11 Put the Growth Mindset Into Practice

Growth mindset beliefs:

• Intelligence is not fixed, but it can be developed over time;
• Difficult tasks are worth pursuing;
• Feedback, even if it offers correction, is beneficial to support future growth.

Fixed mindset beliefs:

• Intelligence is fixed, and cannot be changed;
• If a task is difficult, it should be discontinued;
• Negative feedback should be avoided or minimized.

If you have discovered that you have a fixed mindset, consider how changing your thinking toward a growth mindset can influence your opportunities for successful learning and growth.

1. Adjust your self-talk. A key sentence to remember is “I can’t do it—yet.” Consider feedback as information to help you as you continue to grow towards a goal, not as a final evaluation of your ability to learn and achieve.
2. Respond to feedback differently. Rather than viewing feedback as criticism of who you are, consider feedback as an opportunity to grow.
3. Rather than quitting when you face setbacks, use them as an opportunity to adjust your approach. You may be learning that your current approach to learning is not leading to the success you desire. Seek out support from others, and try new ways of learning. Setbacks are an opportunity to learn about yourself and to discover what ways of working will be most effective for you.
4. Embrace challenging opportunities. Though it may at first seem easier to avoid situations that might be difficult or perhaps risk failure, embracing challenges leads to success in the long term. Consider how accepting challenges will help you become the person you want to be in the future.^[1]

License & Attribution

Adapted from University 101: Study, Strategize and Succeed © 2018 by Kwantlen Polytechnic University, which is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. Any changes to the original chapter can be found in the Appendix.