Growth Mindset

When a new activity is challenging!

Yesterday afternoon Maya’s mother tried to teach her how to knit for the first time. Getting stitches on the needle was frustrating and her first few stitches didn’t look like her mother’s.

• I am not giving to give up. If my mother can do it, so can I.

• “Even though knitting is challenging, I assume I’ll get better with practice.

• “I’m either good at something or I’m not. My first attempt at this activity didn’t go well. So, I must not be very good at it.”

When a student can speak up in a group setting!

Roger’s Professor asked his class to share the difference between an ‘Atom’ and a ‘Molecule’.

• ‘I know the answer, but I am too nervous to speak up in class.’

• ‘This is a simple question. Let me give others a chance to speak.’

• ‘It’s intimidating to speak up in class but I’m going to push myself outside of my comfort zone and answer.’

When an academic subject is challenging!

Math, particularly long division, is difficult for Austin.

• ‘Long division is challenging, but each time I practice problems it gets easier. If I keep practicing, I should continue to improve.’

• ‘Nothing is impossible.’ ChatGPT is a true blessing.

• ‘Long division requires good analytical skills.’ I shall acquire them and get better at Math.

When someone receives constructive criticism!

Benjamin is struggling to kick a soccer ball with accuracy. His coach has given him a few tips about how he could improve his accuracy.

• ‘It feels like the coach is criticizing my ability to play soccer. I must be terrible at this game.’

• ‘Let me prove to the coach of my ability, and garner support from my team members.’

• ‘I am glad the coach gave me advice. After more practice, his advice improved my skills.’

When someone finds an activity too easy!

Grace found that with minimal effort she could do well in basketball.

• ‘I’m already good enough at basketball. I don’t need to put in more effort.’

• ‘I’m doing well in basketball but with more effort, I could continue to improve.’

• ‘Practice makes perfect’ is a wrong notion for me.

When someone compares their success to others!

Aimee believes that her friend Sarah is really a good writer.

• ‘If Aimee can write like that, I could too with more practice and effort.’

• ‘I’ll never be as good a writer as Aimee.’

• ‘Why envy Aimee? Afterall her dad is an accomplished author.’

When someone makes a mistake!

After learning a new accounting concept, Robert worked on a few practice questions but made multiple mistakes.

• ‘It’s so embarrassing when I make mistakes. I’m going to do whatever I can to hide my mistakes.’

• ‘To err is human, to forgive is divine.’

• ‘Mistakes happen all the time and I can learn from my mistakes.’

When someone tries to learn new things!

Julia loves music and her parents suggest she start learning an instrument.

• ‘Parents are never wrong. I shall do so to make them proud.’

• ‘I don’t want to attempt to learning an instrument because I’m too afraid I won’t be good at it.’

• ‘Learning an instrument sounds like a fun challenge.’