Developing a Growth Mindset

Growth mindset has become a popular phrase, you hear it everywhere. Phrases and words like empower, achieve, data-driven and growth mindset have infiltrated our vocabulary and culture. But the question begs, what is a growth mindset?

Quite simply, a growth mindset is a mind which is open to learning. A mind which allows beliefs and thoughts to be challenged believes there can always be a better solution. A mind which is not so stuck in its own way of thinking is open to new ideas and thoughts. So how is a growth mindset different than simply learning?

When we learn something, say how to ride a bicycle, we are learning a skill. Sometimes we learn a skill to appease others, or because we are keeping up with our peers. Rarely do we learn a skill because we want to be fundamentally better people. Becoming a better person means learning new ideas, accepting that our beliefs may not be correct, or learning to accept a person with differing beliefs.

Developing a growth mindset means we are learning new ideas and beliefs, we are accepting the fact that what we believe may be wrong, or that our ideas and beliefs may change. This requires a large dose of humility, humbleness, confidence, and self-esteem. Without the confidence to enter into a world of learning, growth, and change, without the self-esteem needed to hold on to who we are, to our authentic person while undergoing this change, without the humility and humbleness to admit we don’t know it all, we cannot grow.

Taking the first step toward a growth mindset is the hardest. This is the step most stop at because admitting we may be wrong, or that our current beliefs are based on a lack of knowledge and understanding would indicate our admittance to not being perfect. Some would see this as turning our backs on our heritage, family, and culture. Others would see this as the first step in equalization of all. No matter how you see it, growing, learning, bettering yourself is never renouncing your family and heritage.

Once you have made the decision to take this first step, to allow your thoughts and beliefs to be challenged, you must cultivate a support system composed of others, in different stages, on this same journey. People who are willing to introduce you to new thoughts and beliefs, to help you process what you learn. Choosing to develop your mind, to learn more, is a journey which requires patience and support.

As with all journeys, knowing where you would like to end, what your goal is, will help you remain focused and motivated. Ask yourself what you are hoping to achieve, is it a new perspective, a better understanding of a problem or different culture, or simply to learn a new idea? This will help you create a plan with daily action steps.

When you can create a plan with one to two daily action steps, achieving your goal is more effective. For some, looking down the path, to the end, is simply too overwhelming. Focus instead on the few things you can do today to achieve your goal. This may be reading an article a day, reading a chapter in a book, having a conversation with someone. Or it could be moments of reflection, processing and understanding, and even rest. Our brains require rest to truly grow, enjoying an afternoon nap is a part of having a growth mindset.

No matter what your overall goal, create a plan designed to help you be successful. Understand you will stumble along the way, encounter roadblocks, and some days feel too exhausted to keep going. These are the moments your support system will help. Pursue new ideas and better understandings of beliefs with vigor.

Sincerely,

Sara O