Ready for positive change, but aren’t sure where to begin? You’re not alone! Diving into the deep end can be overwhelming. There’s so much unknown, and even if you’re unfulfilled, there’s comfort in certainty. The growth mindset activities below will help you shift your mindset. They can be utilized to inspire the curiosity and resilience required for growth.
Before we dive in, let’s define what a growth mindset is, and what it isn’t.
What is a Growth Mindset?
When words hit buzz-worthy status, their true meaning is often misconstrued. Carol Dweck, a psychologist and pioneering researcher in the study of mindset, coined the terms “growth mindset” and “fixed mindset”.
Growth Mindset
The belief that you develop talents through hard work, good strategy, and input from others.
Fixed Mindset
The belief that your talents are innate gifts, and that your gifts are all you need to succeed.
Dweck’s research shows that those who learn the basics of neuroplasticity are higher achievers. Neuroplasticity is the understanding that the repetitious nature of practice and hard work creates new neural pathways.
In other words, it will get easier, and you will improve!
Real-Life Example #1 Dweck’s Math Study
In one study, Dweck and her team taught 12 and 13-year-old students who struggled in math about brain plasticity. Not only did their grades improve over the next 2 years, but they also surpassed the high achievers in their class!
This was groundbreaking, as the former mindset was that if you struggle with math (or any skill) today, you’ll always struggle.
You can learn more about Dweck’s work in her TED Talk The Power of Yet.
Real-Life Example #2 Babe Ruth
“Never let the fear of striking out get in the way.” Babe Ruth
Best known for his decades-long 714 home run record, Ruth initially held another record. The highest number of strikeouts! He held the record for the highest number of strikeouts per season for almost a decade.
Ruth kept at it and is one of the greatest of all times.
Real-Life Example #3 Thomas Edison
Did you know that it took Thomas Edison 10,000 tries until his lightbulb worked? Here’s what he had to say about it:
“I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” Thomas Edison
Most of your hard work won’t go down in history or make you famous like Dweck, Ruth, and Edison, but it can change your life. When you make positive changes in your life, you’ll inspire those around you. The ripple effect will flow out well beyond what you’ll ever know!
Is Your Mindset Fixed?
Before we explore growth mindset activities to get you heading in the right direction, there’s one more factor to consider.
Your mindset isn’t one or the other, it’s both. Or it could be completely fixed. However, it’s not possible to be 100% geared towards growth in all areas of life. Most importantly, you don’t need to be.
For example, if you don’t enjoy cooking, there’s no reason to work harder at it. Instead, find a few easy recipes and go-to restaurants and delis.
On the flip side, if you wish you had chef-worthy skills, work at it. Watch online cooking videos, take a live cooking class, and cook with friends and family.
So, look at each area of your personal and professional life to consider if you’re fixed or growth-oriented. Also, consider the value of growth in each area. If it’s not keeping you from your goals or heart’s desire, invest your time where you want to grow.
What Growth Mindset Isn’t?
A growth mindset isn’t optimism or toxic positivity, it’s resilience.
Ask yourself these 5 questions to determine your resilience in the area you aim to develop:
- Do you quit when things get hard?
- When you fail, do you give up or explore new ways?
- Do you ask for help and seek constructive feedback?
- Do you have a hard time accepting feedback and new opinions?
- Do you see when it’s not working and it’s time to adapt?
5 Growth Mindset Activities for Adults
The growth mindset activities below may not be related to your desired area of development, but they serve as a foundation. They expand your curiosity, develop your resilience, and inspire experimentation.
#1 Ask Why
The younger we are, the more we are curious. If you’ve spent any time around children ages 2 to 5, you may be familiar with the phase of the endless “why”. Why do birds have wings? Why do birds need to fly? Why do birds need legs if they have wings?
As we grow, we’re pressured to “know”, and often, to not ask questions. Start asking why to reignite your curiosity. Especially when you feel stuck.
#2 Learn Something New
You’re sure to have a thing or two you’ve always wanted to learn or try. Now’s the time! Learning something new will remind you that challenge is part of the process. Include DIY learning, such as watching YouTube videos, taking a pre-recorded course, or reading a book. However, learning with an instructor introduces constructive feedback.
If you’re a natural at your new skill it will boost your confidence and give you a positive win. Your win can inspire you in all areas.
#3 Write It Down
From journaling to brainstorming, writing out your to-do list, and keeping a paper planner—put pen (or pencil) to paper. This might not be the popular choice in our increasingly digital world, but research shows that writing activates the brain in ways that typing doesn’t.
Writing things down can improve:
- Clarity and focus
- Memory and recall
- Efficiency and productivity
- Your understanding of things
#4 Play
Play might be unexpected, but it’s one of the most powerful growth mindset activities. Playing is something that we lose as the pressure to “adult” sets in. However, play of any kind introduces:
- Joy
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Innovation
- And more
From playing with your kids to game night, smartphone apps, sports, mindfulness coloring pages, your favorite art or craft, and hobbies of every kind. As long as it’s something you enjoy, it can activate growth.
#5 Recall The Benefits of Past Failures
Even if it’s just a bullet point list, take a trip down failure memory lane. But the more detailed the better!
Recall the challenges and roadblocks and how you overcame them. If you didn’t identify a way to overcome it, consider the lessons you learned. If you haven’t yet, consider what you’d do differently next time around.
As long as there’s something to be learned, it’s not a failure—it’s just part of the process!
Ready to Grow?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Neale Donald Walsch
Positive change is achieved by those who continue to put in effort when things get tough. Even after they fail. They focus less on the challenge or failure, and more on what they can learn. Try one or all of the growth mindset activities above, or come up with your own!
About Tommy Turner:
Entrepreneur and author Tommy Turner brings over three decades of experience inspiring others through his journey in the piano industry, online marketing, stock trading, and motivational writing.
For more about Tommy’s journey and work, visit the about page, drop a line on the contact page or leave a comment in the comments section.
