My Students’ Blog

Growth Mindset in the 21st Century

By Hugo Wedam

You have just gotten your job, now what? What do you need to do in order to grow and improve your situation in life? What is it that will allow you to rise high in life? This is the job of a growth mindset.

What is a growth mindset?

What is a growth mindset, and why do we even care about it? Shouldn’t we be worried about our grades or what classes to take? What is so important and significant about it?

When we were younger we knew almost nothing. After learning for years, we reached high school. When our schooling is done, we will get a job. After that is when we will find out how much of a growth mindset we have. When we get our job we will be new in the field; we will slowly find our way around. This is where the growth and the fixed mindset of people are separated. Those with the desire to grow will take opportunities that arise in order to grow and advance. They will jump headfirst into the river of uncertainty and opportunity. On the other hand, those with a fixed mindset will only learn the bare minimum without seeking improvement. 

In this generation we are facing changes that will impact the kids in ways that have not been seen before. We have kids, who due to the new culture of laziness and new restrictions, have failed to live the lifestyle that our parents had growing up. In addition to this, when they will be entering the workforce, many of the older experienced people will be leaving. This means gaps will need to be filled. This is especially prominent in farming, where the average age of farmers is almost 60. This means that soon there will be a wave of farms closing, as the farmers retire and no one comes to take their place. However, in this chaos, there is opportunity. With farming you need a growth mindset, so this will be a golden opportunity for aspiring farmers. However, this is not limited only to agriculture.

In this life, one of our goals is to live life to the fullest, to be the best version of ourselves. You will have many opportunities to grow, but it’s up to you to take them.

What is the attraction of a growth mindset?

Why would you want to grow and improve? Why couldn’t you be happy as you are? While these are valid points, the reason is that the beginning of our life is for learning what we will need in our job, later, to succeed at our job, and finally we discover how to enjoy the end of our life. We will always have to adapt to our situation.

“There is joy in growing.”

There is joy in growing and improving. In this life, one of our goals is to live life to the fullest, to be the best version of ourselves. You will have many opportunities to grow, but it’s up to you to take them.

Go here if you want more information on growth and fixed mindsets.

How do you get a growth mindset?

How can you cultivate your mind in order to improve? You may be surprised to find that thinking you can’t do something is simply an excuse you use. For example, do you have a bad memory of failure which prevents you from trying? After debunking all the reasons you have for not doing something, what is the remaining excuse? One thing to remember is that the master in anything was once a beginner; everyone has made mistakes. 

“The master in anything was once a beginner”

If you aren’t growing, you’re falling behind. The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset. The main difference between fixed and growth mindset is the fear of failure. Those who can overcome the fear will move forward; yet those who are paralyzed by it will be unable to advance. 

Everyone will fail, yet the difference is how they take that. Everyone has to face life’s challenges. One of the main differences is how you react to them. Those who can react positively, will be able to deal with it the best. The secret to life and growing is mindset. But, how does one get a good growth mindset? 

The main thing is to overcome any fear of failure. The goal is to take it one step at a time. 

Step 1: Believe

The first step is to acknowledge that anyone can improve. Many people use the excuse that they’re not smart, or dont have the skill. They forget that everyone starts out unable to walk and do basic things. It’s only after practicing for a long time that they manage to overcome the obstacles. 

Step 2: Take a positive look

The next step is to improve your mindset and take a positive look at everything around you. This is where the growth mindset really shines. The reason is that, with a growth mindset, when you fail, you learn, so there is success in failure. As long as you are trying you are growing, becoming smarter and improving your skills. Does that sound like a failure? 

Step 3: Put in time and effort

Now that you have a good mindset, it’s time to take it to the next level and start growing. All you have to do is take and make opportunities for yourself to grow. 

Step 4: Reward yourself

Pursuing a growth mindset is a lifelong process. You continue improving; it is necessary to practice moderation.

A growth mindset is something that will impact you your whole life. You don’t need to speed through this, just work on it every day, and eventually you will find that you have grown considerably. 

Here is a link to find more information on the main points of a successful mindset

Here you can find out why this is important in the 21st century.

Here is where you can find how to make your business succeed with a growth mindset.