Having a growth mindset is extremely important for learning!
Simply believing that we can grow and change is
enough for the "miracle" to happen. This is why the growth mindset is
SO important. If we believe that we cannot change our character, intelligence,
talent, etc. then this fixed mindset restricts our growth. In reality, we can
(and should) grow and learn throughout our lives! It is never too late to learn
something new by nurturing and developing our skills! :)
Learning to catch ourselves when we express fixed mindset
scripts (I can't, this is too hard, too challenging, takes too much effort,
etc.) is an important first step, because we tend to believe what we hear our
own voice say aloud.
Just stop and turn the sentence around, e.g. "I can do
this, but I may need help" or "This is hard, but I am learning!"
Or, "This is hard but practicing helps!" Also, reflecting on how we
have overcome obstacles in the past is helpful because at the moment of doubt
those memories of past success can help us find a new way to think about the
problem we have - and especially what we have learned from those mistakes.
The goal is never to make no mistakes in life, but to learn
from the ones we make.
Edwards, L. M., Rand, K. L.,
Lopez, S. J., & Snyder, C. R. (2002). Understanding hope. Handbook
of positive psychology, 83-95. https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1410&context=edu_fac