At Empowered we believe the purpose of education is to help every student discover their innate abilities, develop them into valued skills, and apply them to create value. A critical piece on the journey of becoming the best you can be for yourself – and others – is a growth mindset.
Often, we fail to see the pluses of not arriving at our perceived goal. When and if we do succeed, we focus on the outcome instead of the steps that got us there. That diligence along the way is the difference.
Lindsay Schroeder
Who has the growth mindset? You can see it in those that embrace challenges, persevere through obstacles, see failure as an opportunity for growth, learn from criticism, and get inspired by the success of others. It comes to life in our actions and in what we say. Significantly, when we really need the right perspective is in tougher moments. However, with a closed mindset, we fail to see the pluses of not succeeding. When we only regret not arriving at our goal – we see only the negative. Instead . . . we focus only on the outcome instead of how we got there.
At School. At Work. At Home.
For example, I may tell my pre-school-aged son “You are so smart, you can count to twenty!” which is innately focusing on the outcome. What I should really be highlighting is his effort and perseverance to learn to count to twenty. He’s doing great with numbers, but I have work to do in developing my growth mindset on what I am praising and why. It is a journey that I am proud to be on because I am yet to be the best version of myself.
So, what does this self belief – for educators and/or students – mean for Empowered’s work to help transform education? It means we believe in people. That every person is valued and worthy of dignity and respect. We believe each person can grow to develop their talents to overcome both seen and unseen barriers and reach their full potential.
Educators play a critical role in shifting student mindsets. Classroom professionals with a “growth” perspective believe:
I can grow – resulting in change-making entrepreneurial behavior
My students can grow – taking an individualized approach to education, helping each student discover, develop, and apply their talents
Society can grow – rejecting zero-sum thinking and becoming dedicated to a society of mutual benefit
But do not forget to develop your own positive approach. It will help you as a person, teacher or – in my example – as a parent.
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