There is a difference between self-esteem and growth mindset. After reading Carol Dweck’s Mindset and viewing her video “Developing a Growth Mindset,” it was made even clearer that how one acts, no matter how positive, does not truly reflect a growth mindset. Even a person with a fixed mindset can have an abundance of confidence. However, Dweck (2006) states that “their confidence is more fragile since setbacks and even effort can undermine it.” When a person with a fixed mindset learns something new, it can hinder their self-confidence because they place so much value on previous knowledge and ability and not wh
at they are able to learn in the process. The fixed mindset causes them to lose confidence rather than gain it. Dweck describes this as being “gripped by the tyranny of now” instead of the power of “yet” (Stanford Alumni, 2014).
The power of “yet” is the beginning of a growth mindset. While it doesn’t change everything, it is the first stepping stone to obtaining a growth mindset. Adapting this three-letter word drastically changes the way we receive negative feedback. In order to accept negative feedback, we must first be ready to receive it and understand that what we are hearing is an opportunity for growth and learning. Negative feedback does not mean that we are not capable or do not have the ability to succeed. Eduardo Briceno brings this idea to life in his TEDx video, “The Power of belief -- mindset and success.” In quoting Josh Waizkin, Briceno says, “The moment we believe that success is determined by an ingrained level of ability, we will be brittle in the face of adversity” (TEDx Talks, 2012). We are not bound by our capabilities, but I don’t think it takes just knowing this; it takes believing it to truly begin the path to a growth mindset. We have to know we aren't (fill-in-the-blank) YET.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House.
Stanford Alumni. (2014, October 9). Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck | Carol
Dweck [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ
Tedx Talks. (2012, November 18). The Power of belief -- mindset and success |Eduardo Briceno
[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc
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