As our world becomes more and more dependent on social perception and praise, we become slaves to becoming the best version of ourselves not based on our potential and skills instead on how many compliments, comments, and accolades others give us, most of it professional and sincere, some expressed out of courtesy and not so heartfelt. But sadly, we have created this so-called mindset that success equates to how others perceive us to be intelligent, or how we are being labeled based on what we can and cannot do at a certain time.
After listening to Eduardo Briceno’s TED Talk “The Power of Belief: Mindset and Success,” I had a better understanding of what mindset really means, and that one can either choose to have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. All the while I thought it’s simply putting your mind into something and believing in it. But there is a significant difference between the two. It is though a sad reality to know that we are living in a society inhabited by individuals with fixed mindsets, including myself. I have experienced despair in times of failure, I have told myself several occasions that I am just not built to do this task, and I do recall how I easily judged myself based on my shortcomings. I have given up many times and sure enough had regrets.
Briceno shared 3 important ways to instill a growth mindset or even how to switch to it from having a fixed mindset. First, work hard to improve yourself, condition your body and your mind since science proves that our brain is “malleable”, and it can change. We can change what and how we think. Next, learn how to develop your own abilities, as we teachers always remind our students, practice makes perfect. Every effort to get better, no matter how little, it is still a step closer to your goal. I liked the statement when he said, “When we understand how to develop our abilities, we strengthen our conviction that we’re in charge of them.” This is a very strong motivating mantra that can lead us to be make ourselves our number one cheerleader, that in life you will not always get the affirmation from others, but your belief in yourself should suffice. We should hold ourselves accountable for our own happiness, fulfilment and success. The last point focuses on controlling that fixed mindset voice we all may have, discounting the “I can’t do it” attitude, but instead believing in the operative word “YET.” This simply brings virtues of hope, persistence, patience, and hard work.
In Special Education, we are always advocating for every child to meet his/her greatest possible potential. We look past their diagnosis, disabilities, labels and such, we see each student as a unique learner needing the support to grow. We capitalize on their strengths but also recognize that there are some areas that may need more attention to improve. With every IEP goal we provide instruction and services for, we also provide intervention to develop their behavior, personal, social and emotional skills. It is this important aspect that will set the tone for how they can accomplish their other goals. Having the right and appropriate attitude towards himself and others will set the wheels in motion. I have taught Special Ed. from PreK- 6th grade and based on my experience, early childhood intervention is the most crucial stage in their education. When from a very young age, we have developed in them an intrinsic motivation to persevere in spite of countless setbacks, they will be resilient enough to face future challenges in life. As individuals, when our efforts are encouraged and recognized, and not our skills or weaknesses alone, we feel more empowered to keep going. This is the power of believing that the best is YET to come, that TIME is our friend that we never really run out of, we just simply have to outgrow that fixed mindset.
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