In the TRAIN course, we recently began discussing Mindsets by Carol Dweck. In this book, she illustrates the differences between a growth and fixed mindset. For those of you who may not know, a growth mindset is flexible when faced with challenges while a fixed mindset is “stubborn”. This is a very generic definition of the two and the book goes into depth about the two. In order to tie the book to the class, we looked at strategies used in previous experiences and how they can be incorporated into a new learning challenge.
One of my accomplishments was becoming a researcher. Going back to the day I found out about S-STEM, I had no idea what internships were but I went for it anyway. Today, I’ve learned so much from taking that step forward and getting out of my comfort zone (Strategy #1). Once I became comfortable at Phoenix College, not only did I apply for internships around Arizona but also the country. In addition, repetitive practice and LOTS of patience helped me become a better researcher (Strategy #2). There were instances where data wouldn’t make sense but I couldn’t give up that easily. I had to push through to try and answer my hypothesis. Scientific research is also very hands-on and that worked perfectly for me. I learn best when I use my hands because it actually sticks in my mind (Strategy #3). Last but not least, asking questions was crucial (Strategy #4)! There were times where I would annoy MYSELF because of how many times I asked the same question over and over.
So what’s my new learning challenge? It’s to learn and become better at car-related areas. In my case, I want to work on parallel parking and basic car terminology.
First and foremost, parallel parking? I don’t know her; I try to avoid her. However, one day I couldn’t. I was running late to my class and there were no available parking spots in my usual lot... but there was ONE. That one and only spot along the curb. As I’m pulling up to it, I’m nervous and frantic because 1. I had cars behind me and 2. I hadn’t parallel parked since my driver’s license test (2 years ago). After turning my steering wheel about a thousand times and switching between drive and reverse, I was able to barely stay within the box. I refuse to go through that again so I’ve made it a goal to become better. Just like I did to become a researcher, I need to get out of my comfort zone and practice (Strategy #1 and #2). I’m going to deliberately put myself in situations where I have to parallel park because, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
Recently, I had to get a few things fixed in my car. So, when I received the call from the mechanic about fixing the “bushings”, I acted like I knew what he was talking about, told him to go ahead and hung up. As soon as I hung up, I realized I had no idea what he was doing to my car. I immediately called him back and asked him question after question (Strategy #4). After he explained it to me, I repeated it to him to make sure I understood. Now, I’m not saying I’m going to become Mechanic Brenda but I use my car everyday, I should at least know a few things about it.
Before this activity, I didn’t think about approaching challenges the same way I achieved accomplishments. That being said, I’ll leave you with this: what’s your next challenge and what strategies will you use to conquer it?
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| Figure 1. An illustration depicting the differences between a growth and fixed mindset ("HandTao Growth... Poster, 2019). |
Dweck, Carol S. Mindset the New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books, 2016.
“HandTao Growth... Poster.” Amazon, Amazon, 2019,
www.amazon.com/HandTao-Growth mindset-Artwork-
Decorations/dp/B07G75F3X7.
