Carol Dweck: The Power of Believing That You Can Improve

Do you ever feel like you aren’t good enough or can’t do something you think you should be able to or want to do, or that everyone is ahead of you or better than you?

The reality is - you might not be good enough … yet.

The Power of Yet is something educator and psychologist Carol Dweck talks about in her Ted Talk: The power of believing that you can improve.

We are programmed to praise talent and success, and sometimes we think if we aren’t the smartest, the fastest, or the best socially, we aren’t good enough.

Carol said we should instead recognize, reward, and praise effort, grit, and the ability to learn because when we do and when we have a growth mindset, we will put in the work needed to get better and might even pass up the more naturally talented and gifted people who were ahead of us while learning some valuable lessons on the way.

Instead of saying “I’m not good,” “I’m not smart,” or, “I can’t do it,” say, “I’m not good, smart, or can’t do it yet.” That one word could change your mindset and your future.

Her research says when we have a fixed mindset, we are more likely to lie, cheat, and steal our way through life while avoiding challenges, and when we have a growth mindset, we are more likely to seek challenges because we know they are what helps us grow into become our best selves.

Which one are you? Do you have a growth mindset that seeks out challenging opportunities to learn and grow, or do you have a fixed mindset where you think you are what you are and avoid challenges and new opportunities?

Take small steps and celebrate small wins. Build one new habit or learn one new skill and celebrate it. Make one call, approach one person, or send one email or text message. Dream big, start small, and then stick to the plan.

The only people who truly lose are the ones who quit. Surround yourself with a team of people who won’t let you quit and who will keep pushing you.

You aren’t who you want to be or where you want to be … yet!