Do you believe talent is innate and unchangeable? Or do you think you can achieve anything if you believe in yourself and never give up? In our previous blog post, we talked about beliefs and mental models. One of the most essential mental models for progressing in life is the growth mindset!
The first belief is known as a fixed mindset, while the second is called a growth mindset. Which one is correct? Both are. Sure, talent plays a role, but commitment and perseverance are just as important. Take that footballer who had less talent than his teammates, but thanks to his dedication and character, he went further. The real question is: “Which one serves you best?”.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the growth mindset, exploring what it is, why it’s important, and how we can develop it.
What is a Growth Mindset?
The term “growth mindset” comes from American psychologist Carol Dweck. It’s the opposite of the “fixed mindset” and refers to the idea that intelligence, talent, and skills can be developed through commitment and perseverance. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Those with a fixed mindset believe their abilities and talents are unchangeable.
Take Lisa, for example. She thinks she’s bad at math. “You either have math skills, or you don’t. I just don’t have any mathematical abilities!” she says. Lisa has a fixed mindset, which makes her unmotivated. She’s convinced that putting in the effort is pointless. As a result, she gets poor grades, which confirms and strengthens her belief. She prefers to avoid math and chooses a field of study with less math, even if it interests her less.
This is how mental models work: they create self-fulfilling predictions, and you look for information that confirms your beliefs, trapping you in a vicious circle.
However, if Lisa had a different belief, her life could take a different turn. If she was convinced that she could improve by working hard, it would affect her grades. This would trigger another vicious cycle but with a positive outcome. Then, she would be able to pursue the field of study that genuinely interests her.
The Difference Between a Growth and Fixed Mindset
In the figure below, you can see the differences between a growth and a fixed mindset, based on Carol Dweck‘s work.
People with a fixed mindset often find challenges threatening and tend to avoid them. They fear making mistakes, thinking that their errors will prove their lack of talent or intelligence. They may also respond defensively to criticism and struggle to receive feedback. Consequently, they learn and develop less than those with a growth mindset, which can lead to limitations and frustrations in the long run.
On the other hand, people with a growth mindset embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to grow and improve themselves. They’re less concerned about mistakes, understanding that errors are part of the learning process and that they can learn from them. They take a proactive approach, finding ways to enhance their skills and capabilities. They’re also open to feedback and view criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. This can lead to greater success and long-term growth.
This image illustrates how people’s beliefs about themselves and their abilities affect their performance and growth. By developing a growth mindset and embracing challenges, individuals can reach their potential and lead a better life.
How Can You Help Your Child Adopt a Growth Mindset?
Lead by Example!
We’ll discuss some recommendations for parents later, such as giving feedback, emphasizing the process, and teaching children how to cope with setbacks. But the most significant impact on your child will come from your own example. So, adopt a growth mindset yourself and change your mental model!
Children learn primarily by observing the behavior of their parents, educators, and teachers. If these adults show that they embrace challenges, view mistakes as opportunities for learning, and are open to feedback, children will likely adopt this attitude. Conversely, if children see adults avoiding challenges, responding defensively to criticism, and harboring negative beliefs about their abilities, they’ll likely adopt that attitude as well.
As a parent, educator, or teacher, it’s crucial to have a growth mindset and demonstrate it to children.
Give Your Child the Right Feedback.
- Praise effort and perseverance
Instead of praising children for their intelligence or natural talents, praise their effort and perseverance. This encourages them to believe they can grow and develop through hard work and commitment. - Focus on the process, not just the outcome
Show children that learning and development is a process that can sometimes be difficult. It’s important not only to achieve the desired result but also to learn from mistakes and grow throughout the process. - Encourage children to step out of their comfort zone
By encouraging children to try new things and step out of their comfort zone, they can increase their capabilities and skills while developing a growth mindset. - Help children cope with challenges and setbacks
Teach children how to cope with challenges and setbacks, helping them understand that mistakes and failures are part of the learning process and encouraging them to continue. - Use positive language and avoid negative beliefs
Encourage children to use positive language and avoid negative beliefs about their abilities. Start phrases with “I can’t do it yet” instead of “I cannot.” This shows children they can grow and develop. - Show children how to track their learning and development
Teach children to track their learning and development by setting goals and monitoring their progress. This helps them understand their growth and development, motivating them to continue.
Conclusion
Using these strategies, parents, educators, and teachers can help children develop a growth mindset, enabling them to reach their potential and become confident, competent adults. In short, teaching a growth mindset is a valuable skill for children. By praising effort and perseverance, focusing on the process, encouraging children to step out of their comfort zone, helping them cope with challenges and setbacks, using positive language, and showing children how to track their learning and development, we can support their potential and foster a growth mindset.
If you’d like to read or watch more about the growth mindset:
- Mindset: Changing The Way You Think to Fulfill Your Potential by Carol S. Dweck
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
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