GROWTH MINDSET PLAN
by Ayla Rightenour
Why is the Growth Mindset important?
I believe the growth mindset is essential because it helps you learn new things and helps keep negative thoughts at bay. We're our own worst critics, and sometimes there are things I feel like I'm not good enough for. This is where I need to get myself out of that fixed mindset trap and move on to the growth mindset.
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Those with a growth mindset find it easier to take on those complex challenges that many with a fixed mindset would avoid. By getting out of that comfort zone, we become more open to feedback that can help us learn new skills and gain knowledge. Having a growth mindset helps build confidence, and those learners can improve.
I like to try new things
I don't enjoy challenges
Mistakes help me learn and grow
I can always find a way to solve a problem if I keep trying
I haven't mastered this yet, but I'm willing to try
I'm not good at this, and there's no point in trying
I avoid tasks that I find difficult
I'll never be able to improve, so why bother trying
How to change from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset
Scott Jeffrey (2024) explains that it is possible to change mindsets by focusing on awareness, intention, and practice. He emphasizes that changing your mindset begins with recognizing your current thoughts and beliefs. Once you are aware of your fixed mindset triggers, you can intentionally choose to replace those thoughts with growth-oriented ones.
He states, “A mindset is a set of beliefs or a way of thinking that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations.” This means that by changing your beliefs, you can change how you react to challenges. Additionally, Jeffrey suggests that “by practicing a new mindset consistently, it can become your default way of thinking.” This involves actively engaging in new thought patterns and behaviors over time, helping you to cultivate a growth mindset that embraces learning and resilience.
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With my students, I would start by helping them recognize the moments when they think, "I'm not good at this" or "I'll never understand coding." After a challenging lesson, I plan to ask questions like, "What thoughts came up when you found something difficult today?". This will help the students identify their fixed mindset, and we can work through it.
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I plan to teach students that they can choose their reactions to tough situations. I would ask questions like, "What would happen if you tried one more time?" This would give them the choice to enter the growth mindset.
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Show students the power of yet. Students will learn to give growth-oriented responses to their fixed mindset thoughts. When a student says, "I'll never get this coding thing," I would encourage them to say, "I haven't gotten this coding thing yet." Teaching the power of yet can give students a new outlook on their assignments.
Finally, I would encourage students to "try one more thing" whenever they feel the need to give up. For instance, if they're working through a coding exercise, I encourage them to explore one more possible solution before asking for help. They will then learn that their persistence and effort will pay off.
The 4 Steps
Step 1: Learn to hear your fixed mindset “voice.”
Step 2: Recognize that you have a choice.
Step 3: Talk back to it with a growth mindset voice.
Step 4: Take the growth mindset action.
Growth Mindset Influence
How will the growth mindset influence or impact the way you approach your work in this course and the program?
I plan to have a growth mindset in this program by seeing every challenge as a chance to learn and get better. Even when things get tough (like this mindset plan, for example), I will foster that growth mindset and tackle each topic with an open mind. Instead of feeling defeated by mistakes or setbacks, I will see them as standard parts of the learning process. Each project or paper will help me learn more and become better.
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I plan on staying in the growth mindset after college, too. It's going to be a lifelong journey. This perspective relieves a lot of pressure and excites me to learn new things.
Helpful Media & Links
Conclusion
When we practice being aware of our thoughts, asking ourselves questions about how we can get better, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, we are building a supportive environment around us. It's time to follow the path to growth.
By believing in ourselves, supporting each other, and remembering that every mistake is just a stepping stone to success. We can learn and grow together. So let’s embrace challenges, keep trying, and remind each other that we can always improve.
References
Jeffrey, S. (n.d.). How to Change Your Mindset from Fixed to Growth: A Definitive Guide. CEOsage. https://scottjeffrey.com/how-to-change-your-mindset/
Dweck, C. S., Ph.D., & Holmes, N. (2017). Two Mindsets [Photograph]. https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/Impact
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
[Stanford Alumni]. Dweck, C. S. (2014, October 9). Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hiiEeMN7vbQ?si=5Mo0gEUwYcxWgb3S
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​[Sprouts]. (2016, April 15). Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/KUWn_TJTrnU?si=7_-PyLZsNSuNWI1K