1. Fixed Mindset V/S Growth Mindset
1. Fixed Mindset V/S Growth Mindset
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Explain the role of growth mindset in dealing with challenges and mistakes
Explain the role of growth mindset in dealing with challenges and mistakes
Do you remember the term ‘neuroplasticity’ that you were introduced to in grade 3? Let’s recap it! Neuroplasticity is the brain's capacity to develop and change over the course of a person's lifetime.
Earlier it was believed that our brains only developed in early childhood. However the latest research suggests that the brain continues to grow even as we age. The fact is that our brains are dynamic. We can create neural pathways in our brains that strengthen and increase our intelligence through consistent practices and challenges1.
Let’s watch this video to see how neuroplasticity works inside our brains:
Vid 1.1 The brain and neuroplasticity2
So does that mean we can actually get smarter, learn and change if we rewire our brain? Yes, absolutely - we just need to make sure we have the right mindset! Let’s see how!
Story Time: Twins and the Triumph of Practice
Story Time: Twins and the Triumph of Practice
Sita and Gita were twins who loved doing everything together. They excelled at everything they tried their hand at except for Math. They would get scared of numbers and felt like crying when they had to sit and do their maths homework or study for a test. Sita exclaimed, “I am just going to give up - I’ll never be good at maths.”
Gita wanted to give up too but she remembered what her teacher said in class - “If you practise - your neurons in the brain fire up and you can get good at anything.”
Gita continued to practise her maths problems and even asked her older brother for help while Sita decided to paint instead.
A few days later when they had a Math test, Gita was ecstatic because she got an A+. Sita was shocked too and asked Gita, “How did that happen? We both find maths difficult” Gita reminded her that she never gave up and continued to practise with their brother’s help. She told Sita she would help her too now that she’s getting better.
A fixed mindset is a belief that your abilities are fixed and that you cannot grow your brain. If you can’t do or understand something immediately, you will never get it3. When someone has a fixed mindset, they believe that we are either born with certain intelligences and talents or we are not.
When someone has a fixed mindset, they4:
A growth mindset is a belief that you can get better at anything and grow your brain with effort and the right learning strategies3. When someone has a growth mindset, they believe that with effort and perseverance they can get better at anything.
When someone has a growth mindset, they4:
People are not born with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. It is an attitude we develop over time based on our experiences and surroundings. We may even notice that people have a fixed mindset in some aspects of their lives but a growth mindset in another4. A fixed mindset and growth mindset however do affect how we approach things in our lives especially when it gets difficult. Let’s take a deeper look at the difference between fixed mindset and growth mindset.
Vid 1.2 Fixed Mindset V/S Growth Mindset5
Play this game to deepen your understanding of the difference between fixed and growth mindset:
Across all age groups, in every part of the world, people are talking about building a growth mindset because it has so many benefits!
In the vibrant world of sports, there exists a shining star named Neeraj Chopra, who has not only clinched the Olympic gold medal in javelin but also earned numerous prestigious awards and honours. Yet, behind his glittering success lies an extraordinary mindset that propelled him to the pinnacle of his sport: a growth mindset.
During a revealing interview, Neeraj's coach shared an inspiring tale from his early training days. When Neeraj embarked on his javelin journey, he found himself surrounded by senior athletes who outperformed him. It would have been easy for him to feel discouraged, but Neeraj chose a different path. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a mission to improve his skills, even if it meant enhancing his throws by just a single centimetre. Kashinath Naik, Neeraj's coach from 2015 to 2017, marvelled at his pupil's mindset, declaring, "There may be athletes who are technically better than him but his mentality is hard to match."
In the year 2019, a setback occurred in Neeraj's journey. An injury cast a shadow over his aspirations. Nevertheless, Neeraj didn't let adversity deter him. He adapted his training regimen to ease the burden on his throwing arm, ensuring he remained well-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. His diligence and adaptability paid off in the most spectacular way possible in the year 2020 when he proudly seized the Olympic Gold Medal.
Neeraj's story serves as a shining example of what is known as a "growth mindset." He focused on self-improvement and steadfastly practised his craft, unburdened by the fear of competition or the prospect of defeat. It reminds us all that with the right attitude and unyielding determination, we too can achieve greatness.
Source: Olympics.com
Summary:
Neuroplasticity is the brain's capacity to develop and change over the course of a person's lifetime.
A fixed mindset is a belief that your abilities are fixed and that you cannot grow your brain. If you can’t do or understand something immediately, you will never get it.
A growth mindset is a belief that you can get better at anything and grow your brain with effort and the right learning strategies.
A growth mindset supports learning, makes you more resilient, helps you gain self-confidence and improves your problem solving abilities amongst other things .
References:
References:
1 How to Explain Growth Mindset to Kids. Big Life Journal (2018) from (link)
2 Neuroplasticity. Sentis (2012) from (link)
3 Connect: The growth mindset. Khan Academy (n.d.) from (link)
4 Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset: How what you think affects what you achieve. Mindset Health (2020) from (link)
5 Fixed Mindset Vs. Growth Mindset. Bryan University (2016) from (link)
6 Enhancing Growth Mindset. Notre Dame Learning (2023) from (link)
7 Growth Mindset for Kids: Nurturing Resilience and Success in Children. Mental Health Center Kids (2023) from (link)
8 Neeraj Chopra's attitude and mentality helped him win the Olympic gold, says former coach. Olympics (2021) from (link)
8 Neeraj Chopra's attitude and mentality helped him win the Olympic gold, says former coach. Olympics (2021) from (link)
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