Deanna Beaver
How many of you have heard the phrase “ The Power of Yet?” It’s not a cliché coined by the younger generation. It has been around for quite some time. I was introduced to it back in the early 2000s. My colleagues, Sarah, Stephanie, and I had the privilege of attending the NAGC-National Association for Gifted Children conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The guest speaker that year was Carol S. Dweck, PH.D.
Carol had written the book Mindset, THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS—HOW CAN WE LEARN TO FULFILL OUR POTENTIAL. This book covers parenting, business, school, and relationships. Hearing her speak about her decades of research dealing with intelligent students at Stanford University was eye-opening. She discovered that learners had two mindsets—fixed and growth mindsets. Dweck proved her theory in college as well as in secondary schools. With a fixed mindset, you have the ability, and if you are not successful at a task, be it grades, etc., you feel like a failure. The learner may not feel smart anymore. Everything should come easy to them —so they think.
However, in a growth mindset, the learner is challenged to achieve what is not attainable. It’s not that they can’t complete a task. It’s that they can’t do it “yet.” Dr. Dweck’s research indicated that learners at any age were more likely to be successful with a growth mindset.
Yes! The mindset was a teacher’s dream! Now, we can understand why this intelligent student gave up quickly when the task was difficult. Someone had figured out that a growth mindset would help students be successful in their own time. ( Do you remember the Tortoise and Hare blog from last month?) Intuitive teachers have always known the power of yet but may not have used the phrase. Now, countless books, curriculums, etc., promote this concept in learners.
As a teacher, parent, and grandparent, I instill lifelong learning skills in the children I contact regularly. Perseverance will increase the growth mindset and hopefully teach learners that they can achieve anything with determination and practice. My reward was when my granddaughter exclaimed, “I can’t do it yet!” referring to tying her shoes. That’s a growth mindset in action.
I have to self-talk this idea when I’m trying to attain new skills in my writing journey. It’s not that I can’t acquire the knowledge. I can’t do it yet! Just saying…
Beautiful mindset ~ the best is YET to come
Missy, You know about mindset. Thank you for your encouraging thoughts and messages. Positive affirmations will help with the power of yet!
Having a growth mindset has made a world of a difference, thank you for instilling it in me, Mom!
Erica, you are one of the best examples of someone with a growth mindset. I admire your perserverance in all of your endeavors. I love you!
Good article Deanna. I can relate to the Power of Yet in myself!
Lynne, I know exctly what you mean. There are times that I need to remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day,just saying.
Deanna, I love this concept. With health, education, or goals in our Christian walk, “I can’t do it yet” fuels perseverance. Thank you for sharing.
Jeannie,thank you for joining the chat. You are so right on the money. In our everyday lives, we will continue to strive to be the best we can be.
Deanna, I loved this post. The day we spent listening to Carol Dweck was certainly a moment that changed my way of thinking and how I approached teaching young students.
Sarah, I feel the same way. It also helped me understand my students and colleagues in a different light. That was a special gift to be able to attend that conference with you and Stephanie.
The idea of Growth Mindset is such a positive concept for children and adults. This point instills confidence by making learning a success for all. I can’t do it Yet : )
Yes, Gina. You are correct. It’s important to know that time is a factor in achieving our goals. Everyone has their own time schedule and skills to help them be successful. Thanks for chiming in!
I relate to the fixed mindset on such a personal level. It happened by accident and all the well meaning people in my life unknowingly ‘cemented’ this mindset by telling me how smart I was……you see, for the longest time in school everything came naturally…..that is until it didn’t! I hit ‘the wall’ after being accepted to a high school for gifted students. Chemistry did not come easily and by this time, I didn’t have the advantage of knowing how to study…..so I did what so many have done…..avoided it…..until I received a D! My self-esteem took such a hit! I’m glad to say, I’m trying my best to teach my grandchildren the growth mindset! Thanks for your post!!!! It’s a great reminder!
Crystal, I agree. It would have been nice if this concept had been introduced to us in school. How many students felt like they weren’t smart if they weren’t good in a particular area. We all have our strenghts. Our weaknesses can become strenghts if we practice. Practice is the key.
One of the counselors at my grandkids school was often teaching about the power of “yet”! I agree!
Patty, I always used this in class and with my personal kids. I like to think I’m using the growth mindset in my life.
The power of yet is so important, especially to writers. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, Pat you know that’s right!
Great read Deanna! I love your blog! Food for thought!
Thanks Vicki, I’m just keeping it real.
Love this!
Thank you Joyce.