What is a “growth mindset”? This is a belief where people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. A growth mindset creates motivation and productivity in virtually any area of our lives. Having a growth mindset can help us with the following:
*Learn from mistakes–you can reflect on what you learned from the mistake and apply it to trying again.
*Take risks–you can experience not living in “a box”, but to expand your vision for yourself, your potential and your world.
*Learn more–you can begin to “stick to it” and keep working confidently until the task is complete.
*Seek feedback–you can start to see criticism as supporting your learning.
*Put forth effort–you can start to enjoy the process of getting good at something.
*Take challenges head on–with having a growth mindset you can look forward to challenges instead of fear them.

How to apply a growth mindset, here are some things to get you started:

*Embrace the use of “yet”. This word can be powerful in moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. For example:
I don’t understand it…yet
I don’t know…yet
I can’t figure it out…yet

*Instead of: It’s good enough
Try: Is this really my best work?

*Instead of: I hate making mistakes
Try: Mistakes help me improve

*Instead of: This is too hard
Try: This may take some time and effort so I will keep trying

*Instead of: I can’t make this any better.
Try: What am I missing?

*Instead of: I give up
Try: I will keep trying

*Instead of: They’re ruining my day!
Try: Where am I going to choose joy?

We encourage you to put a growth mindset into practical practice every day, and see how your focus, energy, optimism changes. God’s word has a lot to say about this concept:
“The mouth of the righteous bring forth skillful and Godly wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut down.” Proverbs 10:31
“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
“I want to enjoy life and see good days, so I keep my tongue free from evil and my lips from deceit.” 1 Peter 3:10

Respectfully submitted:

Pam Stinchcomb, LMSW