The term “growth mindset” was coined by psychologist Carol Dweck. She proposed that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Unlike a fixed mindset that believes talent and intelligence are immovable qualities, a growth mindset sees trials as opportunities and a catalyst for personal development.
In this article, let’s explore the importance of a growth mindset, as well as six tips to help you develop this skill as an online student.
3 Essential Reasons Online Students Should Embrace the Growth Mindset
How important is having a growth mindset for online students? Let’s examine why cultivating a belief in and desire for intellectual growth is essential.
Embracing New Learning Technologies
Online learning is evolving, and you’ll need to use new technologies from time to time to make your learning experience more engaging. A growth mindset can be helpful whenever you’re confronting a new technology. Rather than a daunting obstacle, the new technology becomes a chance to improve your skills and acquire a tool that could help you greatly. This adaptability will enable you to embrace change and, in turn, pursue personal growth.
Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
Online education can present a variety of challenges, from minor obstacles like temporary technical glitches, to major challenges like self-paced study and balancing work, school, and a personal life. It is at these instances where the growth mindset shines. This outlook can transform obstacles into possibilities. Students who embrace a growth mindset view difficulties as an opportunity to discover new strategies for success.
Enhancing Self-Motivation and Discipline
Online learning demands motivation and discipline, qualities that are nurtured by a growth mindset. Without the traditional classroom environment, students must find within themselves the motivation to engage with their studies and manage their time efficiently. A growth mindset will give you the drive to learn and grow. This outlook can help you cultivate the self-discipline you’ll need to succeed in an online environment.
6 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset
Check out the following tips to help you develop a growth mindset:
Set Learning Goals Rather than Performance Goals
Focusing solely on performance goals, such as grades or test scores, can make anyone forget that understanding the lesson is much more important than memorizing facts. Grades are certainly important, but over time, you’ll probably forget whether you got an A or B in a certain class. In contrast, the knowledge you gain and the habits you develop to optimize your learning will always be essential to your personal and professional growth.
To ensure your goals truly align with learning rather than just performance, start by understanding what you want to achieve. This could be understanding a complex concept, improving your skills in a particular area, or developing consistent, effective study habits. Be as specific as possible. For example, rather than saying “I want to be better at math,” make your intention clearer by saying “I want to understand quadratic equations.”
Setting learning goals that are both specific and actionable will help you cultivate a growth mindset that values knowledge over mere performance metrics.
Set Deadlines and Prioritize
Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them up into more manageable tasks. For each bigger goal, identify steps you can take toward making your plans become more attainable. Set realistic deadlines for each task. Deadlines encourage you to stay on track and prioritize your efforts.
Additionally, it pays to be flexible. If you find a certain area requires more time, adjust your plan. Your goal is progress, not perfection. Concentrate your efforts on improving skills, and applying strategies that enhance your knowledge. This approach helps you find value in the learning journey.
Embrace Challenges as Opportunities
Embracing challenges as opportunities rather than seeing them as insurmountable obstacles can lead to personal growth and increased resilience. It can help to focus on your own progress, and not compare yourself to others—remember, you’re not competing with anyone, really, except your former self. This mindset can take some of the pressure off and help you view a challenge as a personal opportunity for own your benefit, rather than a stressful test you must ace.
Acknowledge and Reframe Your Thoughts
It’s human to feel overwhelmed in the face of new challenges, but how you talk to yourself in these moments can make a world of difference. Recognize when you are viewing a challenge with a fixed mindset (“I can’t do this”) and consciously shift to a growth mindset perspective (“I can’t do this yet, but I can learn with time and effort”). This minor change in language can dramatically alter your approach to learning, encouraging a more flexible and optimistic outlook.
Use Failure as a Learning Tool
Understand that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of it. When you stumble, reflect on what caused the misstep, what valuable lessons can be gleaned, and how you can use this newfound knowledge to progress. Adopting this approach turns failure into a powerful learning tool, helping you to build resilience and determination. Remember, every successful innovator and thinker has faced setbacks—what sets them apart is their ability to use these experiences to grow.
Celebrate Growth
Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. Did you overcome a challenge that previously seemed impossible? Did you improve your understanding of a tough concept?
Celebrating victories reinforces the value of your efforts and serves as a reminder of how far you have come. It also boosts your motivation and fuels your desire to continue pushing beyond your perceived limits.
The Takeaway
Developing a growth mindset is a journey in itself—it can take a while to shift your thinking and start seeing challenges as opportunities. However, it’s a journey that not only enhances your online learning experience, but also prepares you for lifelong learning and success in your personal and professional life.