Tips for Developing a Learning Mindset

#FridayReflections – 7 Effective Techniques to Foster a #GrowthMindset in your #Mentees . Mentoring is a powerful tool that shapes future leaders by nurturing their potential and guiding their growth. By fostering a growth mindset, mentors can inspire their mentees to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continually strive for excellence. Having mentored numerous individuals through my career, I have found that these seven techniques are particularly effective in cultivating a growth mindset. .1. Model a Growth #Mindset -- Share My Learning Journey: Discussing my own experiences with learning & growth, including challenges & failures. Show that continuous learning is valuable. .2. Set Realistic #Goals -- Encourage Goal Setting: Help my mentees set specific, achievable goals that focus on growth. Teach them to see goals as steppingstones for improvement. .3. Provide Constructive #Feedback -- Focus on Effort and Strategy: Give feedback that emphasizes effort & learning process. Highlight the strategies used rather than just the outcomes. .4. Encourage #Learning and Curiosity -- Promote Curiosity: Encourage mentees to ask questions and explore new ideas. Make learning an exciting & continuous journey. .5. Cultivate #Resilience -- Normalize Struggles: Let my mentees know that struggling is a natural part of learning. Teach them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. .6. Celebrate #Effort and Progress -- Recognize Progress: Celebrate the effort & progress my mentees make towards their goals, reinforcing the idea that growth comes from consistent efforts over time. .7. Role Modeling #Adaptability -- Stay Flexible: Demonstrate how to adapt & learn from changing circumstances, showing that flexibility & openness to new approaches are essential for growth. #Mentoring is a #journey of mutual growth and discovery, where both mentor and mentee evolve together. By implementing these techniques, you can unlock the potential of your mentees and help them achieve their greatest aspirations. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and your guidance can make all the difference. How do YOU plan to encourage a growth mindset in YOUR Mentoring Relationships? #GrowthMindset #MentoringMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #Mentorship #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #MentorMentee #LifelongLearning #SuccessMindset #GrowthJourney #InspireGrowth #MindsetShift #ContinuousImprovement #Empowerment #Achievement #SoftClouds #UnfoldLabs

“I don’t know how!” Is what my son tearfully said to me the other night when, amidst a meltdown, I (foolishly) told him to calm down. 🤦🏻♂️ Let’s put aside for a second the utter dad fail that was telling him to “calm down”. No one wants to hear that let alone a disregulated 5 year old. Once the dust settled, I was left with the realization that calming down means nothing until you know HOW to calm down. And in my son’s case, asking him to calm down simply made matters worse because I was asking him to do something that he had not yet been taught how to do. Now for the hard pivot…. Oddly, as I was reflecting further (after he went to bed, feeling guilt ridden and scrolling through the bazillion pics of him on my phone…), I thought about how many of us, myself included, have struggled at times with receiving feedback. I pondered if it’s a skill or a will thing. We’ve always been TOLD to receive feedback with a growth mindset and not take it personally, but have we ever been taught HOW to do this? So, here’s my starter pack take on HOW to demonstrate that you are receiving feedback with a growth mindset: 1/ Active Listening: Show genuine interest by actively listening without interrupting. Maintain eye contact, nod to show understanding, and ask clarifying questions to ensure comprehension. 2/ Stay Curious: Approach the feedback with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Ask for specific examples or suggestions for improvement to gain deeper insights and demonstrate a willingness to learn. 3/ Acknowledge and Reflect: Acknowledge the feedback with an open mind, reflecting on the points raised. Avoid immediately dismissing or justifying your actions. Instead, take a moment to understand the perspective being offered. 4/ Express Gratitude: Thank the person providing feedback for their insights and investment in your growth. Acknowledging their effort shows appreciation for their input, regardless of the nature of the feedback. 5/ Take Ownership: Embrace accountability for your actions and decisions. Instead of blaming external factors, focus on what you can control. 6/ Create an Action Plan: Discuss ways to implement the feedback into actionable steps. This shows commitment to growth and improvement. 7/ Seek Support or Guidance: If needed, ask for further support, resources, or additional training to help address the areas identified for improvement. This shows a proactive approach to skill development. After the feedback session, it’s beneficial to: 1/ Reflect on Feedback: Take time to reflect on the feedback received. Consider its validity and how it aligns with your development. 2/ Implement Changes: Act on the feedback by implementing the suggested changes or improvements. 3/ Request Follow-Up: Proactively seek feedback and schedule follow-up discussions to review progress and demonstrate your dedication to improvement. And to all the parents out there, keep calm & parent on 🤪 #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Parenting

"The degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth they can accept about themself without running away." At the core of personal development is the ability to look inward and recognize our own shortcomings and areas for improvement. This introspection requires a level of honesty that many find a little uncomfortable. It's easier to blame external circumstances or others for our problems than to acknowledge our own role in them. However, growth begins with taking responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their outcomes. The truth about our limitations One of the hardest truths to accept is that we have limitations. These can be in the form of time, resources, skills, or emotional capacity. Recognizing these limitations doesn't mean resigning ourselves to them; rather, it's about understanding our current starting point. It's from this foundation of truth that we can start to push our boundaries and expand our capabilities. Learning from failure Failure is often seen as a negative outcome, something to be avoided at all costs. However, a truthful assessment of our failures can be one of the most powerful tools for growth. Each failure provides insights into what doesn't work, guiding us towards more effective strategies and approaches. The ability to accept and learn from failure without running away or making excuses is a hallmark of resilience and growth mindset. The power of feedback Feedback from others can be a valuable source of truth about ourselves that we might be blind to. While it can be difficult to hear criticism or suggestions for improvement, embracing this feedback is crucial for personal and professional development. It's important to seek out and listen to honest feedback, even if it challenges our self-perception or comfort. Actionable steps for embracing truth - Practice self-reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your actions, decisions, and their outcomes. Be honest with yourself about what you could have done better. - Seek feedback: Actively ask for feedback from peers, mentors, and supervisors. Approach this feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn. - Set growth-oriented goals: Create goals that challenge your current limitations and push you to grow. Use the truths you've discovered about yourself to inform these goals. - Embrace vulnerability: Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Acknowledging your fears and insecurities can be a powerful step towards overcoming them. - Learn from failure: View each failure as a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong and how you can improve in the future. Conclusion The journey of growth is an ongoing process of confronting and embracing the truth about ourselves. By accepting the full truth of who we are, we unlock our potential to evolve beyond our current state. #motivation #productivity #selfgrowth

My daughter just wrapped up her first week as a high school freshman and I received our first weekly newsletter from the school and thought it was worth sharing.. Embracing a growth mindset can lead to remarkable transformations in our students' academic and personal lives. When they see effort as a path to mastery, obstacles become stepping stones rather than roadblocks. With this mindset, they are more likely to persevere when faced with difficulties, seeing them as opportunities to learn and improve. As educators and parents, we play a pivotal role in nurturing and reinforcing a growth mindset in our students. Here are a few ways we can encourage and cultivate this mindset together: Praise Effort and Persistence: Instead of solely focusing on outcomes, let's celebrate the effort and determination our students put into their work. Recognizing their hard work emphasizes the process rather than just the end result. Embrace Challenges: Encourage students to take on challenges that may initially seem daunting. Remind them that taking risks and stepping out of their comfort zones is where true growth occurs. Promote a "Yet" Attitude: Teach them to add the word "yet" to the end of sentences like "I can't do this." For instance, "I can't do this yet." This simple shift encourages the idea that skills can be developed over time. Use Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: When faced with setbacks, help students analyze what went wrong and how they can improve. This not only builds resilience but also highlights the value of learning from mistakes. Model a Growth Mindset: Let's lead by example. Share stories of your own challenges and how you overcame them through perseverance and learning. Showing vulnerability and resilience sends a powerful message. Encourage Reflection: Regularly prompt students to reflect on their progress, the strategies they've used, and the areas they've improved in. This practice fosters self-awareness and a sense of accomplishment. Provide Constructive Feedback: When offering feedback, focus on specific efforts and strategies rather than general traits. This helps students see the link between their actions and their progress. As we embark on this journey of cultivating a growth mindset, let's remember that every small step counts. The mindset we foster in our students today will shape their attitude toward learning and life for years to come. Together, we can create a community where challenges are embraced, failures are valued as stepping stones, and the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong joy. Here's to a year filled with growth, discovery, and endless possibilities. Let's nurture the seeds of a growth mindset and watch them flourish in our remarkable students. Go, Warriors! Win the battle!

EVERYTHING IS AN OPPORTUNITY! Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you're on a team! Everything is awesome when you're living in our dream! - Lego Movie While rewatching The Lego Movie for the 10,000th time with my littles, I started to think about how to create a mindset where I habitually walk around the table, deliberately focus on aspects of the problem, and do it before I take action or speak. Basically, "How do I Execute Tactical Patience" while not on the battlefield Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is a transformative journey. Here are my five strategies to help cultivate a growth mindset and turn every challenge into an opportunity for personal growth and change: 1. Embrace Challenges: Instead of avoiding challenges, welcome them. Understand that facing difficulties and setbacks is an integral part of personal growth. When encountering obstacles, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this experience?" This reframing can empower you to tackle challenges head-on. 2. Learn Continuously: Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and ongoing self-improvement. View every positive or negative situation as an opportunity to gain new insights and skills. Seek feedback, read, take courses, and never stop learning. 3. Embrace Post-Traumatic Growth and Find Meaning: Post-traumatic growth is the idea that individuals can emerge stronger and wiser after facing adversity. Explore the meaning and purpose behind your challenges. Draw inspiration from Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, which emphasizes finding purpose in suffering. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this experience, and how can it contribute to my personal growth and greater purpose in life?" This approach can help you navigate difficulties with a sense of meaning and resilience. 4. Foster a Positive Inner Dialogue: Pay attention to your self-talk. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. When faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself, "How can I grow from this? What strengths can I leverage to overcome it?" Self-encouragement is a key component of a growth mindset. 5. Embrace Mistakes and Failures: Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of fearing failure, see it as a stepping stone to success. Analyze what went wrong, make adjustments, and keep moving forward. Ask yourself, "What valuable lessons can I extract from this mistake or failure?" By consistently applying these strategies, you can shift your perspective from "Why is this happening to me?" to "Why is this happening, and what am I going to do about it?" This shift empowers you to approach life with a growth mindset, enabling you to adapt, learn, and grow in the face of challenges. How can you pass the gift of a growth mindset on to your children? Remember, we are all a Work In Progress. Be better than you were yesterday. #GrowthMindset #Stoics

My journey from the football field to the business world has been one heck of a ride, and there's one thing I've carried with me every step of the way: a growth mindset. It's what set me apart on my journey through the NFL and what keeps me moving forward in business. This mindset isn't about having some secret formula; it's about facing every challenge head-on with a belief that I can overcome it, always ready to learn and get better. Here's the real deal about why a growth mindset really matters: - Challenges? Bring 'em on: Facing adversity head on both on the field and in the board room is crucial. Seeing challenges as opportunities has been my secret sauce. - Keep on keeping on: From grueling practice sessions to late nights crunching numbers, it's all about sticking with it, even when the going gets tough. Remember your WHY. - Stay positive: No matter how tough things got, staying positive made all the difference. It's about seeing the glass half full, even when everyone else is convinced it's half empty. Be the same person every day. Show up and do the work. - Focus and grind CONSISTENTLY: Every day, it's about setting your sights on your goals and not stopping until you get there. Determination and consistency are key. And let's talk about growing this mindset, because let's face it, it's something you can absolutely develop: 1. Be aware of your mindset: Catch yourself when you start doubting and flip the script. Self talk and positive reinforcement no matter what obstacle you are facing. 2. Love the process: Embrace the grind. Enjoying the journey, not just the destination, makes all the difference. 3. Feedback is your friend: Instead of shying away from advice, soak it up. It's all about getting better, one step at a time. 4. Find your team: Surround yourself with folks who lift you up and push you to be your best. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Zig Ziglar said it best: "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." This journey has shaped me, taught me, and pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. So here's my shoutout to everyone on their own journey: Embrace that growth mindset. Believe in your ability to learn and improve. Because when you do, there's no limit to what you can achieve. Let's keep growing, learning, and smashing those goals. #GrowthMindset #KeepPushing #AlwaysLearning #Success #Mindset

Six ways to improve your growth mindset game based on lessons I learned across 36 years in the emergency services. 📌 Embrace Challenges: Don't shy away from tough calls; they're opportunities to grow. 📌 Persist with Purpose: Keep learning, even when it gets tough. 📌 Effort Matters: It's not just about talent; hard work makes the difference. 📌 Learn from Failure: Mistakes are stepping stones to mastery. 📌 Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism is your best friend. 📌 Inspire Others: Lead by example, and nurture growth in your team. ✔️ Let's connect and discuss how I can help you develop as an EMS leader. Mike Chanat ☕️😁👍 #mikechanat #EMS #paramedics #EMTs #coaching #mentorship #leadershipdevelopment #communicationskillstraining #mindsetshift #empathyinleadership

Receiving feedback can be a challenging experience for many individuals. When we receive feedback, we open ourselves to criticism, which can be difficult for some people to handle. However, it's crucial to realize that feedback is essential for growth and development. Whether positive or negative, feedback can provide valuable insights into our behavior and performance. Constructive criticism is feedback that is intended to help us improve and grow. It focuses on specific behaviors or actions and provides suggestions for how we can improve them. It's not meant to be hurtful or judgmental, but rather, it's intended to help us develop our skills and abilities. When receiving feedback, it's important to keep an open mind and a growth mindset. A growth mindset means that you believe you can learn and improve and you are open to feedback that can help you achieve your goals. Instead of getting defensive or making excuses, listen to the feedback with an open mind and ask questions to gain clarity. Here are a few tips for taking feedback like a pro: 1. Listen actively: When receiving feedback, listen actively by paying attention to the speaker and asking questions to clarify any confusion. 2. Don't take it personally: Remember that feedback is about the behavior or action, not about you. Do not take it personally, but focus on improving yourself. 3. Say thank you: Regardless of whether the feedback is positive or negative, always thank the person for taking the time to share their thoughts with you. 4. Take action: Use the feedback to identify areas for improvement and take action to implement changes. Overall, learning to accept feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. By keeping an open mind and a growth mindset, you can use feedback to enhance your skills and abilities and achieve your goals. #feedback #growthmindset #learning #motivation

Do you tend to undervalue your wins but overanalyze even your tiniest misstep? 🙋🏼♀️ This phrase can help you recalibrate: "I am a person learning to_____." Say you get feedback on how to improve a presentation. If you start to feel glum, remind yourself, "I am a person learning to put together a compelling talk." Then describe your situation in even more detail. "I am a person learning to put together a compelling talk, while leading three big projects, helping a new team member onboard, navigating a reorg, parenting a young child, and fighting off a cold - all during a period of high uncertainty.” Putting things in perspective often makes it easier to adopt a growth mindset. Even better, it's a nice way to take stock of (and celebrate!) everything you're doing well.

“What do you mean she cannot fly out today “? I asked the kind person behind the counter at the Delta terminal. 😳 “Due to severe weather, we are not letting unaccompanied minors fly out until Saturday.” He explains. 😱 After spending a lovely week together, my niece was ready to go home so she was very upset. 😢 I gave her the space she needed to process her emotions and mine too. As much as I wanted her to stay, I understood that she was ready to continue with life. We each had our moment and moved forward. ⏩ It took us a while but we shifted as the day progressed and CHOSE to make the best of our day. I was proud of her for tapping into her growth mindset and called the friend that makes her laugh the most. 😁 Ever noticed how some people seem to thrive no matter what life throws their way? They’re not superhumans; they’ve just tapped into the power of mindset. 🌟 Here’s the catch: mindset isn’t reserved for the elite. It’s available to us all. And it’s more than just “thinking positive.” It’s about perspective, resilience, and embracing growth. 🌱 Try this: 🔸 Facing a setback? A growth mindset says, “What can I learn from this?” instead of “I’m not good enough.” 🔸 An unexpected challenge arises? With the right mindset, it’s an opportunity to flex and grow, not a reason to retreat. 🔸 Someone offers feedback? Embrace it as a chance to evolve, not as criticism. Here’s your challenge: Starting today, actively notice your thoughts. When faced with a hurdle, pause and reframe. Ask yourself, “How can I use this moment to grow?🪴 Adjusting our mindset lens, even just a smidge, transforms our daily experiences in ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. 🚀 Let’s commit to living bigger, bolder, and brighter - one mindset shift at a time. 💪🏼 Any examples of how your mindset helped you overcome adversity in the sea of curveballs? Do tell 👇🏼 #leadership #diversity #growthmindset 🌍 📸 Nik : a picture of a growing potted plant .