Growth Mindset: Transforming “I Can't Do This”
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck this shows the power of our most basic beliefs.
A growth mindset is the belief that you can grow through dedication and hard work. This belief opposes a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities are unchangeable and we can’t do anything about them.
Understanding the Fixed Mindset Trap
Thinking things like “I can't do this,” or “I’m just going to give up” is our fixed mindset talking
A fixed mindset usually leads to:
Avoiding Challenges:
A fixed mindset might make you want to shy away from difficult tasks, because you fear failing and the fact that others will see that failure. With the fixed mindset you might look at the situation and ask if you’ll succeed or fail? Be accepted or rejected? If you think you’ll fail, you might not accept the challenge. A growth mindset is different.
“Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better?”
- Carol Dweck
The Power of a Growth Mindset
A growth Mindset begins with changing “I can’t” to “I can”
A growth mindset embraces the idea that abilities can be developed through hard work, good strategies and even some help from others. Practicing or studying can help you improve because you’re pushing yourself instead of giving up. This perspective encourages us to see challenges as opportunities for growth, even if there is failure at the end of the day.
Here’s steps to reframe “I can't do this” into a “I can do this”:
Identify the Negative Thought: When you tell yourself, “I can't do this.” Awareness is the first step to change. Keep track of when you say it!
Challenge the Thought: Ask yourself, “Why do I think I can't do this?” Consider your reasoning for and against this belief. Often, you'll find that it's not as set in stone as it seems.
Reframe with a Growth Perspective: Replace “I can't do this” with a growth-oriented statement. Here are some examples:
“I can't do this” → “I can't do this yet”: Adding “yet” acknowledges that while you may not have the skill now, it is something you can work towards. Take the challenge!
“I don't know how to do this” → “I can learn how to do this”: Emphasizes the potential for learning. Try a new strategy.
“This is too hard” → “This is challenging, but I can improve with practice”: Recognizes the difficulty but also your ability to grow. Find the challenge in order to decide what you should do next. If you see someone who is better than you, then it’s a great opportunity to learn from them.
“I always fail at this” → “Every failure is a step towards success”: Look at failure as a natural part of the learning process rather than a state you’re stuck in forever. Think about how failure can help you improve later on.
Take Action: Apply the growth mindset by taking these steps towards your goal. Break the task into smaller, manageable bits (Like how you complete the edges of your puzzle before finishing the middle) and celebrate small victories along the way.
Practical Examples
Academic Challenges: Instead of “I'm not good at math,” try “I can improve my math with practice and effort.”
Interest Development: Replace “I didn’t make the soccer team so I’m not good enough.” with “I can develop the skills and experience I need to make the team.”
Personal Goals: Swap “I can't run a marathon” for “I can train and build up my endurance over time.”
Conclusion
Reframing “I can't do this” into a “I can do this” thought transforms a self-made limitation into an opportunity for development. By recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, and replacing them with growth-oriented beliefs, you open the door to new possibilities and achievements. Embrace the power of a growth mindset to overcome challenges and unlock your full potential.
