Tips for Fostering Curiosity and a Growth Mindset

Without realizing it, we more than often bring a fixed mindset to any given problem. This can block us from seeing creative solutions problems or unlocking unforeseen opportunities. We end up in a cycle of iteration vs. innovation. 🌀🕯️💡 Start by embracing a growth mindset. 🧠 A growth mindset, proposed by @Stanford professor Carol Dweck in her book Mindset, describes those who believe that their success depends on time and effort. People with a growth mindset feel their skills and intelligence can be improved with effort and persistence. Then also practice a beginner's mind (Shoshin, 初心). 🌈 Having a beginner's mind means you approach the world through a beginner's eyes. You set aside your expert's mind in favor of seeing things differently, with childlike wonder. 🤩 A beginner's mind is… -Open to new experiences and perspectives. -Always curious and ready to learn. -Mindful and present in the moment (you show up differently) -Ready to let go of expectations, assumptions, and judgments that block growth. -Open to embracing change. -Humble, able to accept mistakes and see failures as opportunities. -Brave, set to take steps outside your comfort zone. “If your mind is empty … it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” – Shunryu Suzuki 1. Set aside current experiences, case studies, and playbooks. You can't do new things if you approach them as you always do. Let go of the word 'should' and replace it with 'what if' and 'why not'. Be open to surprises. 2. Take inspiration from children. Be open to wonder and amazement. 3. Practice creativity as part of your everyday routines. 4. Slooooooow down. 5. Be curious. Ask questions as if everything is new. 6. Be optimistic. It's easy to find problems and make excuses. 7. Leave your ego behind. As my friend @ryanholiday says, "ego is the enemy." 8. Invite new voices to the table, regardless of role. Be inclusive. Be open. Create a safe space for everyone. 9. Be ready to make mistakes and even fail. If you don't fail, you're not trying anything new. Keep going. 10. Stay curious! 🙌 #creativity #innovation #leadership #growthmindset #leadershipmindset #beginnersmind

7 Subtle Shifts to Unlock a Growth Mindset (Small changes for massive results). We’ve all been there: -> Staring at a challenge and feeling stuck. -> Letting one mistake define our ability. -> Watching others win and doubting we’ll catch up. The truth: Growth isn’t about being naturally talented - It’s about how you respond to these moments. Here are 7 mindset shifts that can rewire how you grow: 1️⃣ From Fixed to Flexible ↳ From: “I can’t” ↳ To: “I can’t…yet.” ↳ Add "yet" to remind yourself every skill is learnable. 2️⃣ Fail Forward ↳ From: “I failed” ↳ To: “I learned.” ↳ Every stumble teaches you something valuable. 3️⃣ Strength in Struggle ↳ From: “This is too hard” ↳ To: “This will make me stronger.” ↳ Every rep makes you more resilient. 4️⃣ Progress Over Perfection ↳ From: “I’m not good at this” ↳ To: “I’m improving every day.” ↳ Show up consistently, and improvement will follow. 5️⃣ Start Before You’re Ready ↳ From: “I’m not ready” ↳ To: “I’ll figure it out as I go.” ↳ Clarity comes from action, not waiting. 6️⃣ Curiosity Beats Comparison ↳ From: “They’re better than me” ↳ To: “What can I learn from them?” ↳ Comparison limits growth. Curiosity fuels it. 7️⃣ Better, Not Perfect ↳ From: “This is good enough” ↳ To: “How can I make this better?” ↳ Growth is about continuous improvement. A growth mindset isn’t a switch - It’s a daily habit. Some days it flows, other days it’s a fight. But each reframed thought is a step forward. Which of these shifts hit home for you? Share your thoughts below. _______________ ♻️ Repost to help others embrace a growth mindset. 📌 For more insights, follow Jorge Luis Pando 📘Feel stuck despite working hard? After teaching 70,000 professionals, I found 5 habits that quietly block career growth, and how to break through them. Get the free guide: https://lnkd.in/gQm5bSPJ

Unlock Your Leadership Potential Through Curiosity Embracing curiosity is a key catalyst for personal and professional growth, transforming you into a more effective leader and a sought-after team member. Explore these evidence-based strategies to amplify your curiosity and elevate your skills. Step 1: Eliminate Excuses It's time to break free from the mindset that you're too busy or reliant on external motivation to foster curiosity. Recognize that cultivating curiosity is a personal responsibility. Allocate dedicated time to delve into your interests, unburdened by excuses. Step 2: Define Your Focus Identify areas you're passionate about and aspire to master. Devote 20 to 30 minutes daily to intentionally immerse yourself in these subjects—whether through reading, writing, or engaging in insightful conversations with like-minded individuals. Step 3: Embrace Change Challenge the status quo by altering your routine. Small modifications in daily habits, work processes, or even weekend activities can spark fresh perspectives. By breaking free from the familiar, you create opportunities for connection and expand your curiosity. Step 4: Experiment Fearlessly Step outside your comfort zone and embrace experimentation. Delve into activities that may not align with your usual preferences. Discover the excitement of new interests, indulge in guilty pleasures, and welcome variety. If an experiment doesn't resonate, be adaptable and make the necessary adjustments. Cultivating curiosity is an ongoing journey that propels you toward continuous learning and innovation. Take charge of your curiosity, and watch as it transforms you into a dynamic and forward-thinking professional. #Curiosity #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth

Practicing intellectual curiosity is critical to a leader’s journey of continuous learning and growth. We must ask questions, listen actively, seek out different perspectives, and challenge our assumptions. Many leaders read voraciously, reflect regularly, and engage with coaches and mentors to ensure we are exposed to new ideas, insights, and feedback. One practice that has helped me learn and evolve over the years is tracking and analyzing the outcomes of my decisions. This is not about dwelling on mistakes but about accountability, continuous improvement, and leading with intention. I started this as a mid-level manager, thanks to a great boss who taught me how to balance data and instincts—a critical skill to have when you need to make a decision urgently in the absence of a complete set of facts. He coached me to start recording my gut instincts whenever I had to make a decision. I would do a quick gut check and put that insight aside. I would then approach the decision analytically, weighing all the available data to make a determination. Over time, we’d compare the two approaches, tracking the success rate through the years. This practice has stayed with me—in fact, I’m still tracking business decisions I made in Southeast Europe, Germany, and Southeast Asia over the years! As importantly, I track the successful careers of employees I hired, coached, and promoted. This is not only a useful learning exercise of what worked and what didn’t, but also a wonderful way to celebrate the success of others. What are some practices that help you continuously learn and grow? #Leadership #Development #Curiosity #ContinuousLearning #DecisionMaking

I have a friend who's had a lifelong dream to open her own photography business. She saved up, and this past weekend went to a retreat for it. The first day there, bam—hit with the reality check that everyone around her seemed like a seasoned pro.   Initially overwhelmed, she flipped the script. Instead of feeling small, she got curious. She asked those pros about their beginnings, and guess what? They weren't just willing to share their stories; they were practically handing out a roadmap. They spent time with her and offered advice, things they wished they knew when they were first starting.   🚀Leaning into Learning:  Everyone starts green. Instead of pretending like you've got it all figured out, it's perfectly fine to admit you're learning. My friend did, and it paid off big time. Embrace the learning curve, seek guidance, and tap into the wealth of experience around you. Learning isn't a one-time event but a continuous journey shaping your expertise.   📚 Knowledge Shared is Knowledge Multiplied: Don't hesitate to ask questions and learn from those who've walked the path. True growth comes from a willingness to absorb, adapt, and apply. The more you lean into learning, the more you elevate your skills.   💬 Your Questions Shape Your Expertise: Every question is a stepping stone toward mastery. My friend's curiosity not only broke the ice but also paved the way for valuable insights. Don't shy away from asking; in any field, your questions are the building blocks of your expertise.   If you're feeling out of your element, remember that the expert in anything was once a beginner!  #CuriosityWins #GrowthMindset #AskAndLearn 

“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

"Be brave enough to be bad at something new." Many of us hesitate to start something new out of fear of not being good enough or failing. However, the essence of growth and learning lies in the willingness to be a beginner again. The Fear of Starting The biggest hurdle most people face in starting something new is the fear of failure. We're accustomed to working within our areas of expertise where we feel confident and competent. Stepping out of this comfort zone into a realm where we're unfamiliar and unskilled can feel like a direct challenge to our self-image. Why It's Important to Be 'Bad' Being 'bad' at something new is not just inevitable, it's essential. It's the first step in the learning process. When you allow yourself to be a novice, you open doors to learning and experiences that would otherwise be closed. Each mistake, each struggle, is a stepping stone towards mastery. The Growth Mindset Adopting a growth mindset is crucial in this process. It's about understanding that skills and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. When you believe your abilities can be developed, you view challenges and failures as opportunities to improve. Taking the Leap So how do you start? The key is to take the first step. It doesn't have to be big or perfect. It just needs to be a step. Whether it's signing up for a class, trying a new hobby, or tackling a project at work, the act of starting is often the most challenging yet most rewarding part. Tips for Embracing New Challenges Start Small: Break down the skill or project into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for improvement. Stay Curious: Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and adapt. Persist: Remember, progress is rarely linear. Keep pushing through the challenges. Conclusion Remember, every expert was once a beginner. The path to mastery is filled with trials and errors, but it's these very experiences that carve out a path to success. Be kind to yourself in the process and remember that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Illustrated by: franc0448 #productivity #motivation #work #growth If you enjoyed this post, consider a like or repost ♻️. I also have a newsletter where I share my best tips on similar topics: https://addy.ie

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!

Challenging Your Limiting Beliefs: 5 Tips on Unlocking More Potential Have you ever wondered how your beliefs shape your life and limit your potential for growth and success? We all have limiting beliefs, those deeply ingrained thoughts and perspectives that hold us back from realizing our true potential. But what if we could challenge and overcome these beliefs to unlock new possibilities? Here are some strategies to help you question and overcome your limiting beliefs: ✔ Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your beliefs and identify those that may be holding you back. Ask yourself why you hold these beliefs and whether they are based on facts or assumptions. ✔ Seek Feedback: Reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues for feedback on your beliefs. External perspectives can shed light on blind spots and help you see things from a different angle. ✔ Examine Evidence: Evaluate the evidence that supports or contradicts your beliefs. Are there real-life examples that challenge your existing beliefs? Positive Affirmations: Replace limiting beliefs with positive affirmations. ✔ Affirmations can help rewire your thinking and create a more empowering belief system. ✔ Embrace Growth Mindset: Cultivate a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as barriers. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement can help challenge limiting beliefs. ✔ Visualize Success: Visualize yourself breaking free from your limiting beliefs and achieving your goals. Visualization can help reframe your mindset and strengthen your belief in your potential. Remember, questioning and challenging your limiting beliefs is a powerful step for personal and professional growth! 💪 #LimitingBeliefs #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth