Have you ever felt stuck?
Maybe you’ve caught yourself—or your child—saying things like:
«I’m not a math person.»
«I’m terrible at public speaking.»
«I just can’t do it.»
What if the only thing missing was one tiny word?
Yet.
«I’m not a math person… yet.»
«I just can’t do it… yet.»
That’s the simple, transformative idea behind a growth mindset—the belief that your intelligence, talents, and abilities aren’t fixed. You can develop them through effort, strategies, and feedback. In other words: you’re capable of more than you think.
What is a Growth Mindset?
It was coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the understanding that skills can be learned, not just inherited. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes our abilities are set in stone.
The difference is powerful:
Fixed mindset says: “If I fail, it means I’m not smart.”
Growth mindset says: “If I fail, it means I’m learning.”
Why It matters — Especially for kids and educators
When we teach children (and ourselves) that effort leads to growth,
we can:
- Reduce fear of failure
- Increase motivation and persistence
- Build emotional resilience
- Encourage a love of learning
It’s not just about achievement—it’s about mindset. A growth mindset nurtures self-confidence and emotional flexibility, helping us bounce back from setbacks and stay curious.
A Simple Shift You Can Make Today
Next time you or your child says, “I can’t do this,” try adding:
“…yet.”