I just started reading a book called Mindset by Carol S. Dweck. In the book, the author talks about two types of mindsets, the Fixed mindset vs. the Growth mindset. She uses a wonderful example that gets the point across.
One day, you go to class that is really important to you and that you like a lot. The professor returns the midterm papers to the class. You got a C+. You’re disappointed. That evening on the way back to your home, you find that you’ve gotten a parking ticket. Being really frustrated, you call your best friend to share your experience but are sort of brushed off.
What now? How do you move forward? Many of us feel discouraged at the end of a day like this one. Different emotions take place. We may feel defeated, we may feel deplorable, we may even think life is unfair and it’s out to get us. The feeling of failure may even set in.
Notice in the example, the author used C not the failing grade F, a ticket and not a car accident, brushed off by a friend and not complete disregard. It’s not the end of the world. Nothing catastrophic took place, no one died. This is a path commonly taken by many…the Fixed mindset.
But, what would happen if we chose another path? What if we tried the Growth mindset, a mindset that looks at the full picture without pessimism? How different would our day and our life be, if we looked at the C as an opportunity to try harder in class, study more. Be more aware of where the car is parked, pay the ticket and move on, or try to resolve the ticket situation. Give the friend the benefit of doubt, maybe they too are having a bad day.
Life happens; I’m not dismissing the situations that take place and pull us down. We are all entitled to be upset and stressed, however, how we respond to those situations determines how we take risks, confront challenges, and keep moving forward. If we approach life situations with the Growth mindset, we might be able to lead a more positive life, a life that looks for opportunities instead of discouragements.