Growth mindsets take work. They require patience and diligence with the process. Ricci (2021) aptly said that while we are busy planning, God laughs. That is not an overnight process for us or those under our leadership. Helping them to have flexibility and a positive attitude will go a long way. I appreciated Ricci’s (2021) personal experience shared about her child. She aided them in having a positive outlook by using the simple illustration of a glass of water. A half-empty glass still has value. I have to apply that. While my current school rejected my proposal for leadership, another school is willing to interview me for the position. It may turn out that the latter school will be a better fit.
While it may seem like a time waster or time hog, teaching students and parents about the brain could aid a student’s progress more than we think. I am thankful for the various ways that Ricci (2021) showed us how to do this. There is no need to turn it into a large-scale science lesson. Just a few select parts will aid students and parents in understanding how the brain, like a muscle, can be trained and cared for to have optimum growth.
Displaying a complete growth mindset within us will be paramount to helping others. Perts Mindset kit (n.d.) stresses knowing yours before you can assist others. I now realize that there are things I have allowed to create a mental roadblock. It is hypocritical and unproductive, aiding others past something I cannot overcome. I need to address those roadblocks.
Stanford Alumni (2014) interview with Carol Dweck reminded us that there are people better than us. Do not get mad, do not become intimidated, but go and learn from them. Sometimes I have been intimidated by others who excel in something I do not do well in. The irony is that I would tell my students to lar from them. But with that interview, I got the reminder. That is one of those fixed mindset moments I mentioned earlier that becomes a roadblock to success. But that is life. Dwek said we will never be there fully. We are all a work in progress (Standford Alumni, 2014).
Growth mindsets are worth the work involved. Put in the time and energy required. If someone is not on board, display a growth mindset with them. Believe they can change. Believe that your students want to succeed with a growth mindset. Believe that the parents will support you with education. And finally, believe that you can make a difference.