It's Okay to Make Mistakes

     Right off the bat, I will admit that I have a fixed mindset. I have taught myself that I should always be perfect and do everything in my power to get the best grades and show that I am important enough. I was first introduced to the "growth mindset" last year when I was participating in a program aimed to help students get work experience in retail. I thought nothing of it because I thought that it just meant being open to new ideas but that isn't just what a growth mindset it.

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

    After watching this Carol Dweck TED talk, I see how a growth mindset is to have the mentality that it is okay to make mistakes and it is a part of learning. She gives examples as to how different children reacted to challenges and why it is not okay to focus on always being perfect. This RSA Animate video also features Carol Dweck explaining how a growth mindset is more about the journey and not about always being the person who is praised for their intelligence. 

    After watching these videos, I realized that I have taught myself to have a fixed mindset and I see that it doesn't allow me to enjoy the journey of learning like I like to say I do. I enjoy learning new things in my own free time but when it comes to an educational environment, I solely focus on making sure I excel in my classes. I constantly get praised over maintaining good grades and that I set an example for my younger siblings and cousins. I should learn how to have a growth mindset and not be afraid to make mistakes. I try my hardest not to make mistakes because I would rather not be scolded for it.

After reading this article written by Sabina Nawaz, I will definitely use these tips to help be more positive about myself. I understand that I constantly put myself down but I know that everyone does this. I get constant praise over the good qualities I have but I'd rather look at the bad ones to fix them. I should also focus on my good qualities and be proud of them and improve them constantly. I also read this blog post written by John Spencer. Self-doubt is something we all experience and this blog post is all about how to stop self-doubt from getting to you. I will also use these tips in my daily life to become a better version of myself.  Like the title, I now know it is okay to make mistakes.