Do you believe that you either have a certain ability or you don't? Many might think that what one can achieve or become depends on what they were born with. A growth mindset is a way of thinking that believes abilities and skills develop through practice and learning. It's a tool that can bolster young people's self-confidence, learning motivation, and ability to cope with life's challenges.
A fixed mindset, on the other hand, is characterized by discouraging thoughts about oneself and the belief that a person either has a certain ability or doesn't. Those with this mindset find it difficult to believe that people can change, develop skills, or learn new things. Tangibly, this may manifest in pessimism, giving up early when faced with challenges, and lack of belief in oneself. It discourages practice and effort. A fixed mindset prevents trying new things and, at worst, keeps individuals away from their dreams and goals.
In contrast, a growth mindset encourages trying new things and tackling challenges. It sees mistakes and failures as opportunities for learning and recognizes that skills and qualities can always be developed. It boosts self-confidence and fosters positive relationships by encouraging learning and growth together. A growth mindset believes that a person's true potential cannot be known in advance. Those with this mindset believe that their intelligence, skills, and various abilities can always be developed and enhanced through their own effort, practice, and different strategies.
An individual equipped with a growth mindset is more willing to try new things, and failures don't crush their self-esteem because they know that nobody was good at anything initially – they may have even been terrible – and thus, they give themselves permission to practice.
Encouraging a young person's growth mindset involves valuing efforts and attempts, not just results. It's also important to discuss the significance of failures and how they can be opportunities for learning and are part of the process of acquiring new skills. It's crucial to set an example of a growth mindset and show that you're willing to learn and grow yourself.
A growth mindset is an asset that can help young people succeed in life. By reinforcing this way of thinking, we can help them develop a positive attitude towards challenges, learning, and growth – things that each of us encounters throughout our lives.
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