Class – Preseason Presentation GROWTH MINDSET

What is Growth Mindset? The theory of Growth Mindset was developed by the author and Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck. The term and overall philosophy of “growth mindset” received national attention in 2006 after the publication of Carol Dweck’s book: Mindset: The New Psychology.

What is the definition of Growth Mindset? FROM AN 2012 INTERVIEW: "In a fixed mindset students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that's that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb. In a growth mindset students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don't necessarily think everyone's the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it.“ – Carol Dweck

DUH ? used to comment on an action perceived as foolish or stupid, or a statement perceived as obvious

Is Growth Mindset Influential? In recent years, many schools and educators have started using Dweck’s theories to inform how they teach students. Question that was asked during presentation: Is Growth Mindset old news? Is growth mindset simply “good teaching” practices? Has growth mindset always existed, but known by other names?

FIXED VS. GROWTH MINDSET FIXED MINDSET: A person’s abilities are predetermined and not based on requiring an effort to acquire them. You either have them or your don’t. GROWTH MINDSET: A person’s abilities are not predetermined and can be acquired through sheer effort, perseverance and a long term commitment. Question Asked during Presentation: Could the ability to learn be a combination of fixed and growth mindset?

What is the student-athlete’s role? A growth mindset is not just the teacher’s or the coach’s responsibility. The development of a growth mindset is a SHARED one and is just as much the student-athlete’s responsibility as it is the teacher’s or the coach’s responsibility. As you get older you will assume more and more of this responsibility. Step One: You must care about your success and be willing to work to achieve it everyday. YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO DAILY. There are no secrets or shortcuts to success. Step Two: SHOW UP prepared, not just ready to achieve daily, not just when you feel like it or when it is convenient. Do you understand this?

If a student-athlete is working to their fullest, but still unable to acquire a skill or skill- set, it maybe a matter of that student-athlete simply not being ready YET. WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE. PERSEVERE. I don’t like spelling the word and don’t like saying this four letter bad word: DON’T _ _ _ _. “Don’t ever _ _ _ _!” Careful it could become a habit. If this is the journey you need to take, not just want to take, that word should never be part of your growth mindset or vocabulary. It cannot be an option. Courage is required in all academic and athletic journeys, but remember to enjoy your journey, smile while on the way and you will find and make like-minded friends as you travel. I warn you though, sometimes the journey is a lonely one. Persevere. Courage is required in life. Did I have to tell you that? Experience and confidence is the reward for taking this journey and being in this process. Confidence is earned, not given and experience must be acquired by action, not words. Remember: Any genuine pursuit of excellence although does not guarantee your ultimate goal, will give “peace of mind” and peace of mind is what we all ultimately want, now isn’t it? Don’t have regrets later in life. Balancing the acceptance of a patient process with a daily sense of urgency is required. I do not define YET as being patient or the acceptance of your current standing. Yet is a very powerful word. YET is a very important aspect to the development of a growth mindset. OK?

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING IF YOU NEED TO YOU CAN DO ANYTHING IF YOU NEED TO. Scituate Public Schools Alumni: James Breen “No matter how low you get in life it is always possible to rebound I strive to live positive and see the upside of every situation. Turn your challenges into opportunities, SMASH boundaries, PUSH limits and DON’T SETTLE for mediocre. Everybody has a story to share. Join me on my positivity journey. I believe in the power of a story to change lives! Anything is possible, with faith and confidence.”

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