Embracing a Growth Mindset for Personal Development and Success
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Understanding Growth Mindset
Do you possess a growth mindset? It's something I've been contemplating lately. It's crucial to recognize that this mindset could be your strongest predictor of future success!
Image by Author via DALLE.
I've found myself uncertain about whether I truly have a growth mindset. My desire to progress is undeniable, but do my actions reflect my aspirations? Am I actively pursuing what I want while distancing myself from what I wish to avoid, or am I stuck in a rut, unable to achieve my goals?
At its core, a growth mindset is the belief that one's abilities and intelligence can be enhanced through hard work, perseverance, and learning from failures. Individuals with this mindset tend to see challenges as chances for growth instead of roadblocks. This outlook allows them to embrace new experiences, take risks, and continue striving even when facing difficulties.
Conversely, those lacking a growth mindset view challenges as insurmountable barriers, which prevents them from seizing opportunities to overcome personal limitations.
Desire to Contribute Amidst Challenges
I have a deep-seated ambition to work and contribute to society, as traditionally defined. However, I am grappling with a health condition that complicates my ability to engage in a typical 9-to-5 job. For most of my life, since age 16, I was either employed or actively seeking work. My yearning to be productive is strong, but my illness often feels overwhelming until I can devise a solution.
This reflects my growth mindset—I aspire to find a way to work around my health issues, enabling me to contribute to society in a conventional manner. I would never belittle someone facing severe mental or physical challenges for their inability to contribute, so why should I judge myself similarly?
There seems to be a disconnect between my potential and my physical limitations. Perhaps I can still offer value, albeit in a different capacity. Regardless of how I navigate my role in society, I am committed to maintaining an open mindset. However, merely visualizing myself as a contributor isn't enough; if that were the case, I'd already have a stable career.
Setting SMART Goals
To move forward, I need to establish SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. My immediate goal is to complete my training for the CompTIA A+ certification within the next month. This goal is specific, attainable, relevant for gaining employment (even if it's remote or flexible), and measurable (I will either pass or fail the exam).
Each day, I dedicate some time to studying the material and taking practice quizzes. I also engage in writing on Medium and crafting articles about topics that interest me. This not only reinforces my learning but also allows me to share knowledge with others.
I like to believe that my daily commitment to learning demonstrates my growth mindset, even if I may struggle to apply what I learn due to my schizophrenia. Meanwhile, I continue to explore various paths for personal growth, aiming to heal and develop into the best version of myself—a lifelong learner.
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