Perhaps one of the most valuable things I’ve learned in college is “the power of yet.” It has allowed me to adjust my mindset and see progress as successful. I am writing to share this concept with you.
Studying writing composition in English classes has introduced me to this idea of process versus product. In the context of rhetoric and composition, this refers to the theory that writing should be viewed and taught using a process-based approach, which allows students to see their work as constantly evolving, instead of working toward a final product that is permanently complete. However, this concept can also be applied to other disciplines, as well as life more generally.
A few of my professors have shown Carol Dweck’s TED Talk on growth mindset, which explains “the power of yet” in the context of education. In short, she talks about trading letter grades, putting in their place reference points for student progress. The idea behind it is that a student will feel more optimistic and keep trying if they receive the grade “not yet” than they would if they receive a failing grade. Failure feels final, while “not yet” shows them a second chance.
Carol Dweck’s psychological research behind this concept is extensive and interesting, and the TED Talk is certainly worth watching. However, for the purpose of this post, I reference this speech because it was the first insight I ever got into a growth mindset.
Growth mindset is the idea that we can all learn and improve. It is the opposite of a fixed mindset, which tells us that we are “good” or “bad” at something.
For example, if a kid feels like they are “bad” at drawing, they probably will dislike drawing. In reality, to be “good” at drawing, plenty of practice is required, but the act of practicing cannot happen if the child does not feel like they are already a failure when it comes to drawing.
On the other hand, if a kid feels like they are “good” at drawing, and they do not practice for a long time, they are not working on self-improvement. In other words, they are taking advantage of the assumption that they are “good” at it by not seeking to improve with practice. These are both extremes of a fixed mindset.
Growth mindset, however, would allow this child to understand that, no matter whether they think they are “good” or “bad” at drawing, they can always improve their skills by practicing.
In any context, this is what a growth mindset boils down to: the ability to always improve. However, it is also more forgiving than a fixed mindset, in that it allows for us to learn from our mistakes.
If we are fixed in our ways, mistakes feel like failure, and this thought process can lead to the desire to give up on ourselves in a lot of situations. The cognitive consequences of assigning an end result of “failure” to any given aspect of our lives does not feel open-ended enough to allow change in the future.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, gives us faith in ourselves, as well as the opportunity for self-improvement. Not doing well in something is seen as simply not achieving success yet. This word “yet” opens our minds to the idea that we should always try to improve, especially given this new chance to be better. This is precisely what Carol Dweck speaks about when she explains “the power of yet” in her TED Talk.
This mindset, for me, has resulted in more self-acceptance and patience. As someone who always strives for straight-A’s, it has allowed me to put my health - both mental and physical - before my grades, since the value is now placed on the learning process, not the grade. This does not discourage me from achieving my goals; it simply allows me to look at the bigger picture and evaluate what aspects of my life I prioritize.
I realize the extent to which the wisdom behind this concept helps me in my day-to-day life, and I want to share it with my readers.
I write this post in hopes that someone who is new to this idea of a growth mindset takes interest and considers how it might positively impact them.
If you’re interested in trying to change your mindset, here are a tips to guide this process:
1. Try to be mindful about your own fixed and growth mindsets.
Staying cognizant of the aspects of your life where you have fixed mindsets (either positive or negative) is the first step to breaking them. Instead of thinking you’re a “bad” cook, consider the time, practice, and discipline that goes into cooking; instead of accepting that you are just a “good” writer, consider revising an old piece or trying out a new genre of writing to expand your horizons.
2. Have patience with yourself.
Changing the way our brains are wired can be difficult, and you will not develop a growth mindset overnight. However, if you keep in mind how forgiving this process can be in the long run, it’s worth it.
3. Remember, the focus is on the progress, not the end result.
Do not concern yourself with an end goal of having a growth mindset. The goal is to develop a growth mindset that combats any fixed mindset you might have. This is a process that allows continuous improvement over time.
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