Adopt a Growth Mindset

June 5, 2018 Off By Deby Jizi

This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way— in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments— everyone can change and grow through application and experience. –Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Carol Dweck, PhD

Many people look at talent in others and say, “I wish I could do that, but I just don’t have the talent.” When we see an athlete who seems to effortlessly glide through the motions, it is talent that gets most of the credit. The truth is that many people who have succeeded beyond many of our wildest dreams weren’t recognized as talented. Genius inventor Thomas Edison was considered mentally lacking by his headmaster and teachers. Basketball legend, Michael Jordan, was cut from his high school team in his sophomore year.

We look to the Mozarts and Michelangelos of the world, and sigh in resignation. If only, we think. If only we had been born with that kind of talent.

Many say the same about Vincent van Gogh, though his art was not recognized in his lifetime, and his early attempts were unspectacular. Below is one of his early drawings.

Stories like Rocky, a fighter underdog who through sheer will and effort becomes a world champion, are flukes we believe. Sometimes stories like Rocky boost us up, and for a moment we believe we can overcome the odds, but when the going gets tough, we throw in the towel.

Recently a film was made of a popular socialite who loved to sing, Florence Foster Jenkins. Ms. Foster Jenkins, played by Meryl Streep, has a voice that can shatter glass and ear drums. She, we believe, is like most of us. She had money but no talent. She didn’t improve though she had the best teachers. However, her lack of talent was not the main problem. Florence was surrounded by people who wanted to protect her feelings. They had a fixed mindset about singing talent, so Florence was praised for her out of tune, screechy voice. She was encouraged to keep singing as she was, and no one dared tell her the truth. Result-she did not get better.

Having a growth mindset requires us to see that we will fall short of our goals. We have to take note of where we need to improve. We don’t want or need people who are out to boost our egos. Constructive criticism is our friend. Feedback and reflection are key ingredients in our success.

Stanford psychologist, Carol Dweck, says our mindset is key to getting what we want out of life:

“For twenty years, my research has shown that the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life. It can determine whether you become the person you want to be and whether you accomplish the things you value.”

If we want to grow and learn, perhaps change something in our lives, it is imperative that we adopt and learn how to have a growth mindset. Doing so will help us through the rough patches because we will expect them. We no longer believe in luck or natural talent alone.

In my journey to Whole Health in Mind, Body, and Spirit, I have already met numerous obstacles, and I have fallen short of my goals time and again. That is why the Zen proverb, “Fall down seven times, get up eight,” applies to the growth mindset. With this mindset, I know that with practice, commitment, and experience, I will reach my goals. So can you.

Peace and Joy,