I just finished reading an article written by Salman Khan who is very famous for being the teacher in Khan Academy. It is entitled Learning Myth: Why I'll Never Tell My Son He's Smart. It was truly inspiring and I want to share this blog with you. So let's get to the point.
For sure, at least once in your life you had difficulty in something. Probably it was hard for you to solve that problem in Algebra or you had a hard time pronouncing a French word you're learning. Although it was tough for you, you tried your very best in getting the answer or something you're aiming for.
That's what you call "growth mindset" since you're doing your best to improve. In the growth mindset, people appreciate the struggles they've been through in achieving their goals. In it you are not thinking how smart you are but how persevering and dedicated you are. You believe that there are still different areas in your life that you can improve. In layman's term you are going outside your box, extending your horizons.
Contrary to growth mindset is the "fixed mindset." Thinking that there's nothing more you can change. Believing that intelligence is in born or based on genetic inheritance. These people limit themselves to the challenges that they know they have a huge possibility of winning. Trying new things is not in their mind since they think that it will be hard.
Studies shown that human brain is like a muscle. The more you use the more it grows. It is better if we use our brains often even it means failing and struggling. Without thinking, we will never widen our knowledge. Intelligence is developed and improved with constant trial. We should not restrict our learning within the four corners of our classrooms. Try to explore, read more books, do researches. Do not be afraid to fail. Experience and lessons are learnt from trying. Technically, brain improves when you're getting a wrong answer since you thought on how to answer it and not when you had a right answer because you already know it. You can learn anything, always remember that.
I shall end my post here. I know it's so long but I enjoyed doing it so you and I will both be inspired and motivated.
Here is the link of the article Learning Myth: https://www.khanacademy.org/talks-and-interviews/conversations-with-sal/a/the-learning-myth-why-ill-never-tell-my-son-hes-smart
"As long as they embrace struggles and mistakes, they can learn anything."
-Salman Khan
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