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Becoming Better Starts with How You Think

  • Writer: TINTSWALO NKUNA
    TINTSWALO NKUNA
  • Nov 5, 2024
  • 3 min read

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right”? This is the essence of what it means to have a growth mindset. It’s not just about talent or intelligence—it’s about believing that your abilities and knowledge can grow with time, effort, and practice.


What is a Growth Mindset?


Think about it this way: If you get a poor grade on a test, a fixed mindset might tell you, “I’m just not good at this subject.” But a growth mindset would say, “I didn’t do as well as I hoped. What can I learn from this, and how can I improve next time?”


A growth mindset is the belief that your skills and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and feedback and through seeing challenges as opportunities to learn, rather than as obstacles that define your limits


Why is a Growth Mindset Important?

Life is full of setbacks, and your career will be no different. A growth mindset helps you bounce back from challenges, adapt to new situations, and keep going when things get tough. It teaches you to view failure as a stepping stone, not a dead end.


An employer love candidates who are lifelong learners—people who don’t just stop growing once they land a job. A growth mindset encourages you to constantly seek new knowledge and skills, making you more adaptable and valuable in any job.


Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills


When you believe you can grow, you’re more likely to approach problems with a sense of curiosity rather than fear.



Maybe try a few of these things if you haven't.



1.Instead of avoiding tough tasks, tackle them head-on.


When a project or assignment feels intimidating, remind yourself that growth happens when you push beyond your comfort zone.


2. Replace “I Can’t” with “I Can Learn How”


Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try, “I can’t do this yet, but I can learn how.” This simple shift in language can open up a whole new way of thinking about your abilities.


3. Seek Feedback and Use It


Feedback isn’t criticism—it’s an opportunity to learn. Ask your teachers, peers, or mentors for constructive feedback, and use it to improve. This shows that you value growth over comfort and are willing to take steps to get better.


4. Celebrate Small Wins


Progress often comes in small steps. Whether you’ve improved your math grade, gained a new skill, or conquered a difficult presentation, take a moment to acknowledge it. These little victories build your confidence and reinforce that growth is happening.


Reality check.

Employers look for candidates who can learn, adapt, and grow. In interviews, hiring managers often ask about a time you overcame a challenge or learned a new skill. With a growth mindset, you’ll have plenty of examples to share, demonstrating that you’re not only capable but also committed to improvement.


May be try this.


If you’re applying for a part-time job and they ask about a difficult situation you handled, you could talk about a project where you initially struggled, sought help, improved, and succeeded. This kind of story shows that you don’t give up when things get hard and that you’re willing to learn and grow.

Final Thoughts

It's not just about getting better grades or landing a job. See yourself and your potential by challenging yourself, learning from mistakes, and remembering that with effort, growth is always within reach.

 
 
 

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