Watch out for mindset blindspots!
Hey Parents!
Ready for your next Mindset workout? In Mindset Curio #1 we learned the benefits of a growth mindset, and in Mindset Curio #2 we named and tamed our fixed mindset persona. Today, Dr. Carol Dweck helps us learn to avoid some common false mindset beliefs, or mindset "blindspots."
Blindspot 1: I need to banish my fixed mindset.
When my colleagues and I initially discovered the mindset phenomenon, we believed people were predominantly of one mindset or the other. And that "growth mindset" people could magically avoid fixed mindset thinking. Wrong! We now know everybody has both mindsets. So, don't try to banish your fixed mindset. Instead, as we learned in Mindset Curio #2, work with it so it won't limit you.
Blindspot 2: I already have a growth mindset!
Sorry. Developing a growth mindset is a journey, not a proclamation. We need to practice it every day, and never think we have arrived there once and for all. Otherwise fixed mindset thinking creeps back very quickly. In fact, saying "I already have a growth mindset" may well be a sign you're concealing your fixed mindset. Instead, congratulate yourself each time you stretch out of your comfort zone by saying "I grew today!"
Growth mindset doesn't apply evenly when spread!
Our growth mindset doesn't just spread across all areas. Each area needs careful nurturing. Watch out for these two blindspots that can stunt your growth mindset in a particular area:
Blindspot 3-a: I'm not good at this, so why keep trying?
Why do we think we're not good at certain things and never will be? Probably because earlier in life we became frustrated trying to get good at them. The more we tried, the more frustrated we became. Throw in some negative feedback from a parent or teacher or boss, and eventually we stopped trying. But the missing ingredient was probably not talent. We were missing an effective strategy for how to get around the learning roadblock. So if you take a growth mindset approach and try to learn something you've struggled with in the past, do not just apply brute force. Try a radically new approach and get help from others—even recruit a mentor.
Blindspot 3-b: I'm good at this, so I don't need to keep trying!
Even in areas where we consider ourselves skilled, watch out! Fixed mindset thinking can be lurking. When we get good at something, we may get complacent, thinking we "have it" so we can coast. That's when we start to lose the creativity, passion and productivity we initially had. So instead, if you're proud of your abilities in a certain area, keep investing in them.
EXERCISE: Turn on your mindset radar
Let's use the CQ Wheel to search for some of your blindspots from #3 above. If you can develop "mindset radar" then you can detect an approaching fixed mindset before it limits your growth.
Consider your mindset in each wedge of the CQ Wheel. In Humanities how do you feel about your ability to learn foreign languages, or write creatively? Fixed or growth? In Play, what is your mindset about sports, gardening, or cooking? Are they fixed talents or abilities that can be developed?
Now rank your current abilities as low/medium/high in each wedge. Did specific people or events from your past shape your high and low ratings?
Okay, now look at the wedges where you ranked your ability as "low" or "medium." Would you be more curious about that wedge if you took a growth mindset perspective and thought you could develop your talents? Think about a radically new approach you could take, or a person you could recruit, to rekindle your curiosity in this area. Would a mentor help?
Finally, look at areas where you ranked your ability as "high." Are you still stretching yourself and taking risks? Or have you written off further learning because you think you are naturally talented there? Are you sure you know it all? Could your skills use a little sharpening? A fixed mindset could be keeping you from reaching your true potential!
Commit yourself this week to spend a) fifteen minutes rekindling your curiosity in one of your "low ability" wedges; and b) fifteen minutes "brushing off" a skill in one of your "high ability" wedges.