How to Add a Little “Yet” to Your Life

How to Add a Little “Yet” to Your Life

Did you figure it out last week? Do you have a growth mindset? Do you believe you can learn, and improve your skills, and overcome obstacles as they come? Hopefully you do, but if you’re not sure, or if you’ve decided you don’t, we can fix that!

To make it more complex, it’s actually possible to have a growth mindset in some areas while having a fixed mindset in others. Some people might believe that they can learn and adapt in certain areas, such as in their career or in their health and fitness, but the same individuals might have a fixed mindset when it comes to their artistic abilities. They might believe that artistic talent is innate and cannot be developed through effort. In their art, they may avoid creative challenges to maintain the perception of being naturally gifted with what they can already do, without actually trying new or difficult things. (This is just an example, but if you feel like you do well in some areas of your life, but have felt more stuck and defeated in others, maybe this information is helpful!) 

If we’re lacking some of that resilience and self confidence, can we develop a growth mindset? 

The good news is mindset is not static. If there are areas you need some work in, you can certainly help yourself develop a better mindset. Dr. Carol Dweck, whom I’ve talked about before, says we can also have a shift in mindset over time or in different life stages, and that individuals can definitely cultivate this more productive way of thinking and approaching life. 

We can also help others in our sphere of influence develop a growth mindset. Children are especially moldable, and there is so much we can do to help them understand and believe they are flexible, resilient, and capable of reaching their goals. For our children, and sometimes for our family and friends, we can provide encouragement and support for their efforts and creativity rather than their outcomes. We can offer constructive feedback, emphasizing their potential for learning and progress rather than judgments of their ability. And of course we can praise their persistence and optimism as they pursue goals. We can model a growth mindset ourselves, and make sure they know it’s okay to make mistakes, and that it’s part of the process. 

Remember that the inventor, Thomas Edison, made thousands of unsuccessful attempts before finding the right filament material and design for a long-lasting electric light bulb. However, it's important to note that Edison didn't see these attempts as failures, but rather as steps toward discovering what didn't work, bringing him closer to finding what did work. This mindset reflects his persistence and determination in the face of challenges, embodying the essence of a growth mindset.

Have you ever heard of “The Power of Yet?” Dr. Dweck gave an amazing TED talk about this, and shared this little story: 

“I heard about a high school in Chicago where students had to pass a certain number of courses to graduate, and if they didn't pass a course, they got the grade "Not Yet." And I thought that was fantastic, because if you get a failing grade, you think, I'm nothing, I'm nowhere. But if you get the grade "Not Yet," you understand that you're on a learning curve. It gives you a path into the future.” 

We can all benefit from this concept. The next time we’re tempted to throw in the towel and complain about how we can’t get the hang of something, or can’t overcome a hurdle, maybe we should try to say “I just haven’t learned how to do this yet.” Wouldn’t it be great if that was a child’s (or an adult’s) self-talk instead of putting themselves down for being incapable or unsuccessful on their first or second attempt? Try applying “The Power of Yet” to your own life, and your own areas of struggle, and see what can improve. 

We are not the static, limited beings we’ve believed, but are capable of amazing things! What are some other ways we can develop, strengthen, or extend a growth mindset to areas where we may not currently feel capable?

We can embrace challenges. We should see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats. We can all approach new tasks with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, even if they seem difficult at first.

We can realize that the lack of success does not equal failure. We should view setbacks and failures as learning experiences rather than evidence of fixed limitations. Analyze what went wrong, identify lessons learned, and use that knowledge to improve in the future.

We can focus on the process. We should recognize that sustained effort and practice are essential for mastery in any field, and remember that if we are learning and growing along the way, no effort is ever wasted. Persistence, resilience, and adaptation are our tools, and new experiences, skills, and knowledge are the prizes. A love of learning and curiosity about the world around us is so much more valuable than constantly “achieving” things that aren’t even a challenge.

We can cultivate a positive mindset. We should all practice positive self-talk and affirmations to counter negative thoughts and self-doubt. Replace fixed mindset beliefs with statements that reinforce growth and potential.

We can seek feedback and support. Our progress will be more rapid when we’re open to feedback from others and use it as an opportunity for growth. Surrounding ourselves with supportive mentors, coaches, and peers who encourage and challenge us can help us reach our full potential instead of settling for “good enough.”

So where are you limiting yourself? Are your limits protective, or are they fear-based? What part of your life could be so much better than it is now? Come chat with me during my free office hours on Facebook every 2nd and 4th Saturday at 11 AM MST, or contact me on my website, and let me help you break down some of those barriers!