Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

Overview

• Understanding if you have a growth or fixed mindset
• Developing a growth mindset regarding mental health
• How a growth mindset can change your feelings about mental health

Introduction

• Sponsor: BetterHelp (online therapy provider)
  • Offers licensed therapists for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief
  • Accessible from home with flexible messaging
  • $65/week with discounts available

Key Concepts

Boredom and Growth

• Boredom: Difficult due to an innate drive for growth and knowledge
• Making lives about growth turns difficulties to benefits

Growth Mindset (Carol Dweck)

• Belief: Basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work
• Focus: Love of learning and resilience
• Talent and Skills: Require effort and practice

Fixed Mindset

• Belief: Abilities are innate and unchanged by effort
• Perspective: Sees feedback as a personal attack, fears showing imperfection
• Common Phrases: "I'm bad at math," "I'm depressed and can't change"

Fixed Mindset in Mental Health

• Misconception: Mental health issues are 100% biological
• Reality: Many options and skills can improve mental health
• Lack of Education: Most people are unaware of how to improve mental health

Developing a Growth Mindset

• Opportunity to Learn: Problems are chances to develop new skills
• Feedback: Viewed as growth opportunities
• Emotion Regulation: Learning from intense emotions changes experiences

Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset

1. Embrace Imperfections: See them as growth opportunities
2. Progress Over Perfection: Focus on continuous improvement
3. Language Shift: Replace "failure" with "not yet"
4. Explore Options: Try various methods like books, support groups, therapy, coaching
5. Value Focus: Prioritize personal values over external approval
6. Seek Feedback: Actively ask for and receive feedback
7. Effort Recognition: Value effort over outcomes

Application for Children

• Teaching Children: Apply growth mindset principles to help kids handle challenges

Course Information

• Course: How to Process Your Emotions
• Content: 30 essential skills for resolving depression and anxiety
• Availability: Free videos on YouTube, additional resources available through purchase
• Support: Patreon and sponsors help make this accessible