How To Get Better At Things You Care About? The 13 New Answer

Eduardo Briceño is a learner, leader, speaker and author dedicated to enabling a more learner-centric world.

Why you should listen

Eduardo Briceño leads Mindset Works, the leading provider of growth mindset development services and programs for schools and businesses. The company supports organizations in cultivating learning-oriented cultures and systems. Briceño started Mindset Works in 2007 with leading growth mindset researcher Carol Dweck, PhD, and education expert Lisa Blackwell, PhD. Prior to his current role, he was a principal at Sprout Group, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.

Briceño is a frequent keynote speaker at leading conferences and facilitates workshops at internal professional and executive meetings. His two TEDx talks, “The power of believe” and “How to get better at the things you care about,” each have more than three million views. He is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network and has been inducted into the Happiness Hall of Fame. He has been featured and quoted in prominent media and in the documentaries The Process and Rise: Voice of a New Generation.

Briceño grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and now lives in San Jose, California with his wife. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA and MA in education from Stanford University. Most importantly, he continues to enjoy lifelong learning every day.

As part of the B-Sport program, our athletes read short articles and watch clips aimed at developing their mental and emotional abilities. As an athlete, this is an important but often overlooked aspect of athletic development. A clip from our athlete watch is a TED talk by Eduardo Briceño entitled “How to Get Better at the Things You Care About.” In this video, Mr. Briceño wants to explain why, even though we try our best and spend a lot of time on it, we don’t always get much better at the things we work towards. To understand why time spent on a task doesn’t always equate to increased performance, we need to take a closer look at what he calls the learning zone and the achievement zone, and why spending time in each zone is crucial , if we want to improve.

The learning zone and the performance zone

Briceño explains that the most efficient employees and teams understand that there is a learning zone and a performance zone. There are clear differences between the two zones.

The learning zone is about learning and focusing on the skills you haven’t mastered yet. Errors are to be expected in this zone. Learning is about focusing on growth to improve future performance. The learning zone must also consist of low-stakes situations, as mistakes are not a big deal in such environments.

Briceño believes three things must happen for someone to be in the learning zone. They are:

1. Belief (I can improve)

2. Time investment (I want to improve)

3. Conscious practice (I know how to improve)

Time spent on a task is one thing, while focused, conscious practice spent on a task is quite another. Conscious practice leads to improvement. This type of practice requires a number of different elements, including:

· Breakdown of skills into skills or sub-skills

· Pushing just beyond your comfort zone

· Actively seek frequent feedback and reflection

· Having someone to coach/improve your practice

The performance zone, on the other hand, is about execution with a focus on the skills you have already learned. Errors are minimized in this zone. This is where we get things done when our practiced skills are applied. We also get information or feedback on what needs to be worked on in the Performance Zone. By thinking deeply about what’s happening in the performance zone, we get feedback on how well we’re mastering our skills so we know what needs more practice.

It’s important that both zones are used, but the key is knowing when. When we spend too much or all of our time in the performance zone, we stunt our growth and therefore our performance. We don’t spend time working on the skills we lack in order to increase or improve our performance. On the other hand, spending too much time in the learning zone is also detrimental. We have no way of testing and therefore getting feedback on how our practice is going. It’s entirely possible that our learning zone will become a place where we stay in our comfort zone, only doing what we know and practicing the skills we already master, thus limiting our ability to move forward.

Unfortunately, many of the environments we find ourselves in today, particularly social environments, are very risky. At school, homework that is supposed to be part of the learning zone is graded. This turns these assignments into performance zone “tests”. Instead, teachers should apply any skills students have worked on or learned during the Learning Zones portion of the unit to a quiz or test; represents a grade or time in the power zone. The same situation can arise at work, where we feel more comfortable staying in our comfort zone to avoid making mistakes and being bullied. We will never try anything new or different that way.

Why is this so important for today’s athlete?

It’s no secret that athletes need to grow. Their physical and sport-specific skills need to be improved along with their mental tenacity and emotional resilience. The athlete’s plateau, no matter how physically talented, is inevitably passed. Athletes grow in the Learning Zone.

As previously mentioned, most of the environments we spend time in are overly performance-driven and performance-oriented. Athletics is no different. There is certainly a time for high-stakes competition in athletics. But it’s time spent outside of direct competition that needs to be a place that encourages learning, mistakes and growth.

Many young athletes today, and even many of the older ones, have become too used to this culture of instant gratification that we live in. The mindset of being able to achieve everything immediately has consequences for sporting development. With this mindset there is no time for mistakes. There is no time to develop beginner skills, only the firm belief that we either have the skill or we don’t. Learning has taken a back seat. The expectation is to be perfect or to master a skillset in a very short time. Even lower-stakes practice environments are confused with competitive, execution-based sessions. With all of our skills and practices being measured quantitatively today, it’s easy to forget the importance of making mistakes and venturing out of your comfort zone in order to learn.

Much of this thinking can be attributed to observing and imitating what professional athletes do on the field. Most young athletes forget that television networks only broadcast competitions and games that are strictly examples of athletes in the performance zone. The flawless execution of these athletes resulted from countless hours of conscious practice and overcoming trials and tribulations. However, none of this work behind the scenes of the learning zone is shown, easily fueling the myth that athletics is all about the performance zone, when in reality the best athletes spend far more time in the learning zone than in the performance zone.

Athletes who don’t understand the differences between these two zones typically don’t spend enough time in one zone over the other. When this happens, they don’t become successful competitive athletes. There needs to be a balance and shift between the two zones to deliver consistent, long-term growth. Think about how you prepare for work, sport or school. Do you take the time to make mistakes and try new things in the Learning Zone? If not, consider how this could help you improve your skills. Do you spend all your time in the learning zone and never test the skills you’ve been working on? If so, think about how much feedback you don’t get when testing your skills in a high-stakes situation. Find that balance, and when it’s time to be in the performance zone, you’ll be ready to run with confidence in high-pressure situations with minimal mistakes.

I came across this very interesting TED video by Eduardo Briceño. It speaks of “performance zone” and “learning zone”. It touches me and I want to share it with everyone.

Do you even feel stuck despite working as hard as you can? Do you feel like you’re not improving as quickly as you should or wanted to? Maybe it’s time to understand the difference between “performing zone” and “learning zone.”

In the “performance zone” you run flawlessly and mistakes are costly. There is no safety net for mistakes. On the contrary, in the “learning zone” mistakes are expected (or even encouraged) and failure is part of the learning process.

If you’re like me (or anyone who works at an IT company in Silicon Valley), you always have to deal with due dates, deadlines, and release schedules. In other words, we’re always stuck in the “performance zone.” The problem is that we’ve only mastered so much and there are so many things we’re not good at. We will never learn new things if we are always in the performance zone. No wonder we feel stuck. Because we have nothing new to offer.

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to step into the “learning zone,” where we can experiment with new things without fear of failure. This reminds me of Google’s 20 percent free time policy. It encourages employees to be in the learning zone and do something not directly related to the current work. I believe this partly contributes to the success of Google.

We do this unconsciously to a certain extent. We go to conferences, read articles and books, attend training courses, etc. These are examples of ‘learning zones’. The idea is to make it conscious. We can say to ourselves, “I’m in the learning zone now. It’s okay for me to experiment, make mistakes, look stupid, ask naive questions, make a fool of myself.”

Not only the “learning zone” is important for individual performance, but also for team or company performance. Try to encourage and build a learning zone for your team to improve as well. Build a safety net for them so they are not afraid of making mistakes. You will be surprisingly rewarded for this.

Change is inevitable. Accepting it — and learning to anticipate it — isn’t, and understanding that is a major mental hurdle for entrepreneurs as their businesses, customers, and markets change over time.

But you can train your brain to better deal with change through some simple mental exercises, from imagining your business’s demise to learning how to meditate. This is not always pleasant, but possible. Here, 12 entrepreneurs from YEC share their favorite ways to force a mindset change.

1. Learn to meditate.

Your mindset is a muscle that can be strengthened and improved. One way to improve your mindset and embrace change in your life is to learn the practice of meditation. Materials to help you train this muscle include books like Dan Harris’ 10% Happier or apps like Headspace, which guide you through a great beginner’s meditation commitment of just 10 minutes a day for 10 days.–Kim Kaupe , ZinePak

2. Make personal development a priority for you.

Taking the time to work on your own development can be incredibly challenging as an entrepreneur. But it’s the only way to embrace change and manage the inevitable stress and ups and downs that come with growing a business. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, a spiritual practice, or just self-enquiry, intention about your own growth and path lets you learn to embrace change. –Jennifer Benz, Benz Communications

3. Retrain your brain by noticing 3 positive changes a day.

Make a habit of noticing three changes each day that have had a positive impact on people’s ability to do business: email vs. postal correspondence, rotary phones vs. Skype calls with your remote worker in another country, etc. By striving to see the positive impact of change on business, you retrain your brain to see change as an opportunity for growth.–Jared Brown, Hubstaff

4. Write your autopsy.

There’s nothing more effective at creating change than thinking about the eventual demise of your business. Look at your business and think what would happen in six months or a year if you were to stagnate. Put on your competitors’ hats and think about what they would do to beat you. Once you recognize the mortality of your own business, you will embrace change quickly! – Aaron Schwartz, Modify Watches

5. Focus on your long-term vision.

Change is often uncomfortable, but it is necessary if you want your business to grow. You must accept this fact and look beyond current conditions to your long-term goals and vision. – Alfredo Atanacio, Uassist.ME

6. Imagine the inevitable.

Remember that almost every product in history becomes obsolete at some point, at least in its original form. As a thought experiment, try imagining how and why your own business will become obsolete. Who or what is likely to make it obsolete? By coming up with answers to this question, you can position yourself for these innovations instead of letting your competitors do it at your expense. – Shawn Porat, Fortune Cookie Advertising

7. Do the dirty work yourself.

Work in other positions in your company. In particular, take the job that everyone in the company hates. This will prepare your mind to approach business from a different angle. Then you are ready to transform your business for the better.–Kumar Arora, Aroridex, Ltd.

8. Listen to trusted outside perspectives.

Build your high level team. Hire a CEO so you can step back into the role of President. This forces you to be more open to change as the CEO has his own ideas for growing the company. And they have the ultimate decision-making power to make changes and guide you out of the “mental quicksand.” If you are not willing to do this, then form an advisory board that you allow to override by vote. – Joshua Lee, StandOut Authority

9. Accept that change will happen with or without you.

Accept three things: life is short, time is precious and your ego always needs a touch of humility. Every idea has a life and an evolution. Change is a natural and necessary part of this evolutionary cycle. The change will happen with or without you, so don’t stand in your own way. –Souny West, CHiC capital

10. Hire more women.

Hire more women. A recent study found that groups with more women than men outperformed groups with more men. In fact, the mere presence of a woman increased a group’s output, even if that woman was not in a leadership position. Women think of problems more holistically and are more cooperative problem solvers. These are the qualities you need in your team when embracing change. —Jeff Denby, PACT Apparel

11. Make yourself vulnerable to others.

As our business evolves, creating something new based solely on our current understanding and capabilities is the path of least resistance, but not always the best path. In a position of power, others are drawn into our processes. But if we make ourselves vulnerable to accepting the thoughts of others, not only can we positively change the way we think, we can become better leaders. – Ken Cauley, Advanced Media

12. Eliminate your “sunk cost” mindset.

When you think of people who are successful, skilled, or intelligent, how do you think they got there? Have they earned these qualities? Were they just lucky or were they talented?

Do you see these qualities as the result of hard work, perseverance, and persistent learning from failure? Or do you think that ability, intelligence and success are genetic and that some people are just naturally talented in certain areas and others aren’t?

These different perspectives are referred to as Fixed and Growth Mindsets.

Interested in finding out what’s what and why it matters?

Let’s take a look:

What it means to have a growth mindset

What is and isn’t a growth mentality

How a growth mindset differs from a fixed mindset

13 steps to develop a growth mindset and manifest your own success

What does it mean to have a growth mindset?

So what is a growth mentality?

The growth mindset concept was originally developed by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck. She introduced the idea to the public in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

In this book, Dweck demonstrates how people (especially students) can be divided into two groups. There are those who have a growth mindset and those who have a fixed mindset.

The definition of the growth mindset is:

People with growth thinking believe that skills and intelligence are something that people can develop. They believe that while people have innate qualities and traits, success comes from constant personal development.

The Fixed Mindset definition is:

In contrast, those with a fixed mindset believe that talent and intelligence are something you either have or don’t have.

That is, some people are good at certain activities and others excel at other areas. They don’t believe that practice, failure, and strategizing are the keys to developing talent or intelligence.

What Dweck is discussing is that those who develop high levels of talent are more likely to be people with a growth mentality.

Interestingly, those with a growth mentality experience more success and develop more skills.

It works both ways.

Debunking Myths: Growth Mentality

What the growth mindset theory really means is sometimes unclear to many.

So let’s start by debunking some myths about growth mindsets and discussing some realities and insights that come from Dweck’s research.

5 growth mentality myths

First, let’s take a look at five common misconceptions about a growth mindset:

1. The mindset is either/or

When we first learn about growth and fixed mindsets, the tendency is to try to identify with one or the other.

After all, it seems to be a binary concept with only two beliefs to choose from.

The truth is that mindsets are generally not an either/or issue. Most of us sit on a spectrum somewhere between growth and a fixed mindset.

2. An organization can have a mindset

Another challenge to growth mindset culture is the myth that organizations can have a mindset.

Inspired leaders often claim that “our company has a growth mindset.” This is usually not true.

Organizations are made up of many people, and each individual has their own way of thinking.

As part of its corporate culture, an organization may strive to encourage and develop growth mindsets in the people within it. But a company cannot inherently have a growth mentality.

3. A growth mindset is the same as a positive mindset

A growth mentality isn’t just about staying positive.

Growth mindsets are about believing in the potential for growth and that learning a new skill comes with practice and perseverance. It’s not just a natural talent.

4. Growth mentalities automatically lead to positive results

A growth mindset by itself does not guarantee results. Even a person with a fixed mindset is not excluded from success.

A growth mentality coupled with the motivation to improve, a commitment to personal growth and the time invested in developing a skill produces positive outcomes.

5. Everyone has unlimited potential

The truth is that not everyone is capable of absolutely everything.

Some believe that a growth mindset means anything is possible.

That’s inaccurate. Individuals with a growth mindset recognize that their innate abilities and limitations also play a role.

But they also understand that their performance doesn’t begin and end with their genetic make-up.

4 realities of the growth mentality

Now that we’ve dispelled some common myths, let’s look at four realities about a growth mindset.

1. Most people fall somewhere in between

When Professor Carol Dweck analyzed the students’ thinking, she did not find a purely binary result.

Although most students in the classroom lean heavily to one side or the other, it has been found that most mindsets fall somewhere in the middle.

For example, they might believe that their ability to improve in math is due to classroom strategies and their own attention and commitment to the learning process. But they might also believe that their literacy skills are innate.

The same observations can be made in the workplace.

2. Growth mindset is more than effort

As growth mindsets are embraced by leaders and educators alike, Dweck has found that many seem to think it all comes down to effort.

Dweck notes that some teachers seem to think they can improve a student’s performance by telling them to try harder. She calls this a “false growth mindset.”

Effort is important. More crucial, however, is a student’s attitude towards learning something new and their perspective on failure as part of the learning process.

3. Not everyone can achieve everything

Each individual has limitations that a Growth Mindset intervention can address, but not completely overcome.

The 5’2″ tall 22-year-old is unlikely to become a player in the WNBA.

4. Positive results come from having a growth mentality and working towards a goal

Growth Mindset Students and staff are people who understand that positive improvement is possible.

They believe that in order to achieve their goals, they must:

See failure as part of learning

enter the time

Do you accept the challenge

Develop new strategies to overcome each challenge

Working towards a goal without these views is unlikely to yield positive results. Cultivating a growth mentality will not accomplish much without investing the time and practice necessary to develop a new skill.

Growth mentality vs. rigid mindset

We’ve talked about what a growth mentality is. But how is it different from a fixed mindset?

Here are the differences between the two viewpoints:

Growth Mindset Fixed Mindset Accepts challenges Avoids challenges Perseveres in the face of failure Gives in when faced with difficulties Believes that people can increase their intelligence or ability Believes that intelligence and ability are something you are born with and cannot develop Is inspired and motivated by the success of others Is threatened by the success of others Wants to learn Believes they already know everything Accepts and welcomes criticism Ignores or rejects criticism

How to develop a growth mindset: 13 tips

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of a growth mindset, let’s go through some tips on how to develop one.

First, we’re going to talk about actions you can take now, and then we’ll give you some actions you need to commit to in the long term.

Prepare to develop a growth mentality

Here are seven steps you can take right now to develop a growth mindset:

1. Determine where you are sitting now

Do you consider yourself more or less in the growth mindset pool and want to make sure it stays that way? Or would you describe yourself as fast-thinking?

Knowing where you stand is the first phase. You can’t say where to go if you don’t know where you are.

2. Find out why you want to develop a growth mentality

What about the growth mentality motivates you to change? What benefits do you see in your life from a growth mentality?

If you understand this, you will have meaning in the difficult phases of the development of this worldview.

3. Find examples of others who have developed a growth mentality

Start talking about growth thinking with your friends, family, and co-workers. See if someone you know has also worked on developing one. Perhaps they can provide valuable insights.

4. Change the way you view failure

Start seeing failures not as a sign of incompetence, but as part of the learning process.

No one begins with an aspiration to be the perfect example of the goal. Even the world’s best athletes, artists, and business tycoons started out as kids with little talent or experience.

5. Understand your own limitations

Realize that some things are beyond what you can achieve. This will help you set realistic goals. It will help you understand that some endeavors (e.g. those for which your genetic makeup is less suited) require even more effort.

6. Watch how you speak and act

Notice how you talk about talent and skills. Do you find yourself saying things like, “I’m not good at this” or “She’s just naturally talented”?

Swap out these phrases for “I’m not that good at it yet.” and “She clearly put a lot of effort into becoming so talented.”

Pay attention to how others speak and act around you, then look for and nurture your relationships with those who have a growth mindset.

7. Learn about brain plasticity

If you enjoy learning about how the human brain works, you should delve into the world of neuroplasticity.

This will give you a neat physiological perspective on how the growth mentality actually works.

Start cultivating and developing a growth mentality

Once you’ve mastered the seven steps above, it’s time to add these growth-oriented moves to your repertoire.

1. See your challenges as opportunities

Life will always find a way to throw something difficult at you. Try not to see these challenges as obstacles or setbacks that you fear.

Instead, try to see them more positively. Try to see them as opportunities to overcome something difficult and grow as a result. The harder the challenge, the greater the opportunity to learn and grow.

2. Reflect each day on what you failed at (and what you learned from)

Many of us spend some time at the end of the day reflecting on our accomplishments. While this is a valuable habit, try adding a few minutes to reflect on the areas where things haven’t gone so well. What did you learn from this experience? It’s not about lingering or beating yourself up, it’s about recognizing and holding onto the learning.

3. Stop seeking approval from others

If we seek the approval of others, we are pursuing the wrong goal. We begin to take being right as our goal instead of learning and growing. Be aware of the difference. Pause to recognize when you seek approval rather than growth, and kindly remind yourself to stop seeking approval from others. You’ll find that you become more comfortable with the daily failures that come with stretching.

4. Identify opportunities to celebrate the success of others

When others around you are successful, celebrate! In addition, you should be curious about what made them successful. Better yet, ask her. Connect with others to understand what actions they took and how they approached the challenge to get there.

5. Focus on rewarding actions, not traits

You can also help others develop a growth mindset by praising their efforts and actions rather than their inherent qualities.

For example, if your child gets an excellent score on their pop quiz, appropriate praise would be something like, “Wow, you did so well, you must have put a lot of effort into learning it,” rather than “Wow, you did so well, you must be very smart.”

6. Start using the word “still” more often

This is a simple one. Whenever you catch yourself thinking “I’m not very good at this,” add the word “yet”:

“I’m not very good at it yet.”

Do you have a Fixed Mindset or a Growth Mindset?

Now that you’ve learned about growth mindsets and fixed mindsets, which camp do you feel you fall into?

If you identify with the Growth Mindset concept, great! You are well on your way to developing your own talents. However, spend some time reflecting on areas where your mindset might be more settled, as most of us are a mix of the two.

If you feel like you’re more of a fixed-thinking person, then the next question to ask yourself is, “Do I want to change that?”

Need help developing a growth mentality? Our BetterUp Coaches are committed to developing health and mental fitness within the company. Learn more about BetterUp here.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Biggest Differences

Why do some children seek challenges and others avoid failure at all costs? Psychologist and researcher Carol Dweck set out to answer that question over 30 years ago. And what she discovered has major implications for the way we live and parent.

There are two ways to look at human characteristics such as intelligence and personality. On the one hand, they are set in stone and cannot be changed. The so-called fixed mindset often leads to extreme fear of failure and mistakes.

Alternatively, we can think of intelligence and personality as qualities that grow and develop over time. This mindset – growth mindset – is associated with a willingness to tackle challenges, a passion for learning and greater achievement.

Read on to discover the key differences between a fixed and growth mindset and some simple ways you can cultivate positive and growth mindsets in your child and family.

Before proceeding, we thought you would like to download our FREE Your Words Matter Kit. With these 10 popular parenting guides, you’ll know exactly how to talk to your kids to help them develop confidence, inner motivation, and an “I can do it” attitude.

What is a fixed mindset

A fixed mindset describes children (and adults) who believe that their intelligence, talents, and personality are fixed traits that cannot grow. They believe that we are born with a certain level of ability (or special skills) and that we cannot improve our skills over time.

Dweck describes her middle school classroom, in which students were placed according to their IQ scores. The best performers got the best seats in the room. She noticed something interesting — those labeled as the “smartest” were also the most afraid of making mistakes (and losing their coveted spots).

Decades later, in her bestseller Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dweck coined a term for this way of thinking: Fixed Mindset. When children believe intelligence is fixed, they naturally avoid challenges, obstacles, and even minor setbacks. The desire to “look smart” trumps actual learning.

“As you begin to understand the fixed and growth mindsets, you will see exactly how one leads to the other – how believing that your qualities are set in stone leads to a multitude of thoughts and actions, and how believing that Your qualities can be cultivated, leading to a variety of different thoughts and actions that will take you down a very different path.” – Carol Dweck

According to Dweck, up to 40 percent of college students have a fixed versus growth mentality. But most kids (and adults) have at least some qualities of it. These children give up easily, resent the success of their peers, and feel pressured to keep proving their intelligence.

What is a growth mindset

Fortunately, there is a more liberating way for children to see themselves and their abilities. A growth mindset describes those who believe that what we were born with is just a starting point. They recognize that intelligence, talents, and personality can develop and change through effort and even struggle.

Having a growth mentality means more than just believing that we can improve. It also means that children see mistakes as opportunities and are inspired by the successes of others. They associate positive results with their practice and hard work.

“’Working hard’ is what gets the job done. You see that year after year. The students who succeed are not necessarily the ones who get the best results. It’s the ones who love what they do and do it energetically.” -Carol S. Dweck

Not surprisingly, it’s the growth mentality versus the rigid mindset that also leads to greater achievement. Dweck’s research at Stanford University found that students who took just one Growth Mindset lesson got significantly better grades. When kids value hard work and perseverance over being smart or talented, they can actually get smarter!

3 ways to help kids develop a growth mentality

We know that cultivating a growth mindset is critical to living a fulfilling, happy life. But how do we harness this superpower for our children and ourselves?

Start by realizing that anyone can change their thinking. No matter how many “fixed” qualities we recognize in ourselves or in our children, there is tremendous power in making different choices.

“Mindsets are just beliefs. They’re powerful beliefs, but they’re just something in your head, and you can change your mind.” -Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Here are 3 more easy (and effective) ways to start cultivating a growth mindset:

1. Encourage journaling

Journaling is associated with academic benefits, from improved writing and communication skills to greater creativity. Journaling can also be a powerful vehicle for growth and change.

Studies show that journaling helps children improve their emotional intelligence and their ability to bounce back from obstacles. Magazines with a specific focus on growth mindsets, like Big Life Journal For Kids, help children gain both self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.

To get the most out of their journaling experience, encourage your child to find—or offer to become—a “journalist.” Be inspired together by the stories of famous failures who never gave up, learn to set achievable goals and discover your superpowers.

Pro tip: Check out the Big Life Journal Buddies video series, which provides your child with their very own growth mindset mentor who shares personal stories and experiences of developing a growth mindset!

2. Praise the process

Until recently, many parents found it helpful to shower their children with constant praise. Who among us hasn’t said, “You’re so smart!” or “Well done!” to boost a child’s self-esteem?

Unfortunately, not all praise is created equal. In fact, there’s only one type associated with healthy thinking – process praise. This type of feedback recognizes the hard work that went into your child’s successful outcome. It’s also specific and sincere.

The next time you want to praise a job well done, think of the following phrases:

“You stuck with it until it made sense to you.”

“I can see how much you’ve been practicing and how you’ve improved.”

“I love how you tried all sorts of strategies in math until you got it.”

“You look really proud of yourself.”

Process praise works because it tells your child what they did well and how they can continue in the future.

3. Offer books and films on the topic of “growth mindset”.

One of the easiest ways to instill a growth mentality in your child and family is also one of the most entertaining. Stories and movies are an incredible resource for changing the way we think about our abilities.

Your nightly bedtime routine may already include story time. For younger children, choose illustrated stories that focus on developing skills like kindness and resilience. Or choose ones that encourage creativity and fun with mistakes, like Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltberg. Identify characters who have a fixed versus growth mentality and what they could do to change.

Tweens and teens can explore our suggested list of graphic novels to see how other teens face and overcome obstacles. These titles can help your child make good decisions, manage touchy emotions, and navigate the ups and downs of relationships.

For your next family movie night, choose a theme like resilience or a more specific theme like environmentalism. Then help the children relate the movie to their own lives. Prompts like, “The main character really wanted to help animals and didn’t give up. What have you never given up?” are good starting points.

All children reflect on their strengths and abilities. Those with a fixed mindset believe they cannot change the hand they are dealt. Scenarios that could lead to error or failure are avoided, thereby losing opportunities to learn and overcome.

Conversely, growth-thinking children see mistakes and obstacles for what they are—opportunities to learn and grow. Instilling this mindset is as easy as believing it is possible. Encourage your child to keep a journal of overcoming challenges. Choose to read books and watch films that promote resilience. And remember to praise your child for the hard work that leads to each and every success!

Don’t forget to download our FREE Your Words Matter Kit with 10 helpful parenting guides and tips to use when talking to your kids.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Learning new things is a big part of life – we should always strive to learn and grow. But it takes time, and time is precious. So how can you make the most of your time by accelerating the learning process? Thanks to neuroscience, we now have a better understanding of how we learn and how our brain processes and retains information most effectively.

Science Photo Library | SCIEPRO | Getty Images

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge, here are 10 proven ways to learn faster today.

1. Take notes with pen and paper.

While typing your notes on a laptop during a conference or lecture may seem more thorough, helping you learn faster, it doesn’t work that way. To speed up your learning, skip the laptop and take notes the old-fashioned way with pen and paper. Research has shown that those who enter their lecture notes process and retain the information at a lower level. Those who take handwritten notes actually learn more.

While handwritten notes are slower and more cumbersome than typing, writing the information down promotes understanding and retention. Rephrasing the information into your own words will help you retain the information longer, which means you’ll remember better and do better on tests.

Related: Your lousy handwriting might actually make you smarter

2. Have effective note-taking skills.

The better your notes, the faster you learn. Knowing how to take thorough and accurate notes will help you remember concepts, gain a deeper understanding of the subject, and develop meaningful study skills. So before you learn a new topic, make sure you learn different note-taking strategies such as: B. the Cornell method, which helps you organize class notes into easily digestible summaries.

Regardless of which method you use, some basic note-taking tips include:

Listen and take notes in your own words.

Leave spaces and lines between main ideas so you can revisit them and add information later.

Develop a consistent system of abbreviations and symbols to save time.

Write in sentences, not full sentences.

Learn to pull out important information and ignore trivial information.

3. Distributed Practice.

In this method, several exercises (or study sessions) on a topic are distributed over a certain period of time. Using short, spaced study sessions will encourage meaningful learning, as opposed to long “cramming” sessions that encourage memorization. The first step is to take thorough notes as the topic is discussed. Then take a few minutes to review your notes and make additions or changes to add detail and ensure accuracy.

Do this quickly, once or twice after each class or lesson. Over time, you can begin to space out the sessions, starting with once a day and eventually ending up three times a week. Spreading the practice out over a longer period of time is very effective as it makes it easier to complete small chunks of learning and keeps you motivated to keep learning.

See also: 3 ways to become a more effective learner

4. Study, sleep, learn more.

You have a big project or presentation tomorrow and you’re not prepared. If you’re like many of us, you stay up too late and try to cram beforehand. Surely your hard work will be rewarded even if you’re exhausted the next day… right? However, this is not the most efficient way for our brains to process information.

Research shows a strong link between sleep and learning. It seems that closing your eyes is important to strengthen how our brain remembers something. Deep sleep (sleep without rapid eye movement) can strengthen memories if sleep occurs within 12 hours of learning the new information. And students who both study and sleep a lot not only do better academically; they are happier too.

Related: Study finds the less you sleep, the less people like you

5. Change your practice.

When you learn a skill, don’t do the same thing over and over again. Making subtle changes during repeated practice sessions can help you master a skill faster than doing it the same way every time. In a study of people learning a computer-assisted motor skill, those who learned a skill and then had a modified practice session in which they practiced the skill in a slightly different way performed better than those who did the original task over and over again repeated.

This only works if the mods are small – big changes in how the skill is performed won’t help. For example, when practicing a new golf swing or perfecting your tennis game, try adjusting the size or weight of your club or racquet.

6. Try a memory device.

One of the best ways to quickly memorize large amounts of information is to use a mnemonic: a pattern of letters, sounds, or other associations that help with learning. One of the most popular memory aids we learned in kindergarten – the alphabet song. This song helps kids remember their “ABC” and it stays ingrained in our adult memories. Another is “i before e except after c” to help us remember a grammar rule.

Mnemonics help you simplify, summarize, and condense information for easier learning. It can be very useful for medical school or law school students or for people learning a new language. So when you need to memorize and store large amounts of new information, try a mnemonic and you’ll find that you remember the information long after your test.

Related: 5 Apps to Boost Your Brain Power

7. Use brain breaks to restore focus.

Information overload is a real thing. In order to learn something new, our brains must send signals to our sensory receptors to store the new information, but stress and overwork prevent your brain from processing and storing information effectively.

When we’re confused, anxious, or overwhelmed, our brain effectively shuts down. You can see this when students listening to long, detailed lectures “switch off” and stop paying attention to what is being said.

They just aren’t able to effectively channel this information into their memory banks, so learning stops. The best way to counteract this is to take a “brain break” or simply shift your activities to focus on something new. Even a five-minute break can relieve brain fatigue and help you refocus.

8. Stay hydrated.

We know we should drink water because it’s good for us—it’s good for our skin and immune system, and it keeps our bodies functioning at their best. But staying hydrated is also key to our cognitive abilities. Drinking water can actually make us smarter. According to one study, students who took water into an exam room performed better than those who didn’t.

Dehydration, on the other hand, can seriously impair our mental function. When you don’t drink water, your brain has to work harder than usual.

9. Educate yourself in a variety of ways.

When you use multiple ways to learn something, you use more regions of the brain to store information about that topic. This makes that information more connected and embedded in your brain. It basically creates a knowledge redundancy in your head and helps you really learn the information and not just memorize it.

You can do this by using different mediums to stimulate different parts of the brain, e.g. B. Read notes, read the textbook, watch a video, and listen to a podcast or audio file on the topic. The more resources you use, the faster you learn.

10. Connect what you learn to something you know.

The more you can relate new concepts to ideas you already understand, the faster you will learn the new information. According to the book Make It Stick, many common study habits are counterproductive. They can create an illusion of domination, but the information quickly fades from our minds.

Memory plays a central role in our ability to perform complex cognitive tasks, such as B. Applying knowledge to problems we haven’t encountered before and drawing conclusions from facts we already know. By finding ways to reconcile new information with existing knowledge, you will find additional layers of meaning in the new material. This will help you understand it fundamentally better and you will be able to remember it more precisely.

Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, uses this method. He said he views knowledge as a “semantic tree.” When learning new things, his advice is: “Make sure you understand the principles, i.e. H. The trunk and large branches before dealing with the leaves/details, or there is nothing to hold on to.” As you connect the new to the old, give yourself mental “hooks” to which You can hang up the new knowledge.

“Make the best of yourself…because that’s all you’ve got.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

We’ve all made mistakes in our lives that didn’t make us look our best — like bullying someone at school or telling what seemed like a little white lie. However, chances are that you probably felt a little guilty and rose to the occasion.

I’m an average guy trying to get better at both my work and personal life. I’ll never be perfect, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try.

If you want to keep growing as a person, here are 15 ways to bring out the best in yourself.

1. Compliment yourself

Every morning, before you continue with your daily routine, take a few minutes to compliment yourself. Whether it’s complementing your outfit, your haircut, or how you recently completed a task using your unique skills, giving yourself a little emotional boost will make you happy. And when you’re happy with yourself, that emotion can be contagious to those around you. Inspirational speaker Tony Robbins has a mantra he says out loud to himself most days to get him in peak performance.

2. Don’t make excuses

Blaming your spouse, boss, or client is futile and won’t get you very far. Rather than pointing fingers and making excuses as to why you are not happy or successful in your personal or professional life, own up to your mistakes and learn from them. If you do this, you will become a better person. As I personally started to face my mistakes and falls, my life changed. I became happier and healthier and my relationship with my wife improved. We are happier than ever.

3. Release anger

Letting go of anger is easier said than done. While anger is a perfectly normal emotion, you must not let it fester. When this happens, you can make unwise decisions, and more importantly, it can affect your health. Research suggests that pent-up anger can cause digestive problems, trouble sleeping, and even heart disease.

To help you release anger, Roya R. Rad, MA, PsyD suggests you write down your feelings, pray or meditate, or start controlling your thoughts.

4. Practice forgiveness

Joyce Marter, LCPC, suggests that you forgive and let go of your grudges. She notes, “If for no other reason than for yourself, forgive to free yourself from the negative experiences of the past. Take time to meditate and give thanks for the wisdom and knowledge you have gained from your suffering. Practice the mantra: ‘I forgive you and I set you free.'”

5. Be honest and direct

How would you feel if a loved one or business partner lied to you? You would probably see that as a breach of trust. If you want to be a better person in your personal or professional life, you should always tell the truth and be as clear as possible about what you are trying to convey. Learn to articulate your thoughts, feelings and ideas openly and honestly.

6. Be helpful

Whether it’s giving up your seat on the subway to an older person, helping a co-worker with a project, or bringing the groceries when your spouse returns from shopping, being helpful is one of the easiest and most effective ways to practice becoming one better person. I find that the more I help others, the better I feel about myself and everyone around me.

7. Listen to others

As Jeet Banerjee comments on Lifehack, “Listening to people and giving everyone a voice is one of the greatest things you can do.” He adds that he “meets some of the most amazing people, closes some of the biggest deals and builds connections that will last me a lifetime because I took the time to listen to people. Being a good listener can change your life in a positive way.”

8. Act locally

It may not seem like a big deal, but supporting a local cause, donating clothing, or purchasing from local farmers markets or businesses are easy ways you can help your area. You may not be able to save the world, but you could very well make a difference in your neck of the woods. Get to know your community and take care of it.

9. Always be polite

How much effort does it take to say “thank you” or hold the elevator door open for someone? Not much at all. However, these acts of kindness can make someone’s day. I decided a few years ago that it doesn’t matter if someone is extremely rude, condescending, or worse. The way someone else behaves does not determine my behavior.

10. Be yourself

Tiffany Mason has five excellent reasons why you should be yourself on Lifehack. This includes being able to align with your values ​​and beliefs, establish your identity, build courage, set boundaries, and find focus and direction.

11. Be open to change

Whether you’re trying a new restaurant, traveling to an unfamiliar part of the world, or doing something that has always scared you, you should always be open to change. This allows you to grow because you experience something new. It helps you be highly functional and confident when you embrace change.

12. Be respectful

How would you feel if you had just cleaned your house and someone walked in and found mud everywhere? You’d probably be a little mad that they didn’t take off their shoes. Take this mentality and apply it to everyday life. For example, don’t throw your trash or cigarette butts on the floor of public restrooms or sidewalks just because someone else will clean them up. Respect others’ time, thoughts, ideas, lifestyles, feelings, work and everything else. You don’t have to agree with any of this, but people are entitled to their opinions and yours isn’t necessarily right.

13. Don’t show up empty-handed

Are you going to a party at your friend’s house this weekend? Make sure you don’t arrive empty-handed. Although you have been assured that there will be plenty to eat and drink, bring a small gift to show you appreciate the invitation.

14. Educate yourself

If you don’t understand why one country is invading another, take the time to educate yourself on the current event. Ask someone closely associated with the event for their thoughts. Remember that we are all connected and being aware of different cultures, different people and their lives can help you become a more diverse individual. This will also help you understand points of view other than your own.

15. Surprise people

How good does it feel to make someone smile? It feels pretty good, doesn’t it? Every now and then, surprise your loved ones or co-workers with a gift, a night out on the town, or by offering help when you know they can use it.

Becoming a better person doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible. Believe in yourself and know it’s possible!

Most of us want to be a better person – whether at home, in the office or just when we’re running errands. The problem is, where exactly do you start?

A few years ago I realized that sometimes I was a jerk to people I worked with and people I felt didn’t get any value out of. Over the past few years, I’ve become a much better person by working on myself.

Here are some of the things I’ve implemented into my daily routine to become a better person every day.

1. Think before you speak

Words can carry a lot of weight. Think about the first time your significant other told you he or she loved you. How great did that feel? However, words can also be hurtful. Have you ever told an inappropriate joke or called someone a bleep-bleep? You probably felt pretty bad afterwards.

Always take the extra few seconds to think about the impact of your words before saying them out loud.

2. Embrace change

Change helps us grow as individuals. Instead of resisting change, be open to trying new things, even if they scare you. For example, you might be nervous about trying the new Thai restaurant in town, but you might discover your new favorite restaurant.

You should not only advocate for change, but also advocate for positive change. You could start a food drive or recycling program at the office that would make your community a better place.

3. Be thankful

According to research, those who keep gratitude journals are more optimistic and feel better about their lives. Additionally, those who talk about gratitude are less jealous of wealthier people, more willing to help others, and may prevent health problems like coronary artery disease.

4. Do the right thing

As an adult, you should definitely know the difference between right and wrong. Let’s say you don’t clean up after your dog after you’ve taken him for a walk. You don’t need someone to remind you to clean up the mess. You know it’s your responsibility and it’s not fair to let someone else do it.

5. Use your strengths

Remember, your skills and talents are a gift. Don’t let them go to waste. If you can play the guitar, share it with others. It will bring joy to you and the people in your life.

6. Address your weaknesses

At the same time, you should also be aware of your weaknesses. It’s another way that helps us grow as individuals. Take the time to make a list of your weaknesses and set goals to work on.

I’m a difficult person to deal with. I’m aware. Learn to admit and address your weaknesses, and then find ways to improve on them.

7. Take care of yourself

Exercise. Eating healthy. get enough sleep You’ve heard this advice a thousand times. But taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to make yourself a better person. For example, how can you go outside and play with your kids if you’re always feeling lethargic? How can you be more productive at work when you’re exhausted? Not only will you be happier and more productive, your loved ones and co-workers will appreciate it too.

8. Be a hero

That doesn’t mean you have to put on tights and a cape. It means helping an elderly neighbor with her groceries. Opening doors for others. Buy a cup of coffee for the person in front of you if their card is declined. Listening to a friend when their relationship was just ending.

9. Pay attention to others

Doesn’t it feel great when someone asks you how your day went? Try to do the same for others. Even if you need to jot down reminders on your calendar, getting in touch with someone about important events can make a world of difference.

10. Stop being wasteful

Just because you can eat five plates at an all-you-can-eat buffet doesn’t mean you have to — waste is a problem for the hospitality industry. You can also reduce water use by taking shorter showers and creating less waste through recycling. And don’t forget that unplugging devices when they’re not in use can save power. While your part, no matter how small it may seem, can really matter to the environment.

11. Be curious

Evidence shared via The Huffington Post found that curiosity can help strengthen relationships, keep your brain stimulated, reduce anxiety, make you happy, and help you learn — even on uninteresting topics.

12. Forgive yourself and others

People make mistakes – even if it’s you who make the mistake. And sometimes these mistakes really sting. However, instead of wasting your energy on holding on to that mistake or feeling guilty, forgive that person—or yourself—and focus on the future. Remember revenge is not good for your health and the best revenge is your success and happiness.

13. Don’t be impatient

When we get impatient, we get angry and we may do something we will regret. Ask yourself how do you feel after you’ve yelled at your child or a colleague because you’re in a hurry to get out the door in the morning or to finish a project? By practicing patience, not only will you make better decisions, you’ll feel better every day.

14. Be yourself

When you are authentic you become more focused, build courage, establish your own identity and are able to define your values ​​and beliefs.

15. Stop pointing fingers

I will never forget an elementary school teacher who told the class, “When you point one finger, three fingers point back at you.” We all face obstacles in life, but you can’t use that as an excuse to hold back or as person to grow.

In the words of author and motivational speaker Jack Canfield:

“Remember, you and you alone are responsible for maintaining your energy. Stop blaming, complaining, and making excuses, and move on toward your goals—however mundane or lofty.”

Part of life is growing and becoming a better person every day. What steps are you working on to improve your life?

More from Inc.

Photo of a happy man courtesy of Shutterstock.