Developing A Growth Mindset
What is a Growth Mindset?
Growth mindset is a popular term that talks about how we perceive life and what we believe about ourselves and our experiences. A growth mindset allows us to identify our strengths and abilities and to use those beliefs to help us work through tough times. This is an important skill for both parents and children as it creates a stronger sense of self-worth and promotes positive mental health. This is different than a fixed mindset, which says that things will never change or improve.
Example:
Fixed mindset: I didn’t graduate high school. I’ll never get a good job.
Growth mindset: I haven’t graduated high school yet. After I do, I’ll get a good job.
Benefits of having a Growth Mindset
- Your perspective can shift to view challenges as opportunities to grow
- You can push past barriers and reach your full potential in life
- Being more receptive to feedback can help you learn and grow in your skillsets
- You may experience less stress and more success
- Your relationships and social network can grow stronger
- Your overall physical and mental health may improve
- You can reach your goals and help others do the same
Growth Mindset & Personal Goals
Whether you are working towards finishing school, starting a career, or being the best version of yourself, a growth mindset is an excellent tool to have. It is recognizing that everything we achieve in life takes time and dedication, but also knowing that we are capable of achieving anything that we set our minds to! A growth mindset may be realizing every test that you pass or every milestone that you reach gets you closer to reaching your desired goals and becoming who you want to be. Knowing that you are capable and deserving of living the life that you have dreamed of is the first step towards shifting your mindset and setting yourself and your family up for success!
Parenting with a Growth Mindset
Parenting itself is tough! As parents we want the best for our children and sometimes we forget about ourselves. Parenting with a growth mindset is important for our own well-being as well as modeling positive coping mechanisms for our children. Know that you are always growing as a parent and it is never too late to be the parent you want to be. As a parent this may look like acknowledging that your child may not have hit a milestone yet, but they are growing more and more everyday. It can also be realizing that your coparenting relationship may not be where you want it to be right now, but you love your child(ren), have their best interests in mind, and you are capable of coparenting!
Ways to practice a Growth Mindset
- Recognize that no one is perfect and imperfections allow you to learn
- Start viewing challenges that you face as opportunities to learn and grow
- Take time to reflect on yourself, your mindset, your successes, and the journey
- Speak positivity into your life. This may include affirmations or even writing down statements that remind you that you are capable and growing
- Build a support network. Learn from others who are doing things that you want to do and be receptive to feedback from trusted individuals
- Model a growth mindset for others. It’s okay to not always do it perfectly, but know that your children are watching and learning from you everyday!
