The Value of Learning Mindset

We all face challenges in our daily lives, whether personal, education-related, or those that pertain to our career. We have different ways of tackling these obstacles. We might be scared and want to hide, we might believe we can’t grow, or maybe we choose to see hidden opportunities. Having a learning mindset, maintaining a strong work ethic, and choosing to persevere allows us to expand our potential, build our careers, and contribute to a stronger team environment.  

When we choose to dive in, we develop our potential by learning from mistakes and improving competencies. Those with a learning mindset view their abilities as moldable, developed through effort on the path to success. Amongst students, this kind of thinking has demonstrated positive effects on learning. In a 2015 study, researchers analyzed scores on a national achievement test for tenth grade students with a growth mindset vs. those with a fixed mindset. Students with a growth mindset were three times more likely to be in the top 20% of test scores while those with a fixed mindset were four times more likely to be in the bottom 20%. This study demonstrates how people with a learning mindset are better able to tap into their potential. When learning opportunities are presented, they see the hurdle as their chance to learn from mistakes.  

As an intern for Parlance, I have experienced the benefits of treating each mistake as an opportunity for growth. One such instance occurred during an assignment to research social media data and organize findings in a spreadsheet. Effective organization of the spreadsheet was of key importance to the task. Data needed accurate descriptions. Numbers needed clear visual delineations in order to be understood with ease. At first, I failed to meet these objectives, but I was not discouraged. I asked clarifying questions and learned to make improvements. Each time I face such an experience, I learn from it and am more prepared for the next time.  

Thinking with a learning mindset, believing in ourselves, and persevering with a strong work ethic enables us to achieve long-term career goals. When we have a positive view towards obstacles, we develop the capacity to adapt and the patience to work towards our goals. One industry in which the value of a learning mindset is most obvious is professional sports. Famous basketball player Kobe Bryant had a learning mindset, and his inspiring story demonstrates the critical impact that this way of thinking has on one’s career. Kobe became one of the highest achieving basketball players in the world, but he didn’t start out that way. When Kobe was ten years old, he began playing basketball but didn’t score a single point that first summer. Kobe worked on each aspect of the game and came back the next summer a little bit better. Within two years he caught up to the good players he had been looking up to. Kobe’s continuous hard work and belief in himself resulted in him becoming a five-time NBA champion. This mindset for growth motivated Kobe to put in non-stop effort, and this dedication is what made his career and set him apart from other players.  

With a learning mindset one improves a team through leading by example and demonstrating that it is ok to fail because we learn from the experience. This characteristic constructs a stronger team environment. We see through statistics that a growth mindset on a team level holds great importance. Employees in a “growth mindset company” are 47% more likely to say they trust their colleagues, 34% more likely to feel strongly committed to the company, and 49% more likely to believe that their company values innovation. These qualities are enhanced by each individual who demonstrates how to adapt to a shifting environment through out of the box thinking and learning. When unfamiliar with a task, the person with a growth mindset takes charge by figuring out the problem and teaching others that the way to approach uncertainty is by appreciating failure as a tool for learning rather than fearing it. If unsuccessful, the person with a growth mindset tries again until they solve the problem. This strategy provides examples of the effectiveness of preservice, and confidence that failure is conquerable.  

The willingness to learn from mistakes, the constant effort, and the motivation to take on challenges that come with a learning mindset expand our capabilities, careers, and positively impacts others. With this outlook on life, we will continue to grow into the future. We will develop into the best version of ourselves, remove any bounds limiting career potential, and inspire others to change the world with us.