Mindsets Matter
Your mindset plays a critical role in how you cope with life’s challenges. In school, a growth mindset can contribute to greater achievement and increased effort. When facing a problem such as trying to find a new job, people with growth mindsets show greater resilience. They are more likely to persevere in the face of setbacks while those with fixed mindsets are more liable to give up. Parents can also take steps to ensure that their children develop growth mindsets, often through praising efforts rather than focusing solely on results.
For example, instead of telling children that they are “so smart,” a parent might commend a child for their hard work on a project and describe what they like the most about the child’s efforts (“I really like how you chose the colors for that picture!”).
By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, parents can help children understand that their efforts, hard work and dedication can lead to change, learning and growth both now and in the future.
Mindset Activity
Use this activity to help you think about incorporating your own growth mindset into activities where you have a hard time seeing personal improvement. Consider how your attitudes about your own strengths and challenges are influencing messages you share with youth.
Growth Mindset Activity (English)
Growth Mindset Activity (Spanish)
