A Growth Mindset.

I remembered a time in my childhood when I was asked to lead the prayer and worship songs for a church programme.

Prior to this time, I had only led such sessions of not more two people – most of whom were my family. So imagine my disbelief when I was called upon. I didn’t even bother to ask for guidance because I thought I could do it.

On that day, I sang a song repeatedly for more than 5minutes and by the time I moved to another, it was off beat. I was chastised and felt bad, in the midst then, someone else came and said “You will be asked to do more than this in the future, how will you handle it?”

However, I didn’t allow such circumstances made me feel inferior even though I felt bad. Instead, I decided to forge ahead and grew beyond my failing to the extent that if any impromptu assignment is given to me, I will do it well in God’s glory.

Why is this?

I allowed growth, understanding that Christ abides in me. Though I failed the first time, it didn’t make me a failure, I just needed to try harder, re-strategize, rise up to be a better version of myself.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (KJV)

Carol Dweck in her book, Mindset; The New Psychology of the Success, wrote about fixed and growth mindsets. She stated the fixed mindset says, “I’ve got all the talents and abilities, so I don’t need to try or be better”.
When hurdles or challenges come, they see themselves as failure and crumble.

On the other hand, a growth mindset tends to rise above, sees the criticism, praise, feedbacks, setbacks and so as catalysts for doing better, handling challenges as they come.

In this life, growth is an essential part of our being. Just as a newborn grows from its dependent baby form to an adult that feeds him/herself, so also are we required to grow beyond what we are, spiritually, physically, mentally, socially – as the case may be.

Nothing and no one defines one as a failure except they themselves allow and accept the label.

[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations

[3] knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:2-4 (KJV)