First and foremost, Carol Dweck’s “Mindset” is brilliant and has had a major impact on my life. Every section applied to me and I’ve implemented the mindset in all sections (sports, business, teaching, and relationships). See my previous article to learn about the growth mindset. Without further ado, I will reveal the positive experiences I’ve had because of the growth mindset.
Parenting
My older sister had a child nearly two years ago, unplanned. It is quite obvious that she’d be rushed into the mental maturity of a parent prematurely. Along with this transition came massive struggles balancing parenting and life in general. Thus far, she has put in a great amount of effort to provide for her child and maintain a relationship with her current boyfriend. Her child has been above average in size and overall mental development.
This infant is great in many fashions, however, she often throws temper tantrums and has a tendency to turn violent. Whether it is slapping your glasses off your face or pinching, it seems as though she was misguided.
Before reading Mindset, I’d often react in a disciplinary way (e.g. shouting, punishment,etc.). This would lead to further conflict and an increased distance between me and my niece.
This last week, while reading Mindset, I decided to try and teach her not to throw a fit. For example, if she randomly started crying, I’d respond with a soft “what is it that you want?” or “why are you mad?”
The responses were flabbergasting. Instead of reacting violently, my niece would use her words and end the conflict. This occurred on multiple occasions almost like I flipped a switch.
Furthermore, my niece was now more open to learning from her mistakes. Later that day, she spilled pizza sauce on her dress. Instead of springing into disappointment or discipline, I said “So you made a mess, that’s ok. Just learn to be careful next time and clean up your mess.”
I then instructed her how to clean herself up, to which she complied. In the process of one spill, I taught my niece how to rip a paper towel and dab sauce off her dress, open and close a door, and open the trash can and throw away her mess.
My response echoed through my sister’s child like magic! Appalled with these results, I shared my experience with my sister and gave her future tips for conflict.
The growth mindset caused a positive emotional response from a child on numerous occurrences, further proving its effectiveness in parenting.
Motivation
Despite being on vacation this past week, Mindset always found a way into my schedule. I mean the book was too intriguing and the results were real!
Usually, on a beautiful vacation on Jersey Shore, reading would be the extent of my productivity. However, Dweck’s growth mindset internally motivated hard work. Thus, I still wrote multiple articles, promoted my brand, and created quizzes throughout the week. Getting into a flow was much easier while writing without pressure.
Perhaps this was Dweck’s way of getting you to read the entire book.
Regardless, my productivity spiked after understanding the growth mindset. I no longer felt the need to be ‘talented’, but I felt the need to learn more and work harder.
Hopefully, such motivation will continue throughout my schooling so I can learn the most I can. As long as my growth mindset is maintained and my fixed mindsets are tamed, this should be the case.
Social Interactions
As a rather hesitant public speaker, I often omit simple questions for the sake of avoiding the “annoying” label. In wake of a new mindset, I decided to talk more to strangers and ask simple questions. Minutes ago, I stopped the flight attendant to request water while she was busy. While for many this may seem like a routine conversation, this was an ultimate internal struggle for me in the past. However, this moment was different.
It was almost like I knew that nothing in the interaction would fail. And if it did, I knew that I could improve my social skills by learning from my mistakes.
Fearlessly, I initiated the conversation and my request was accepted. Many, like me, are reluctant to speak up, even when they must utter only a short, simple phrase.
My stronger-than-ever belief in human development has allowed for a richer social life in the past days.
Increased Sympathy
Just yesterday, a fellow classmate of mine had texts exposed where he said some derogatory statements. The whole school was bashing him and reposting the texts with blurbs of disapproval.
While yes, I severely disagreed with his world views, unmercifully bullying the bully will not help him learn. What happened has passed, now we must focus on improving upon his mistakes.
Whether that is seeking professional help or just being a friend, any act of kindness should slowly start to flush out his hatred.
After all, negativity is no remedy to positivity and calling out this individual would do nothing to help the situation. A growth-minded person would seek to help him develop and learn from his mistakes. Maybe even introduce positivity to him.
Just remember that everyone has their pitfalls (some worse than others). Would you want your pitfall to be widely criticized? Or would you want assistance improving upon your mistakes?
If you don’t already, try to diffuse the growth mindset to others struggling in life!
Final Verdict
The growth mindset should be implemented into everybody’s lives immediately. The results are apparent and applicable to all areas of life.
This mindset maximizes self-improvement and gives permanent motivation. It also will strengthen your connection with others.
Limitations
The only downfall is that I cannot get enough of the growth mindset!
No, seriously. Unfortunately, there will always be aspects of your life that the fixed mindset will dominate. This is where human nature comes into play.
Also, it can be tedious from time to time implementing habits that exhibit the growth principles.
Ultimately, if you’re willing to work hard to achieve a richer lifestyle, it is available to you at easy access through Dweck’s tokened ‘growth mindset’.
If you are still interested, go pick up Mindset here by Carol Dweck and carefully read through! Happy reading!
Awesome lessons!