Growing up, I was never a keen reader. TV and computer games were more my thing. But since 2017, I started reading non-fiction books. Initially, these books were related to investing in property as I was keen to learn more. Not sure if this was me trying to learn and challenge myself, or trying to set a good example to Cara.
Once I devoured the relevant books, I turned my focus to entrepreneurial and mindset books. As Jim Rohn said; “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary”. After setting a personal goal of trying to read a book a month, or at least 10 pages each day, I have since read more than a book a month and could pull out three lessons from all of them.
However, I have to start somewhere, so may as well start with one that I read recently, Mindset, by Dr Carol Dweck.
3 Lessons from Mindset – Dr Carol Dweck
1. “No matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment” – some say, people are born gifted or have a natural talent. Yes, some children are considered ‘prodigies’. Completing University-level Mathematics at the age of 10 or being a real-life Doogie Howser. But these are the exceptions, not the norm. Through practice, effort, and failure, we can learn and develop to achieve an objective.
2. “The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.” – Rather than staying in a comfort zone, I am trying more to push myself and expand the boundaries. Now that I’m a parent, there’s the need to be a good role model and lead by example.
3. “Praise should deal, not with the child’s personality attributes, but with his efforts and achievements.” – I find myself switching my praise for Cara from how ‘clever’ she is to how much effort she is putting in to read or write. Not sure if she notices it, but hopefully it makes a difference as she gets older.
Since reading this book, I have been more mindful of my fixed and growth mindsets. In situations where I feel like judging something, or believe it is too difficult to accomplish, I try to switch to the growth mindset and focus on the learning along the way. I also aim to continue praising Cara for her efforts, rather than results.
Have you read Mindset? If so, did it impact your mentality and motivation for success? Let me know in the comments section below.
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