"When we protect our children from labeling, we are actually giving them the greatest gift"
Abhinav: Is it possible to have a growth mindset permanently or how do you think it works?
Sweta: I think it would be wonderful to have it permanently but it is easier said than done. Everyday life presents many challenges for us, and how we react to the challenges depends on many factors.
There are a few methods that we could practice in our lives. We could be more mindful about how we deal with circumstances and could focus on responding more than reacting, which may build a strong mind to stay closer to the growth mindset than the fixed mindset. There are lots of situations in life where you will be gradually attracted to a fixed mindset.
Abhinav: Why is it natural for us to get pulled towards a fixed mindset?
Sweta: There are so many studies to show that a brain remembers more of negative experiences than positive experiences. As it is the natural dynamic of the mind, and it also depends on one’s self-belief and confidence. We have to be aware of these negative defaults and consciously take control of how to best handle the situation.
Abhinav: I have a fresh example. Just before this interview, I was a little nervous because I was doing this interview for the first time and then I was tempted to say, “I don't want to do this,” Or “maybe, I don't know how I'm going to put up there.” But then I thought that I would still go ahead with this because I felt a sense of beginning. Later I thought to go ahead and try. “I don't know what's going to come out of it, but I'm just going to.”
So how do you see this, is it a growth mindset or a fixed mindset?
Sweta: That’s a great example; it happens with all of us.
This is the first time I'm on social media, which is not my comfort zone. Here, the growth mindset is only about being in my comfort zone and feel the resistance to try something new. As said before, I have an image not living up to my expectations, which could hurt that image.
But when a growth mindset pushes you to give it a try, if it's not good, you could get another opportunity to learn from your mistakes, to take feedback, and the transition of you would be better than the previous.
Like everyone, you defaulted to a fixed mindset, but then you cleared your mind and pushed yourself to come out of your comfort zone, so now you are actually in the growth mindset zone.
Abhinav: Well, as a teacher. What has been your observation to build a growth mindset in children?
Sweta: That's a very relevant question. What happens is this manifests itself in different situations. So if I'm working with a child who's perhaps struggling with a particular concept, you know, and is ready to give up because he or she is not, no matter how he or she is trying.
As a teacher, you have to open up the limit on the number of tries one can have and work on clearing the concept and helping the child gain the confidence to try again.
Children who have a fixed mindset and have done well academically might hold back from asking questions because they don't want to look awkward. That limits them in reaching out to the teacher and freely ask questions. I do have children who don't want to ask me that out because they feel that, it would make them look bad. S
So as a teacher, one has to give them the comfort level, saying that, "you know what, you can ask whatever you want to. You know, that no matter how much you learn, there is always so much more to learn."
Once the children learn how to learn, they have achieved a growth mindset.
"As a teacher, one has to give them (children) the comfort level.
Once the children learn how to learn, they have achieved a growth mindset"
Abhinav: So any last comments on growth mindset to our audience.
Sweta: Sure.
A growth mindset is the most powerful tool that one can use in our lives to realize our true potential.
A growth mindset is something that people in different locations of different ages have benefited from it to make their lives more satisfying and comfortable. Many Companies have had training on the growth mindset for their workforce to increase productivity.
We should start at a young age and inculcate the development of a growth mindset in our children. It helps us to become better individuals, better leaders, and better collaborators.
As a teacher and parent, I have had innumerable “AHA” moments with the execution of this life principle.
It is my mantra for sure!
Abhinav: I hope all our audience watching the interview would have benefited. It was interesting to talk to you and learn more about the growth mindset. Thank you for your time.
Sweta: Thank you!