So Abhinay asked me the other day, how does one get the message across that one must look for an opportunity when one comes across a challenge? It is easier said than done because when one is stuck in a viewpoint it is difficult to move out of it.
To me, one way to do that was by explaining that when one is looking at a problem or a challenge, we first get defensive. A problem makes us feel that something is wrong with us - which is why we encountered a challenge or a problem. Once we get defensive, we are stuck trying to defend ourselves which closes all other possibilities - like finding a possible solution. All we do is justify why we cannot overcome the challenge.
Clearly, we are worried that we will look foolish and all this defensive behaviour is to safeguard ourselves. We lie, defend because we want to appear good, or smart. We waste our energy defending instead of finding a solution - which is what a 'smart' person would do.
So, a person with a fixed mindset, one who tries to act or look smart will cover-up, will only look at the challenge or problem and get defeated by it even before she attempts to solve it. She will make herself the problem instead of seeing the problem as separate from her.
A person with a Learning Mindset has nothing to prove, or defend. She will only want to learn. So she will love a challenge, a problem, because she can apply her mind to it and learn while at it. So opening a malfunctioning piece of machinery, trying to fix an electronic item, struggling with a math problem, or doing anything that seems to knock most others insensible is what the learning mindset is.
By merely looking at the problem dispassionately (and not making it about herself) the learning mindset person gives herself the space to understand the pattern, to find a solution, to sense the opportunity presented in the situation. If nothing else, an opportunity to learn something new - about the problem, about herself.
So, the next time, there is a problem or a challenge, do not get defensive, do not make it about yourself, and seek a solution. That will develop the learning mindset within.
To me, one way to do that was by explaining that when one is looking at a problem or a challenge, we first get defensive. A problem makes us feel that something is wrong with us - which is why we encountered a challenge or a problem. Once we get defensive, we are stuck trying to defend ourselves which closes all other possibilities - like finding a possible solution. All we do is justify why we cannot overcome the challenge.
Clearly, we are worried that we will look foolish and all this defensive behaviour is to safeguard ourselves. We lie, defend because we want to appear good, or smart. We waste our energy defending instead of finding a solution - which is what a 'smart' person would do.
So, a person with a fixed mindset, one who tries to act or look smart will cover-up, will only look at the challenge or problem and get defeated by it even before she attempts to solve it. She will make herself the problem instead of seeing the problem as separate from her.
A person with a Learning Mindset has nothing to prove, or defend. She will only want to learn. So she will love a challenge, a problem, because she can apply her mind to it and learn while at it. So opening a malfunctioning piece of machinery, trying to fix an electronic item, struggling with a math problem, or doing anything that seems to knock most others insensible is what the learning mindset is.
By merely looking at the problem dispassionately (and not making it about herself) the learning mindset person gives herself the space to understand the pattern, to find a solution, to sense the opportunity presented in the situation. If nothing else, an opportunity to learn something new - about the problem, about herself.
So, the next time, there is a problem or a challenge, do not get defensive, do not make it about yourself, and seek a solution. That will develop the learning mindset within.
No comments:
Post a Comment