Growth Mindsets and Neuroplasticity

Written by E.J. Perez

Are you a failure? Or maybe you're a gifted kid, and anything less than a 100 is actually an insult to your identity? In either case, you'll be surprised to know that your beliefs and perspective in and of themselves have IMMENSE consequences for your long-term trajectory.

Learning scientists have identified different mindsets, their effects on shaping thoughts and subsequent actions, and how these are strongly correlated with both the success AND well-being of the individual.

Carol Dweck, one of the most influential scientists in this field, has mentioned that part of her love for her job stems from her fascination with "motivation affecting people's success, independent of their starting ability," and, accordingly, with the "beliefs that underlie this motivation".

What is she saying here? Dweck is focused on breaking down the underlying elements and their relationships that produce the motivation leading to eventual success -- and, importantly, how this is not diminished by where a person's capabilities may begin!

She is outlining a systematic approach and understanding that can be applied to ANYONE. Literally anyone can take small, actionable steps towards adopting this system, and over time, they will see sustainable change.

One of the biggest takeaways from Dweck and her fellow researchers is that of identifying and applying a growth mindset. A growth mindset is when one has the belief that

through continuously applied deliberate effort, they can improve their capabilities and capacities. The opposing view would be that of a fixed mindset, where one believes that these capabilities and capacities are assigned and determined at birth, with no room for improvement.

Yes, this literally means that one of the most important and impactful things a student can do is start to BELIEVE that they are not stuck where they are and are indeed capable of overcoming certain obstacles or limits they may currently face.

This ability to grow and develop attributes such as intelligence is evident in our anatomy and physiology. The phenomenon of neuroplasticity helps to explain why and how we can grow beyond our default levels of intelligence.

Neuroplasticity is the ability of our brains to change and adapt to the stressors and inputs it encounters. This occurs on a molecular and cellular level -- there will be changes in the activity levels and even the sizes of certain areas of your brain! (Growth of the brain occurs only to a certain degree; it wouldn't grow so large that it starts to get squished in your skull, thankfully. Regardless, though, you can continue to learn almost infinitely!)

A "systematic approach" was mentioned earlier, and that wording is very intentional. A growth mindset is simple to understand. However, there is more to the story to discuss! The growth mindset is actually at the core of a broader meaning system. The rest of the meaning system stems from your core mindset.

If you believe in your natural ability to grow, you will see things like amounts of effort, your own identity, challenges, and even goal-setting in a different light.

In simpler terms, your core beliefs will SHAPE YOUR WORLD.

For most people, their core beliefs and mindset are a result of chance. They were exposed to certain experiences, family members, teachers, peers, etc., that were more or less out of their control. We are all shaped by many forces that we did not choose to be exposed to. Luckily, we are "shaped" throughout our entire lives and can begin to choose what we expose our brains to once we realize this!

The verb that is intentionally used here is cultivate -- you can cultivate this growth mindset for yourself, and eventually grow your own meaning system in the manner that serves you best.

It will take time, just like growing a garden. There will be difficult moments, where things don't feel like they are working -- THIS IS PART OF THE PROCESS! In fact, it may mean you are heading in the right direction, at least in the sense that you are pushing yourself for growth.

Soon, you too will believe, from within, that you are not jailed by your sense of identity as a gifted kid or a failure, and that you can take steps towards whatever goals you set. The potential goals you set are being broadened, too, as you begin to see the potential you carry.

Instead of seeing increasing amounts of effort as a signal that you are struggling and "not enough", you can see it as something to be proud of.

You will no longer be prisoner to the outcome of a challenge or task, but instead you will be able to see the merit and lessons to be learned from just trying!

Remember this the next time you think of yourself as “just not a science person” or someone who “will never understand math” -- or anything you’re having trouble with!

Even if you fail at something, YOU are not a failure.

You are a nuanced and complex human being who is independent and capable of change. This does not change because you got an F, dropped out of a degree previously, or have never won any trophies. In fact, it doesn't change even if you did succeed in any of those things -- you're still capable of growth!