Welcome back to those of you who have been following this series and welcome to those of you that are new to the series. If you missed any of the previous posts you can access them here. While this post continues the journey, it can be read as stand alone because today’s focus is on the growth mindset.
In the last post we were almost to my interview to become part of the CRESTSprogram and we talked about the Beginner’s Mind. There is one more concept that I thought would be useful to introduce as we continue exploring the student perspective. It is the growth mindset. Why did I think about this concept? While in my interview with the CRESTSprogram team, there was a moment where we talked about mistakes and how there was room and space to make mistakes and learn together. At the time, I appreciated that aspect and I still do to this day. What I didn’t realize was just how vital that perspective is when learning about and engaging with a trauma-informed, culture-centered approach.
The Growth Mindset
The concept of the growth mindset was introduced by Carol Dweck. Dweck talked about the growth mindset and the fixed mindset. The growth mindset is one that fosters a person’s ability to persist and build valuable skill sets. The fixed mindset, on the other hand, is the perspective that we are either born with an ability or not born with an ability. Oftentimes our environment sends us messages that can tear us down, build us up, or anything in between. Think about how we are constantly bombarded with messages from the media, friends, family, coaches, teachers, etc. These messages can become internalized. So if a teacher, counselor, or parent, for example, reminds us that we can improve and that mistakes are important for learning, we have a different perspective that allows us to grow. However, if we are constantly told that we are horrible or wrong for making mistakes or that we need to beat ourselves up for not doing something we become stuck or fixed.
Learning a trauma-informed, culture-centered approach can be a journey whether you are a student at school or student of life. There may be a process of unlearning a Eurocentric approach, which may be challenging, since that approach has probably been reinforced. And then a journey of learning a new approach, which may be scary and full of mistakes. It is a journey and process worth taking. It is in those moments where we fall flat on our face, that we stand to grow the most. It is in those moments that we realize we have the ability to change the future.
Made to Learn and Grow
Coming from the lens of a dance/movement therapist, as well as a student, I would also suggest that we are made to continue to learn and grow. Just look at biology. The human brain is meant to continue to grow and change throughout the lifetime. Thank you neuroplasticity! The human body also has mechanisms to continually build the body up. Think of how exercise breaks down structures via stress and then rebuilds the structures so that they can be stronger. We were made to learn and grow and mistakes are part of that journey. So as you learn more about a trauma-informed, culture-centered approach do not fear mistakes. Fear not trying and trust that the journey is worth the work because those whom you serve will experience an approach that honors and celebrates their culture, which will leave a lasting impression.
What’s Next?
What kind of mindset do you approach your work with, a growth or fixed mindset? This can be your school work, work with people, or even life in general? How can a growth mindset guide you on your journey to develop a more trauma-informed, culture-centered approach? Take some time to reflect.
Until next time!
Practical Tips and Suggestions
Do some more reading and learning about the growth mindset. There are some suggested resources below. Then use any reflections you may have and consider how you can embrace mistakes and learn from them. What challenges do you foresee? How do you face uncomfortable situations? How do you understand what it means to engage in a repair process after making a mistake? Do not let fear stop you for learning and growing!
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