presenter had studied some of Dweck’s work and shared a few “trigger words” that parents and teachers can use with children.

Trigger words that stimulate mindset:                                                          

  • Praising Effort 
  • Accepting Failures
  • Ask for Explanations
  • Express the Amount of work put in
  • “Your Brain is Growing”
  • Praise the PROCESS!

 Words that discourage:

  • Praising outcome
  • Criticizing Failures
  • Telling kids the answers
  • Labeling or Judging student/work
  • Telling them they “tried their best”
  • Praising the PERSON

At the same workshop, I was introduced to the “Power of Yet”…

I can’t do this…. yet

This doesn’t work…yet

I’m not good at the…yet

I don’t know how to….yet

 Parents and teachers can support young learners in the struggle with this encouraging little word and guided questions that can lead students beyond “I can’t.”

By developing a “growth mindset”-an attitude that allows for possibilities and promotes progress and problem solving, children improve their skills for effectively solving problems every day and in more challenging scenarios (Dweck 2006).

Key Rationale and Strategies Supporting Growth Mindset

Rationale:

  1. Everyone makes mistakes.
  2. Making mistakes give us an opportunity to do things differently and to learn.
  3. Practice make better.

 Strategies:

  1. Model resilience and problem solving strategies
  2. Give children opportunities to solve problems on their own when appropriate
  3. Encourage children to ask a friend to help before seeking an adult’s assistance

Check out Preschoolers Grow Their Brains from NAEYC for examples of growth mindset in action and how to set the stage for best practices in early childhood education.

Pinterest has an endless supply of ideas and resources for teachers on creating a growth mindset classroom. And there are numerous children’s books to encourage young learners to open their minds to the power of “yet”.

Image Source: Pinterest

What are your strategies for establishing a Growth Mindset Environment in the child care setting?

LYNN DEVRIES, EXTENSION EDUCATOR | Early Childhood

How to Teach Growth Mindset to Children

Developing the right mindset early on is crucial for a successful, happy life. When children learn putting forth effort and using the right strategies can help them get better at things, they feel empowered, and try harder. When they know their brains are capable of growing, they are more confident, resilient, and not afraid to fail! 

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our FREE Your Words Matter Volume 2 Kit. With these 10 one-page parenting guides, you will know exactly how to speak to your child to help them stand up for themselves, be more confident, and develop a growth mindset.

WHAT IS A GROWTH MINDSET?

We all have beliefs about our own abilities and potential. These beliefs are part of our mindset, which is so powerful they can fuel our behavior and predict our success. Mindset shapes our everyday lives, helping us interpret our experiences and future possibilities. 

In her research at Stanford University, Dr. Carol Dweck identified two different types of mindsets. A growth mindset occurs when we believe our intelligence and abilities can be improved with effort and the right strategies.

A willingness to confront challenges, a passion for learning, and viewing failure as a springboard for growth are all characteristics associated with a growth mindset. Not surprisingly, this type of mindset is strongly linked to greater happiness and achievement in life.

In contrast, those with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence and abilities cannot be altered in a meaningful way. As a result, mistakes are often seen as failures rather than opportunities to grow and learn. When stuck in a fixed mindset, we may fear new experiences, avoid risks, and feel the need to repeatedly prove ourselves over and over again.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Teaching a growth mindset to children is not an easy task but it could become one of the greatest contributions you make toward their success and happiness.

In this 4-week guide, you will find the KEY elements for establishing a growth mindset at home or in your classroom. Each week offers a variety of suggested activities and resources, as well as suggested scripts to facilitate easy and fun discussions with your child or students.

3 STEPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS GUIDE
  1. Prepare. Some easy planning can do wonders to create a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure you have the recommended resources before you begin. Though not required, they are designed to make this process much easier for you and more fun for children.
  2. Set aside time. A dedicated time for the suggested activities will allow children to not feel rushed. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
  3. Spark their curiosity. When you show excitement about learning this new concept, children will be curious and will want to know why.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THIS GUIDE

Developing growth mindset is a lifelong journey and this guide is designed to help you begin. When you complete this 4-week program, continue implementing everything you learned in weeks three and four. In addition, your child or students can keep working on their Big Life Journal, listening to the Big Life Kids podcast, and using our Free Friday Printables. 

WEEK ONE: INTRODUCE IT

This week, children will learn about the concepts of mindset and how the two types, growth and fixed, differ. You will also discuss the BRAIN and how it can grow and strengthen in response to challenges.

As you introduce these new ideas, keeping the tone fun and light will go a long way towards engaging children.

Step 1: Build the Foundation 

Have a family or classroom discussion about the following questions:

  1. What does it mean to grow? What sorts of things grow? Answers will vary. Growth means to develop, change, mature, and evolve. Living things grow - plants, animals, and people. Even our brains can grow!

  2. When you think of the brain or minds, what do you think mindset means? Mindset is the way our brain perceives ourselves and the world. Our mindset helps us look at problems and mistakes in a positive way!

  3. Let’s put those words together: growth and mindset. When we combine them, it means something really important. What could growth mindset mean? A growth mindset is believing in the power of yourself and your brain! We know our intellect and abilities develop when we try difficult things, use the right strategies, and don’t give up. So a growth mindset is when we know, with practice, we will get better at something.

  4. If fixed is the opposite of growth, what does it mean to have a FIXED mindset? A fixed mindset means you think you can’t get better at things, even if you practice. Wanting to quit, giving up, or deciding we’re just not good at something are all clues we have a fixed mindset.

Use this mindset graphic to demonstrate and discuss the differences between the two mindsets.

Use the suggested script below to discuss mindset.

"Everyone in the world has a way of perceiving things. We call this a mindset. You have a mindset, your friends have a mindset, and your teacher has a mindset. 

We can choose to look at the world in a way that makes us feel strong and happy, or in a way that makes us feel frustrated and weak.

People with a growth mindset know they can get better by working hard. They keep trying even when things are tough and they say things such as, ‘I can’t do this...yet’ or ‘Mistakes help me learn.’

People with a fixed mindset feel differently as if they are stuck with the way things are. A fixed mindset can happen to anyone at some time or another but it's important we choose to have a growth mindset, keep trying, and stick with challenges. "

Step 2: Share Examples from Your Own Lives

Share a personal story about when you were stuck and used hard work and/or help from others to overcome a challenge. 

Ask your child or class to share similar examples from their lives. In the classroom, this could be done with everyone together or in smaller groups. Use the "My Mindset Journey Cards" printable (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) as a fun activity for children to gauge their understanding of two types of mindset.

Step 3: Discuss the Power of the Brain

Discuss the brain and its remarkable ability to change and grow. Use our suggested script below.

“Now that we know what growth mindset is, let’s speak a bit more about our brain and the amazing things it can do! Did you know you can grow your brain when you try new things and don’t give up when something is tough?

Learning something new is hardest the first time, but your brain behaves like a muscle and gets stronger every time things are repeated. Let’s watch a video [see suggestions below] to help us understand this even better.”

Use the "Build a Growth Mindset" poster (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) for this step. It's a great activity for children to learn more about how their brain works and exercise their creativity.

Suggested Resources for Week One:
  1. Growth Mindset Poster (PDF) can serve as an inspirational growth mindset manifesto.
  2. "Build a Growth Mindset" Poster (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) is a fun activity where children learn about the power of their brain.
  3. My Mindset Journey Cards (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) will help teach the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset using fun daily reminder cards.
  4. Big Life Journal (ages 7-10). Use chapter one “Believe in Yourself” to discuss how your thoughts and self-talk can impact your mindset.
  5. Big Life Kids Podcast is a growth mindset podcast for children, which accompanies the Big Life Journal - 2nd Edition. Listen to episodes 1 and 2.
  6. Parent's Guide to a Growth Mindset (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) provides specific examples of what to say and ask to help your children develop a growth mindset.

READ

  1. Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak (ages 4-8)
  2. The Ultimate Guide to Praising Your Children (article for adults)
  3. How to Explain Growth Mindset to Children: Neuroplasticity Activities (article for adults)
  4. The Brain is Like a Muscle (article for adults and older children)

WATCH

  1. Growth Mindset Video (2.5 minutes)
  2. Learning and the Brain (3 minutes) 

WEEK TWO: NOTICE IT

This week, you begin to identify growth and fixed mindsets in ourselves and others. Everywhere you look, you can find examples of others either quitting or overcoming their challenges.

Step 1: Reflecting on Definitions

Go back to the definitions of growth and fixed mindset from Week One. Did anyone notice a time they were using either mindset? Discuss how we can change from a fixed to a growth mindset with simple words and phrases. 

Use the suggested script below.

“Last week we spoke about a growth mindset and how our brains get stronger when we persist and don’t give up. Have you noticed a time you had a growth mindset in the last few days? Did you feel your brain growing? What about a time you felt stuck?”

This week, complete the 5-Day Growth Mindset Challenge (Challenges Kit) to help children solidify the concepts (join them as their challenge buddy). Designed for all learning styles, this challenge includes fun activities such as matching games, word search, and filling in the blanks.

Step 2: Practice Switching from a Fixed to Growth Mindset

Ask your child/class to think of some FIXED mindset phrases commonly used at home or anywhere else (“I am not good at this”, “I can’t do anything right”), and write them down.

Next, create a list of alternate phrases that reflect a growth mindset (“I’m not good at this yet”). Above the fixed mindset column, write “Instead of” and on the Growth mindset column, “I Can Say…”

Use the suggested script below.

“Let's think of things we say when we're stuck in a fixed mindset and write them down. We can then come up with other words to switch from the fixed mindset into a growth mindset. I'm sure we can come up with lots of good ideas!”

Use the My Growth Mindset Statements printable (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) as a guide for this step. Cover the area under “I Can Say” and only show underneath where it says “Instead of. ” 

Ask your children how they can change each statement from negative to empowering. For example, you could ask, “What is a better way of looking at a situation?” 

Step 3: Display Visuals as Everyday Reminders

Display visuals around your home/classroom as regular reminders of new vocabulary and ideas. Have the child/class locate their favorite spots to hang posters and refer to them frequently throughout the day.

Then, when you hear a child making a fixed mindset statement, you can simply point to a poster and have them read it (or read together).

You can use our printable Inspirational Posters Bundle (PDF). A convenient bundle of inspiring posters with growth mindset messages for kids, tweens, and teens.

Step 4: Discuss How Growth Mindset Looks, Feels, and Sounds

Set aside at least several minutes to discuss how growth mindset can be easily included in your everyday lives.  

Use the What Success Really Takes poster (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) to remind your family or class that success is like an iceberg. Most people only see the great outcome, the tip of the iceberg. But, what success really takes lies beneath the surface. Use the blank poster to write everything your child is working on to help them achieve their goals.

In school: Consider how growth mindset LOOKS, FEELS, and SOUNDS in class and use the printables Growth Mindset A-Z Poster (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) to write down everyone’s ideas. Make Growth Mindset Guide one of your classroom jobs.

Step 5: Use Book Characters

Identify growth and fixed mindsets in favorite books characters. Pay attention to how the characters FEEL depending on their mindset and discuss ways persistence, love of learning, and resilience are portrayed.

Point out when a character shifts from a fixed to a growth mindset too.

Use the suggested script below.

“In so many of your favorite books, the characters are learning to have growth mindsets too. Let’s pick one now and try to find all the ways we see it happening!”

Make the Growth Mindset Bookmarks (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) as a fun activity for children to practice noticing growth mindset characters in books.

Suggested Resources for Week Two: 
  1. 5-Day Growth Mindset Challenge (Challenges Kit) will help your child practice growth mindset concepts and vocabulary.
  2. Inspirational Posters can be hung up in a bedroom or a classroom.
  3. My Growth Mindset Statements (Growth Mindset Printables Kit)
  4. What Success Really Takes (Growth Mindset Printables Kit)
  5. Growth Mindset Bookmarks Activity (Growth Mindset Printables Kit)
  6. Big Life Journal - use chapter two “Mistakes Help You Grow” to discuss how mistakes are just opportunities to learn and grow.
  7. Big Life Kids Podcast - listen to episodes 3 and 5 (they accompany chapter two of the Big Life Journal).

READ

  1. Top 85 Growth Mindset Books is a list of our favorite and most popular books for you and your children!
  2. Empowering Self-Confidence Affirmations

WATCH

  1. Top 50 Growth Mindset Movies for Children is a list of good movies with characters who demonstrate a growth mindset, grit, perseverance, courage, and determination.

    WEEK THREE: MODEL IT 

    Your ability to MODEL a growth mindset can make the difference between a child understanding the concept and actually living it. Let them see your growth mindset in action.

    Step 1: Share Your Experiences

    Be honest when something is difficult for you. Tell children when you’re discouraged, share your fixed mindset thoughts, and brainstorm solutions out loud. Show them we’re ALL learning this growth mindset thing together!

    The Big Life Journal Daily Edition is a great connection tool which provides opportunities for discussions and experience sharing.

    Use the What Happens When Someone Has a Growth Mindset poster (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) to discuss which of the benefits you have already experienced yourself since you began your growth mindset journey.

    Step 2: Discuss Feelings

    Discuss how positive feelings such as satisfaction, contentment, and happiness come from persisting through challenges and not giving up when it gets difficult. 

    When stuck in a fixed mindset, share how you felt sad, anxious, or even hopeless. Negative feelings happen to everyone and are perfectly normal. At the same time, they may serve as clues you need to shift your thinking and attitude.

    You can use the Feelings Bingo (Emotional Intelligence Kit). A fun spin on a classic all-time favorite game! Use the Feelings Spinner to play with the bingo. The Feelings Ice Cream poster will help you identify similar feelings so you can cross them out and win the game.

    Step 3: Set a New Goal 

    Set a personal goal to learn something new and share your learning process with your child or students. How did you feel at the start? What can you do to be certain you don’t give up before achieving it? Review ways children can set and meet their own goals. 

    Step 4: Use the Power of Yet

    With one simple word, any fixed mindset phrase can be transformed into a statement of hope. “I can’t do this...yet.” It’s all about the FUTURE, and not giving up until we get there.

    Make a “YET” bulletin board or designate a wall at home for all the things you can’t do...yet!

      Use the suggested script below.

      “Even though I know about growth mindset, I still have to work on it. Especially when something is difficult for me. I can tell I’m in a fixed mindset when I have thoughts about quitting and start to feel frustrated. When I feel like that, I know I need to change my thinking to a different mindset.

      One way that works is just using the word ‘yet.’ We can add it onto the end of almost any sentence to change our thinking. For example, when I get frustrated by a challenge and think ‘I’ll never get it,’ I just say, “I don’t get it...yet.” Or if I think I can’t do something, I’ll say, “I can’t do it...yet.”

      ‘YET’ is almost like a magic word because it can instantly make us feel stronger. It gives us hope and strength to keep going when things become difficult.

      Can you think of a sentence that ends with ‘yet’ that can make you feel stronger and more powerful?”

      Suggested Resources for Week Three:
      1. What Happens When Someone Has a Growth Mindset poster (Growth Mindset Printables Kit)
      2. Feelings Bingo (Emotional Intelligence Kit)
      3. Famous Failures Kit is a set of stories highlighting famous people from around the world who have failed and struggled on their way to success. 
      4. Big Life Journal - use chapter three “Be Persistent” to discuss how sometimes we just need to give our brain enough time to learn new things.
      5. Big Life Kids Podcast - listen to episodes 5 and 6 (they accompany chapter three of the Big Life Journal)

      READ

      1. Not Yet by Lisa Cox (ages 4-8)
      2. Flight School by Lita Judge (ages 4-8)

      WATCH

      1. Janelle Monae “The Power of Yet” (Sesame Street, 2015) (2.5 minutes)
      2. C.J. Luckey - The Power of Yet by Andre Kahmeyer (4 minutes)

      WEEK FOUR: PRACTICE IT

      Having a growth mindset is all about effort, so what better way to teach it than through practice, practice, practice?

      Step 1: Praise for a Growth Mindset

      Praise for perseverance in problem-solving rather than being smart or talented. Connect positive results with effort rather than innate ability, and children will be more willing to take risks and value working hard. When you notice hard work or positive self-talk, make sure you tell them!

      If you need some ideas on what to say, download our FREE Your Words Matter Kit. With these 10 popular parenting guides, you will know exactly how to speak to your children to help them develop confidence, internal motivation, and a can-do attitude.

       

      Step 2: Make It a Game

      Introduce various games like the "Mystery Fun Game” (Growth Mindset Printables Kit) to make the learning fun.  

      Print out the Mystery Fun poster and write a mystery prize or activity on it (a trip to the zoo, favorite breakfast, popcorn party, etc.)

      Next, cut out the growth mindset task squares ("Celebrated a mistake", "Used a YET!") and tape them over the mystery prize. Whenever someone completes a growth mindset task, remove a square.

      When all the squares have been removed and the mystery prize is revealed -- it's time to celebrate!

      Step 3: Encourage Productive Struggle

      In the safe environment of your home or class, give children time to think through their challenges, brainstorm solutions, and seek help if needed. Grappling with a problem builds resilience, so give children time for reflection before jumping in to help or “save” them. 

      Use My Mighty Treasure Coins (Self-Esteem & Confidence Kit) to help your children or students understand the challenges they’re facing and practice finding ways to overcome them. 

      Step 4: Reframe Mistakes

      Get excited when opportunities for growth occur! In a challenging moment, say things like, “This seems like an opportunity to grow our brains!” Create  
      an environment where setbacks are expected and even celebrated.

      Step 5: Hit Pause

      Exercising the brain can be difficult for children. When your child (or you) becomes frustrated, it’s okay to take a break. “It’s time to give our brains a little rest. We’ll come back to this tomorrow!”

      Use the Brain Breaks Activities (Gratitude & Mindfulness Kit) if you feel a physical exercise could be beneficial in a moment of frustration.  

      Being watchful of your own fixed mindset “triggers” can help with this process.

        Suggested Resources for Week Four:
        1. Mystery Fun Game (Growth Mindset Printables Kit)
        2. My Mighty Treasure Coins (Self-Esteem & Confidence Kit) 
        3. When I Make a Mistake Poem printable (Growth Mindset Printables Kit)
        4. Brain Breaks Activities (Gratitude & Mindfulness Kit)
        5. Big Life Journal - use chapter four “Be Grateful” to discuss how a growth mindset can also help us develop the desired qualities such as gratitude.
        6. Big Life Kids Podcast - listen to episodes 7 and 8 (they accompany chapter four of the Big Life Journal). 

        READ

        1. Mistakes That Worked by Charlotte Foltz Jones (ages 8-12)
        2. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (ages 3-7)
        3. How to Teach Problem Solving Skills to Children  (article for adults)
        4. The Ultimate Guide to Praising Your Kids (article for adults)

           

          90,000 Growth mindset. How to learn self-development and who needs it - Snob

          “Thoughts form reality” - this expression has become extremely replicated and, as a result, has practically lost its original meaning. What this attitude means in practice, how thinking affects our lives, what is the nature and mechanism of human motivation, why you need to constantly develop your knowledge and skills, and how to stop being afraid of failure, says Andrey Osokin, Netology teacher, marketing director marketplace SberMegaMarket

          4 June 2021 9:05

          Photo: Samuel Scrimshaw/Unsplash

          About the concept of Growth Mindset

          Professor of psychology at Stanford University Carol Dweck was one of the first in the world to study the motivational component of human consciousness. In lectures she gave at many leading universities, Carol talked about developmental psychology. That thinking determines our life is a well-known fact. But before Dweck, no prominent psychologist had considered the typical "Go, you can!" speeches of professional life coaches as an object of study. She wondered: can motivation really be controlled, and if so, how? This is how the concept of Growth Mindset, or growth thinking, was born. This is a special view of the world, according to which everything that happens is not a threat, but an opportunity for development, and defeat is just another step towards progress, and not a reason to engage in soul-searching. Growth Mindset also involves continuing education or life-long learning. The idea is that life and success are not predetermined by starting conditions. Each person has the opportunity to master any skill - however, to a certain extent, depending on the basic characteristics. For example, if a bear “walked” over your ears, this does not mean that you cannot develop an ear for music. You can’t become Placido Domingo, but you can become an average musician or a karaoke star.

          In accordance with the Growth Mindset concept, people can be conditionally divided into those who are accustomed to self-learning and those who believe that all qualities are "bestowed" by nature. People with a "fixed" mindset are afraid of failure like fire, so they use only known and reliable ways to solve problems. Hence the reluctance to take responsibility for new tasks - they simply do not want to challenge their own competence. At the same time, people with flexible thinking are always ready for defeat, open to finding new solutions, and for the sake of their own development, they are ready to leave their comfort zone.

          Why Growth Mindset Works

          A team of researchers led by Carol Dweck has done many experiments to support the Growth Mindset concept. In one, she divided 400 children into two groups and asked them to put together simple puzzles. One group was praised only for achieving the goal, and the second - for the effort. In the group where the value of the result was instilled in children, fixed thinking was strengthened: they received satisfaction only from the result, and not from the process itself, and at the next stage they chose a simpler puzzle. In another group, where children were praised for their efforts, flexible thinking was formed, they did not stop there, they took on more complex tasks and tried to find new ways to solve them. This is the growth mindset that drives our development.

          Photo: Mark Fletcher-Brown/Unsplash

          How to cultivate a growth mindset and continuously develop yourself

          • The brain loves training. But developing in one area is not enough, you need to constantly challenge yourself in new directions. From my own life practice and observations of famous people, I noticed one interesting feature: most of the outstanding personalities are comprehensively developed. The famous financier turns out to be an expert in astrophysics and geology, and the outstanding scientist is a connoisseur of art and music.

            If you constantly saturate your brain with knowledge from various areas, then it will find non-standard solutions to problems. As a result, thinking becomes not just flexible - a creative approach to business appears. This is the basis of innovation - the ability to look at the problem from a different angle, inaccessible to people with a fixed mindset.

          • Be open to new experiences. At the dawn of my career, when I changed jobs, I tried not to choose vacancies with a list of competencies that I already possess, because I was aware of the harmfulness of professional stagnation. I was attracted by unique cases and working conditions that challenged me. So I went to digital when I realized that it was the future and that it was very interesting. I had no knowledge and experience, but I dropped everything and went to study from scratch.

            Do not be afraid of novelty, welcome it into your life. Be open not only to experiments, but also to healthy criticism. If you love the process of finding a solution, then you will not seek self-affirmation at the expense of approval from society. For example, you will run a marathon primarily because you enjoy the process, and not for the sake of likes on Instagram.

          • Analyze your thoughts and actions. Record your emotions through reflection or a personal diary. So you can control your feelings, and not be led by them. Consider past mistakes and do not turn them into a tragedy that leads to a dead end. Draw conclusions, but do not dwell on your own oversight.

          • Form positive habits. Let me give you a simple example with a diet: a person can lose weight in a month and achieve the desired result. But without the habit of fixing it will not work - standing on the scales and satisfying his ego, he will go to arrange a feast in the nearest fast food establishment. You should have an initially positive attitude and a clear interest in new knowledge, and habit is a good help for the development of discipline.

          • Do and err. You can regularly listen to motivational speeches and praise yourself for old results, or you can work hard, experiment and move on. Efficiency is the basis of any motivation. It is not enough just to believe that everything will work out - it is necessary to try the options in practice. It is important to understand that a growth mindset can be instilled—it is not an abstract category or an innate property.

          • Speak at conferences and give lectures. Broadcasting your knowledge helps you to constantly develop and not stop there. If you start sharing your experience with others, you will notice a positive effect for yourself - all the information in the mind will become structured and clear. That is why I try to find time for teaching - now I teach the course "Director of Internet Marketing" in "Netology".

          Photo: Sigmund/Unsplash

          What specialists can do without flexible thinking

          In today's economy, almost every industry is developing intensively. Adaptation has become the most important quality of any specialist. Vivid examples are IT and marketing. A programmer, like a marketer, cannot stop developing - he must master new technologies, software and problem solving techniques. Trends change, and a person needs to keep up with the times. A growth mindset is not only the foundation for self-development in rapidly growing industries, but also helps to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.

          Managers should instill flexibility in solving problems even at the stage of creating a business - this allows the team to quickly adapt in critical conditions, for example, during a pandemic and self-isolation regime. Instead of mindlessly scheduling daily tasks that breed routine and burnout, it's best to get feedback from employees, involve them in the context of a new task, and ask them to suggest possible solutions. A joint search for options is much more effective than a single arrangement of “orders” with deadlines. If the employees do not succeed, even though they tried, there is no need to take the situation with hostility, it is better to thank them for the work done and creativity.

          Where to learn growth thinking

          If you already have enough willpower, then you can change your life for the better and set yourself up for growth thinking on your own, for this you need to understand the essence of the approach and instill in yourself discipline, good habits and the right attitude towards failures. But if at the initial stage you have difficulties, try starting with courses based on separate blocks for the development of soft skills, as well as various training formats: group assignments, simulators, tutor support.

          More texts about psychology, relationships, children and education - in our telegram channel "Project Snob - Personal". Join

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          Growth mindset is the basis of child development - Child development their undertakings. We want to do our best to help them with this. However, according to experts, many of the methods we use for this purpose are actually harmful to children. After all, often the messages that we send to kids contradict our intentions!

          Psychologists have come up with a profound idea. Like many deep ideas, it is very simple and goes like this: Most people have one of two types of mindset - a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.

          Fixed mindset is a mindset that is based on the belief that our personality, traits, talents, abilities and intelligence are completely fixed. We are either smart or stupid. We are either talented in something (art, music, sports, mathematics, logic, etc.) or we are not. There is a certain number of talented people in the world whom others admire from the outside. Fixed thinking allows for statements such as: “He will never learn to dance, no matter how hard he tries. He's too clumsy" or "She has a light hand - everything she touches blossoms", or "She can't fry an egg without starting a fire" and so on.

          The Growth Mindset is the exact opposite mindset that reflects our belief that a person can do anything. Through perseverance and effort, any of us can become whoever we want to be. There are no smart or stupid people - there are only those who have unlocked the potential of their intellect, and those who have not yet done so. There are no talented and geniuses, there are only very hardworking people who decide to take their abilities to a higher level. There is no need to stand back and admire anyone - anyone can turn themselves into such a person if they are truly passionate about something and are willing to put in the effort. Anyone can learn to dance, plant plants, or cook.

          How thinking affects our lives

          As you might guess, our thinking is a kind of glasses through which we view our world. The prevailing type of thinking affects our every thought and action. Let's look at how different ways of thinking view success and failure.

          People with a fixed mindset consider themselves capable in one area or another, which means that every little success confirms their opinion of themselves, and every little failure is experienced by them very painfully, undermining self-confidence. Therefore, they feel the need to look smart at all costs. Success makes them swell with pride. When they fail, the opposite happens.

          Therefore, as soon as such people encounter failure, they desperately try to find someone or something to shift the blame for their failure, and constantly make excuses. Since any success or failure is very closely related to their ambition, fixed mindsets tend to have an irrational fear of failure and tend to rarely take risks. In turn, this limits the level of success they can potentially achieve. If they become successful, the resulting success is hard-won and carefully guarded by them.

          People with a growth mindset believe that success is the result of effort rather than raw talent. Therefore, such people work hard to constantly grow and improve. Success is earned by them and never taken for granted. On the other hand, they see failures as inevitable “side effects” of doing something. Therefore, they treat failures as opportunities for further improvement.

          Because they view success and failure as separate events that are not directly related to their personality, growth mindsets tend to accept success with humility and deal with failure gracefully.

          Here are some other examples of how fixed and growth mindsets affect our lives in certain situations.

          Situation

          People reaction

          fixed mindset

          People reaction

          growth mindset

          Collision

          with something unknown

          As a rule, they prefer to stay away from unfamiliar situations and do not want to take risks in order not to fail. Or they can get involved in a situation with feigned bravado, while feeling a slight malaise

          and the discomfort that accompanies them all the way until the end

          They are better able to assess a situation based on its specific characteristics and more objectively decide whether to get involved or not. If they do intervene, such people are able to lean more comfortably

          on the uncertainty of the situation, to cope with failures

          and eventually achieve the desired result

          When effort is required

          They just smile. Because smart and talented people

          does not need to make any effort. The result should come naturally

          They roll up their sleeves

          and get down to business. Because everything worth striving for requires effort

          Reaction to criticism

          They snap. Everyone denies. They try to get rid of the source of criticism. Criticism generates in such people a deep fear: "I'm not so capable"

          They take a deep breath

          and find peace. Then the criticism is evaluated according to different criteria. If it is groundless, they dismiss it and continue their work. If criticism contains a rational grain, they accept it as an objective assessment and try to learn lessons for themselves

          In the classroom/learning environment

          They don't ask questions that might make them look stupid. On the other hand, they are constantly asking questions that show that they have learned the material better than other students. The goal is to look smart at all costs

          If they don't understand the material, they don't hesitate to ask questions, whether they look smart or stupid. Understanding the material is much more important to them. Most often, such students do not even have an idea of ​​how stupid or smart they look,

          asking certain questions.

          What this means to us

          The examples above clearly show that:

          • We want to raise our children with a growth mindset. As parents, we don't just want our children to be successful... we want them to enjoy the process of being successful. We also want them to be persistent in their achievements and cope with any setbacks along the way. And when they finally become successful, we want them to feel a sense of deep fulfillment and fulfillment, not growing fear, paranoia, arrogance, or complacency.
          • We cannot raise our children with a growth mindset unless we ourselves have it. Obviously, this condition is mandatory, right? It's sad, but some of us are inherently fixed mindsets. And if we don't first change our own mindset, we won't be able to instill a growth mindset in our children.

          Ask yourself the following questions. Have you ever looked at your children's behavior in terms of how good a parent you are? Do you experience self-doubt when you fail as a parent and some random person gives you their “view”? When children misbehave, does it make you want to "tame" them? Do you find it difficult to refuse persuasion and look for ways to motivate your children?

          Well, that's fixed thinking in action. However, you are not alone. Nobody is born perfect. No one has the perfect mindset (yet).

          So, we found that we need to strive for two goals: (a) develop a growth mindset in ourselves and (b) educate a growth mindset in children.

          Four Steps to Developing a Growth Mindset: