Understanding Grit and Mindsets: Paving the Way for Growth

Try, try again- and try something different

Before delving further into the topic, let us establish some key definitions. What exactly is Grit? And what distinguishes a fixed mindset from a growth mindset?

Grit has been extensively studied by Dr. Angela Duckworth. She posits that grit is the determination individuals exhibit when facing adversity or tackling challenges. It encompasses perseverance, passion, and a long-term view towards achieving goals. Gritty individuals do not easily give up when faced with obstacles but instead use setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Another closely associated trait is resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations.

A fixed mindset entails the belief that our inherent personality traits, intelligence, and abilities are unchangeable. People with a fixed mindset often view challenges as threats to their self-image and may avoid taking risks to protect their ego. Have you ever caught yourself stating, “That’s just the way I am” or “That’s simply who I am”? These statements reflect a fixed mindset that limits personal growth and development.

A growth mindset involves the conviction that one can acquire new skills and knowledge through effort, perseverance, and learning from failures. Individuals with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as insurmountable obstacles. While I may have reservations about excelling in Mathematics, I have not felt sufficiently motivated to excel in that area. Instead, I have dedicated my life to mastering anything related to music! This dedication has enabled me to play multiple instruments and compose songs, showcasing the power of a growth mindset in unlocking one's full potential. Practice truly makes perfect!

Therefore, if we aspire to cultivate a growth mindset as we age, how can we achieve this?

First and foremost, the outdated notion that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is no longer applicable in the era of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s capacity to adapt and change throughout life. This means that regardless of age, individuals can continue to learn, grow, and develop new skills. While we may have predispositions towards certain physical, cognitive, or emotional tendencies, we can still endeavor to acquire new knowledge and skills through practice, persistence, and a positive attitude towards learning.

Taking time to consider the concepts of grit, fixed mindset, and growth mindset further can provide valuable insights into personal development and achieving success in various aspects of life. For those interested in delving deeper into this subject, and getting grittier- music therapy can be a great avenue to explore! Please get in touch to discover how music therapy can provide a safe space in developing and growing mindset in all areas - physical, social, emotional, and spiritual!