Sunday, September 18, 2016
Chapter 1 & Video: A glimpse into Carol Dweck's philosophy
Please take a moment to view this video. For some reason the video starts at the 5 minute mark. Please be sure to drag the bar to the beginning to view the whole video.
Carol Dweck
Can you think of a time you faced an important opportunity or challenge with a fixed mindset? What were your thoughts and worries?
Now, take that same opportunity or challenge and switch into a growth mindset? What might you have done differently? What strategies or plans might have helped?
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One of my greatest challenges in recent memory came during the Spring of 2015 when I was confronted with the prospect of being a pseudo-single dad to my 3 daughters. My wife was been battling an illness, and that basically left the parenting role exclusively to me last summer. Originally I was paralyzed with a fixed mindset. It kept telling me what I couldn’t do for my girls (i.e. do their hair, shop for their back to school clothes, shuffle them back and forth to camps, take them on our family vacations alone, etc.; while at the same time caring for the house). I guess, without realizing it, I eventually switched to a growth mindset. What helped was understanding that I was able to learn how to do some things, accept help for others, and prioritize and eliminate what was less important. In the end I think my daughters and I have become closer for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great example. I can only imagine how much you and your family were able to grow and learn during that time. The girls were lucky to have you leading them in that role and I am sure you helped them create growth mindsets that will be helpful to them in many situations.
DeleteHaving been with you as you went through this situation I watched you progress in your thinking and make it through. Like I have told you before you handled that and got through that situation with a positive outcome. As long as you keep that mindset you can get through anything. It's good to see you finally be able to realize somethings need to just be let go, that you can't do everything and ACTUALLY accept help!
DeleteWhat a beautiful example. I remember in general, going through the same sort of rough patches of being single parent, handling every single thing that came up in life solo. At some point, I heard myself saying "I can't take anymore". After a few repetitions, I realized what I was saying, and asked myself, so what is the other option: Give up? No. Not any option. After realizing that, the message to my brain became I will keep handling whatever comes my way, because there is no other option.
DeleteGreat story, Mike. Thanks for sharing. I'll bet there are many of use that can reflect on times when life was not what we signed up for, yet we had to find ways to make it work.
This is such a great example of how we can overcome situations that seem insurmountable at the time. Your ability to change your mindset is a great model for your daughters!
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ReplyDeleteIf I think back to when I was in college, I think I had a fixed mindset about learning math. I did very well in High School and math just came easy to me. I did my homework, answered questions correctly in class, and took my tests. Everything was easy and I got great grades. I just figured I was good at math! When I went to college, I declared a dual major of special education and math. Well, as I started to take lots of college math classes, I realized quickly that I was not getting everything correct as easily as I always had. What was wrong? I could always figure out this math on my own. Luckily, I believe that I must have changed to a growth mindset because I really wanted to learn this challenging new math. I still raised my hand, even though my answer may not have been correct. I made some friends and joined a math study group. And I frequented my professor's office hours to ask many questions. I see now that because I was able to change my mindset, and I was willing to make mistakes and learn from them, I was able to survive differential equations and Calculus 4. Perhaps I understood them even better because the knowledge didn't come so easily to me.
ReplyDeleteLori, that is a great academic example. I think that everyone at some point experiences some sort of academic challenge. When students find themselves challenged at an early age, I believe, how they work through that challenge can set the stage for how they perceive school in the future.
DeleteIt's hard for me to think of a time I had a fixed mindset. Maybe when I was first laid off 3 yrs ago I thought " I can't do this!." That lasted for a few days thought. I did what I needed to do, I went back to waitressing and bartending full time and was preparing myself to day to day sub. The first year I had several interviews but only had a few long term sub positions. Nothing permanent. Still waitressing and bartending I did what I needed to do to pay the bills. I learned from the interviews and grew from them. The following year I had about 20 more interviews and finally got a propationary position in Holland where I was for 2 yrs. Looking back on it I think about how much that experience has helped me to grow as a person and an educator. It brought my husband and I closer and made me more greatful for what I have. As an educator it has heklped me to realize what a great district Lew-Port is and how lucky I am to be able to be teaching here again. Also teaching 5 preps between Middle School and High School and being technology coordinator in Holland has helped me grow as an educator in so many ways. I did a lot that I never thought I would do in my educational career. My teaching and artistic skills improved because of it.
ReplyDeleteI think that I have always been a growth minded person and just do what I need to do to get through a difficult time. I always try to see the light at the end of the tunnel and the positive things that come out of a negative situation. I think about what skills I need to develope or gain to get through that particular situation and figure out a way.
Kelly that's awesome that you were able to switch from fixed to growth about this situation, because it really paid off. If you would have just thought "I can't do this" the outcome would have been totally different!
DeleteIt's great to have you back Zim. You are an excellent teacher. That's why you landed on your feet, and that's why you are back where you belong. Having had a front row seat for your transformation from fixed to growth, I think it provides an outstanding example of the power of positive thinking.
DeleteYou always been a very positive person and hard working. We are so lucky to have you back at the MS, on the exploratory team!
DeleteIt's nice to have you back! I know it was a tough time for you. It was tough for us, too! It's nice to see the end result of the growth mindset.
DeleteSo happy that you are back Kelly!! It takes a lot of time,strength and courage to go through that situation. So happy that you were able to grow in so many facets of your life. It can be challenging to take negatives and turn them into positives.
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DeleteI would generally not describe myself as a fixed mindset type of person. But in July of 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I definitely went into a fixed mindset mode. The fact that there were initially a lot of "unknowns" was terrifying. What would happen to my kids? How would my husband care for them? How would we pay the bills? What if I couldn't see my kids graduate from high school, or get married, or have children of their own? I was an awful place to be mentally. I snapped out of it pretty quickly after meeting with the surgeon. He assured me that he would take care of it, and he did. He told me that my kids would be fine, and they are. I had to start using a growth mindset or I was going to make myself crazy. It forced me to let go of the little things so that I could focus on the important things. I had to give up some of the control that I once had. Now that it is all behind me, I definitely look at things differently. Going into any situation with a fixed mindset could be a recipe for disaster. I think that I was able to set a great example for my husband and my kids.
ReplyDeleteYou handle it about as well as I've ever seen anyone handle it. It's almost impossible to try to stay positive in that situation. It can lead to a very dark place. I'm glad that you learned to trust your doctors, and take it one day at a time. Try to maintain the growth mindset regarding the condition., because it's hard to forget about it.
DeleteI know exactly how you feel. The mind can make you think negative thoughts, that of course, only you can hear. You just have to keep the faith, and keep telling yourself to stop thinking that way!
DeleteKaren, I am so happy that all is ok. How could you not go into that situation with a fixed mindset? I know we all think we are going to handle life situations a certain way, but there is no script. It is wonderful that you came out a stronger person.
DeleteKaren, I am so happy that all is ok. How could you not go into that situation with a fixed mindset? I know we all think we are going to handle life situations a certain way, but there is no script. It is wonderful that you came out a stronger person.
DeleteKaren, having that ability to change to a growth mindset in times of stress and uncertainty can make all the difference in how we approach things. I am so happy that you were able to make that switch and can look back and see how well everything has worked out.
DeleteThinking of a time I had a fixed mindset was when I was going to college for my master’s degree. I was subbing and hearing so much negative discussion about teaching. A lot of people would tell me I better move out of state if I want a full time job. I started to believe it and was afraid I would never get a full time job or begin my career. I even would think to myself, if teaching doesn’t work out, what else would I do? I worried about if I had to move and where I would go.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been more productive to think and act about this with a growth mindset. My mind would have focused on all the positives I had experienced with teaching and why I love to do it every day. This would have helped me focus on all the things that were going right and not what was going wrong. There were so many successes I had thus far in my career, but I would focus more on worrying about getting a job, interviews, moving, certifications, etc. I believe my mindset shifted from fixed to growth when I started getting calls for long term substitute positions. I knew it was a step in the right direction and that there were opportunities in NYS available. All the long term subbing gave me the experience I needed to be a full time teacher. Now I am happily in my second year as a full time special education teacher at a great school district.
I had a similar experience.
DeleteCrazy story...but I actually had a fixed mindset about teaching in general after teaching 4 years in Texas. Lots of hard work and low pay resulted in major burn out. After moving to New York, I tried to get a job in another field; however, ended up teaching at Lew-Port. What a great school district to work in!! I feel very fortunate to be here.
DeletePersistence and hard work always works out!
ReplyDeleteOK, I've read everyone's comments, and they are so inspiring. Many of us can put ourselves in other people's shoes. I've really been thinking about this. And the one I want to share is after I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Dietetics when I was 23 years old. After 5 years of college, I did not ever want to go through that again (studying, projects, research, exams, and the cost!). However, as I got older and had children of my own, I started exploring continuing my education in a career that allowed me to work with children. Something I never thought I would enjoy so much. I went back to school at age 36 for teaching, and was able to complete my master's degree and get a job by age 38-39. I have developed the mindset that I never should give up on lifelong learning and increasing my knowledge for new ideas. Something teachers have to always do to become better educators for our students.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great example of the need for a growth mindset.
DeleteI realize that everyone is a life long learner and we sometimes just have to go with out gut and do what makes us happy. However, I can't even image starting over in caeers after so long in a career already! It is definitely an example of a growth mindset and takes a very strong person to do that.
DeleteOk, I would have to say that I have been truly blessed in my life. I struggled to remember an experience when I have felt overwhelmingly challenged. One definite experience when a growth mindset would have been helpful was after I graduated college and worked in a longterm teaching position. When the longterm position was completed, I had to move back home to live with my parents (great for my ego) and I enrolled in Niagara University for my Masters Degree. After having my own classroom and returning to day to day substitute teaching and going on interviews, I wasn't sure I would ever make it back into my own classroom. Well, the right things happened and 11 years later I am still teaching. That time in my life really showed me how to learn from my experience and push through adversity. It also showed me that everything happens for a reason...by moving home and substitute teaching I was able to complete my Masters Degree. It really worked out well.
ReplyDeleteLake Tahoe, Summer 2014...beautiful days spent at the beach watching paddle-boarders and swimmers. Eventually someone approached us offering to teach us to Paddle Board. I really wanted to learn, but right here, in front of everyone on the shoreline - NO THANK YOU! My fear was falling face first (and bum up) into the water and looking like a fool. 3 days went by while I continued to watch the couples paddle-boarding the lake, Finally I talked myself into going for it...I convinced myself that I would prefer to learn in Lake Tahoe versus the Erie Canal so guess what? I learned to paddle board but not before I fell face first and bum up into the crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe! Because of my clumsiness, I made a few people laugh WITH me and THEN they decided to give it a whirl (apparently my willingness to embarrass myself gave them strength!) My reward: I met a great couple from Colorado and we still correspond. We are planning to vacation together again soon. If it weren't for my switch from fixed-mindset to growth-mindset, I would have missed an opportunity to meet some great people! I also would have been stuck teaching myself to paddle-board in the Erie Canal (ewwe, yuck!)
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to relate my fixed mind set to before I was hired here at Lewiston Porter. I subbed for 7 years in and around the area with several long term positions. I grew very discouraged and worn out with the whole teaching system. I really started to think that I would change careers and go back to school. One summer night before I was going to quit altogether and pursue something else, I spoke to my mother. She reminded me that this was the career I always wanted to do. I continued on my path because she was right, I didn't want to be or do anything else! Here I am!!
ReplyDeleteWow Kathleen, even back then it was years of subbing? Sigh. I think most teachers today know that drill. It's a long road to the probationary job. If you give up, you'll never get it. I am grateful everyday I drive and see that beautiful escarpment that I made it long enough to get to Lew-Port!! I knew this district was going to change my life. And it has. I got the job I needed, made my first solid friend here in years, and the more I am here, the more friendships I build and the more the district gives back to me.
DeleteI remember having a fixed mind set years ago when I was going back to school to become a teacher. As a single parent, I worked full time at Apple Grannys and went to school full time. I kept thinking how I am going to pay for school, rent, utilities, and rise my daughter. It was extremely challenging at times. I am so thankful that I have my mother as a positive role model. My mother has a growth mindset and her words of encouragement helped me to persevere. I am so thankful I listened and was able to change my thinking as well.
ReplyDelete(raising a toast to you!)
DeleteCan you think of a time you faced an important opportunity or challenge with a fixed mindset? What were your thoughts and worries?
ReplyDeleteNow, take that same opportunity or challenge and switch into a growth mindset? What might you have done differently? What strategies or plans might have helped?
I have to agree with Nicole that when I enrolled at NU for my Master's Degree in teaching, I was convinced that I would have a very difficult time getting a teaching job. I remember questioning myself constantly if I was doing the right thing. (Especially because NU isn't cheap!) When I got hired at LP, back in 1997, it was almost impossible to get a job. I even thought about moving away. I think if I would have used a growth mindset instead, I would not have felt the consistent panic I felt about getting a teaching job. I would have concentrated more on displaying my skills through subbing than constantly worrying about getting a job. I also would have organized myself more and not concentrated on only trying to get into LP. I put so much focus on getting hired at LP, and thank god it worked out for me, but I should have allowed myself to explore other school systems and not view that getting a job at LP was my only option. I'm so happy it did work out, but I think I would have had a lot less stress if I would have tried lots of different school districts.
I have a file with over 30 applications in it from 1993...I haven't thrown it away because it reminds me of how challenging it was to get a job in New York State.
DeleteI'm enjoying learning more about everyone. Thank you all, for your openness. I have always said, the best PD opportunities are the ones that apply to my life, of which teaching is one part.
ReplyDeleteI guess the example I choose to share will be about a 15 hour period during the summer of 2008 when I climbed Mt.Fuji in Japan. My friend and I had a plan, when to start (in the evening for an overnight climb) and to summit at sunrise. No matter how prepared I tried to be, (had O2 can with me, solid clothing, appropriate food, etc), I had difficulty climbing with the oxygen deprivation. (How was I to prepare for that?) I was extremely dizzy, it was dark (good thing I couldn't see down), and my feet began to hurt, more and more. We made regular periodic stops at each of the rest stops along the way up. At some point in the early hours of the morning, we stopped at one of the warming huts, had some soup, and barely had the energy to speak. I took one of my hiking snacks out, my Snickers bar, and realized it was frozen solid. My feet hurt bc of cold exposure. I didn't realize my ears and face were so cold. We had our soup and realized we could not make it to the summit, and would need to rest. I felt I had failed. We rented a cot for 3 hours and the next morning still were unsure if we could make it, but we said we would try, and we would evaluate at each stop. So we cut the job into accomplishing one section at a time, and yes, although the sun was up, we made it to the summit that morning. I learned it was a total shift in perception. I had looked at it at failing. Once I set it up that I was absolutely going to make it to the next stop, the stops added up and eventually, we found ourselves at the top. The experience was (at the time) the most difficult physical and mental single challenge I had faced. It was life changing in the way I was able to see how important perspective it. It was a significant 15 hours of my life.
Wow! What an incredible experience and challenge. There is something so powerful about the way you physically feel when you accomplish a physical challenge like that. Your mindset and success have left you with a strong sense of confidence!
DeleteAnd I thought loading my kayak on my car was challenging. :)
DeleteCamille~ What a wonderful experience you had! It's amazing what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it. It would have been very easy for you and your friend to give up. The conditions certainly didn't sound fun. But you put your mind to it and you did it! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteFor a mindset change experience I think back to my father. He had a stroke and so many other issues that need management. He insisted on being in his own home with his dog to the very end. My children were very young and being a full time caregiver for someone who was living in a different home / town was an impossible task. One Sunday I rushed over to get him up for breakfast, then rush back to get my kids to church and got pulled over for a speeding ticket. It was a breaking point. I refused to accept the ticket. The officer finally reached in an placed it on the dash board! I thought, there aren't enough minutes in the day for me to be a mom, have a full time job, and be a full time caregiver and now I have to go to court for a ticket!!! argh! _ _ _ _ I needed to regroup and pull in all my resources. I contacted people and was able to schedule some in home nursing care that we were able to get some financial coverage for. Even my 80 year old Aunt (dad's sister) managed to help out each Saturday and bring him dinner. That was huge. Just by breaking down all the things that needed to be down, Dr. appointments, meals, house cleaning, personal care, medication management, bill paying....and pulling in every possible family member, we managed to work things out. I still think back and I know that I honored his wishes of always having lived in his home with his dog. Changing my mindset from thinking I had to do it all on my own was what got me through.
ReplyDeleteFor my story, I am taking one period in my life which was quite the roller coaster year. I had been teaching in a Catholic School for 9 years. I loved the school-they were like family to me. I could not afford living off of that salary. I had interviewed at several schools around the area (staying only around my comfort zone- of course that was a mistake). I had various interviews and would always make it to the top 3, but inevitably lose out to someone else. I figured my life may forever be making very little money, but doing what I love. However, one particularly difficult day at school led me to a different decision. I walked to my car that day like any other, but on the way home, a song came on the radio that talked about breaking away and moving on. I started weeping all the way home. I needed a change. I walked in the house and began typing a letter that would indeed change my path forever. It was my letter saying that I would be leaving my school at the end of the school year.I had no other job, but if I didn't make this move now, I never would. I put it into my principal's mailbox and waited.When I went to his office,he took out a folder full of papers and told me to look carefully at it. These were resumes of people who would love my job. How could I possibly leave this job for nothing? I now knew I had made the right choice as I glared at him. No thank yous for my years of service and teaching. It was heartbreaking for me. On that last day of school, I packed up and had no idea where my path would take me. So, I spent my summer looking tirelessly and came up with nothing - as the teacher job drought was at an all time high. I realized this would not be my year. I began subbing, and contemplated changing careers. Surely there must be places that would love the skills teachers bring to the table - not so much. My savings was disappearing quickly as I lived off of pb and j sandwiches and sold most of my furniture. I couldn't possibly go back to my parents - but unfortunately it came to just that. I had never felt so down about myself. I needed a new plan. So, I did the only thing I could think of - looked out of state for a job. For someone who is one of the shyest humans on Earth - this was not going to be easy. I began my research. I decided on Maryland. I went to Teacher Recruitment Days, and I signed up for all the interviews I could. I received callbacks. I took a road trip with my parents to the areas. Then, I took a plane one morning to Maryland and went on several interviews in 1 day. This was not easy for someone like me. I received a call back the next day for the school I had liked best. It was a school 15 minutes from the Baltimore airport. I couldn't believe it as I told them yes and started my planning. I bought my holiday airline tickets, rented an apartment, and packed up. It all went so quickly that I never stopped to think. Until two days before I was to leave, I did. I stopped and thought was I going to be happy? I don't know anyone - who would I call if something went wrong? Was this what I wanted? All of a sudden a rush of emotions hit and I realized that all I really wanted was to prove I could get a teaching job, and that a school did think I was worthy. I had to go and tell my parents that I had chickened out. Although, I guess that wasn't truly what I did. I made all of my phone calls, and then looked up realizing I had better do something now.
ReplyDelete. I had to change my mindset. I got on my computer, and I signed up to get certified in Special Education. I need something else, and I couldn't just hope for it to happen. I took classes that year, and took long term sub jobs. That next summer, I applied everywhere. The teacher drought was still there. However, I received one phone call - from Lew-Port. They were hiring for an elementary position. I knew it was a long shot, but I went in with the most positive mindset I had ever had. I knew I needed this job more than anything. Well, I received that call for the 5th grade position, and my tears streamed for a very different reason. It was not an easy road, but I had made it. Of course, there have been bumps. When I was laid off 4 years later, I sat in my classroom already feeling it slip away all over. But, then news came that a Special Education position would be opening. I went into the interview again with everything I had - knowing to take nothing for granted. Now, 5 years later after that, here I am. This is my 9th year at Lew-Port. I take nothing for granted. My mindset had changed a lot over the years though. Nobody got me to where I was but me. I had to make it happen, and I realize that it what we need to teach our students. I am so sorry for the length of my post....it was a soul searching moment lol
ReplyDeleteWow. Good for you for staying the course. I am glad that things worked out for you in the end!
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DeleteWhat an inspirational story Karen!! You're hard work and perseverance truly paid off in the end. As in the growth mindset, your effort and positive attitude helped you achieve your goals!!
DeleteChanging my mindset occurred in 2006 when I decided to go back to the University of Buffalo for a second masters degree in educational administration. I remember sitting in my first day of the Summer program and wondering what I was doing. I was overwhelmed by the level of expectations, by how much the university had changed, by my fellow cohort members and my lack of technology experience. I remember my stomach churning and thinking how can I get out of this? I was working full time, my mom had recently become ill and was being evaluated for a transplant. Once the first week had gone by and I was able to become more comfortable in this new situation, I realized that this two year program was something I could do. I made many friends in my cohort and realized that we were a support system for one another not only for the academic courses but also for our personal challenges. I am so thankful and appreciative that I was able to change my mindset and be open to this new challenge in my life. I finished the program, was by my mom's side during her transplant and recovery and have maintained friendships with my cohort members. The growth mindset truly allows us to achieve our dreams, no matter how difficult we may perceive the journey to be.
ReplyDeleteOne moment in time were I had a fixed mindset was when the ELA and Math modules were being rolled out and introduced to us during a faculty meeting. At the time, I was not interested in becoming acquainted with yet another teaching method or curriculum. I was thinking...."Oh no...not another change in curriculum." I don't say that because I don't like change. I say that because I wasn't interested in jumping on another band wagon that would possibly dwindle in a couple of years when the next new idea sprouted.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to use a growth mindset regarding the Module rollout, I would use the opportunity as a chance to step outside my comfort zone. As the video mentioned, "that is were learning occurs." After using the modules for 4 years (I think), I can say that the Math Modules have been most beneficial. They difinitely challenge the students, and I can see that this year's third grade are more math savvy than any other class I have had. I can say the same thing about the ELA modules, unfortunately.
A time that I had a fixed mindset when was I was looking for a teaching job in a school district. I was lucky enough to be teaching full time however, I was in a charter school in Lackawanna and I had high hopes of being in a suburban district. After three years of let downs and always being a runner up to someone who knew someone at a district, I had had enough and was just about to start a new career path in pharmaceutical sales. Out of the blue, I had received a call late one summer asking me to come in for an interview at Lew-Port. I had never even been to Lewiston before. I had received the call because I personally sent a resume to the principal. At this point, I could care less about another pointless interview only to be let down however, I decided to go. Normally I would prep the night before studying my practice interview questions but not this time. My boyfriend now husband encouraged me to just go and give it one more try. I did end up getting hired. I was the last person they interviewed on the last day. When I met with the Superintendent he asked me who I knew at Lew-Port and I told him none. His reply was "Perfect!" I sure am glad that I made the trip to Lewiston that day and that I listened to my husband and did not give up! He always told me that I was too good of a teacher not to get picked up by a district eventually.
ReplyDeleteThis is Sue Francis. Not sure why this keeps coming up unknown - must have done something wrong. Oh well, another chance to learn Google. Raising two girls was a constant battle between a fixed mindset - because I said so- and a growth mindset - what is it they need right now. As anyone who raises children knows, you have to be open to their unique ideas, thoughts and dreams. Whenever I was disagreeing or feeling like I was in a battle with one of the girls I often felt like I needed to win. As you can imagine that never turned out well. It took me many such learning experiences to learn to take a deep breath, walk away and think "What is this really about?". Learning to see the world from their perspective while not losing sight of my own helped my girls grow emotionally. Letting them know that mom can say she is sorry helped them say it back and understand the true meaning of taking responsibility. Though I will say this was a much harder lesson for my oldest who can get bogged down in a fixed mindset. I will be recommending this book to her.
ReplyDeleteHey, I figured out how to add my name.
ReplyDelete