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- Growth Mindset
Hello! Welcome to this edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to well-being—one newsletter at a time. This week, we’re exploring the transformative power of a Growth Mindset, a perspective that helps us embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously grow as individuals.
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One relevant recommendation:
Try a “Yet” Mindset: When you catch yourself saying, “I can’t do this,” add the word yet. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good at public speaking,” try saying, “I’m not good at public speaking yet.” This small shift reminds you that skills can be developed with time and effort.
Two quotes on Mistakes and Perseverance:
Carol Dweck, the psychologist who coined the term Growth Mindset, believes in the power of perseverance:
"Love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning."
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, emphasised resilience:
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Three TherapyShorts from TST
Mistakes as Stepping Stones: It’s a game changer to remember that mistakes are not the end of the road—they are part of the journey. It’s what makes us human. For instance, if you mess up at work, instead of feeling defeated, analyse what went wrong and how you can approach things differently next time.
Focus on the Effort, Not the Outcome: A growth mindset values effort over results. Hence it prioritises the journey throughout the way instead of rushing to the destination. For example, if you’re training for a marathon, celebrate every practice run, regardless of your pace or distance. Recognising effort builds confidence and persistence.
Seek Constructive Feedback: Growth often comes from others’ perspectives. Ask for honest feedback and view it as an opportunity to improve. The only caveat here is that people you’re asking should genuinely care about your growth too and not be looking at you as a means to an end (aka company profits). For example, if a mentor suggests you refine a project, consider their insights as tools for growth rather than criticism.
A QUESTION?
What helps you nurture a growth mindset?
Learning from mistakes
Celebrating small wins
Staying open to feedback
Keeping a “yet” attitude
Our most popular answer last week for the question what’s your biggest time management challenge was… *(drumroll please)* - saying no to distractions.
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
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