growth mindset: sharing the mindset concept with someone

This week, I chose to share growth mindset with someone. I decided it would be a great time to share this concept with one of the students I tutor in Human Anatomy. This course can often seem overwhelming and many students tell me I'm just "naturally smart." 

I started tutoring a new student and that's exactly what came out of her mouth when we first met and I told her that if I can do it, so can she. I immediately stopped her and explained her thought process. I asked her if she really and truly thinks that I just did good in anatomy because I am who I am. She snickered a little and said, "Well, not literally. You know what I mean!"

I snickered back and pulled out the piles of notes I made the semester I was in the course. Immediately, she went silent. I then explained that everyone can really achieve the grade they want in this course and that it's all about the learning process. I explained that the course took so much energy out of me, but I had a goal in mind and that was my motivation.

At this point in the conversation, I actually showed her the Carol Darwin video I read for another growth mindset challenge and we wrote down achievable goals from this point on in the semester. I think it went really well and motivated her to trust herself and her abilities!

(Photo from PixaBay.)