Challenge Chains

Materials Needed: paper chain links or strips, pencil or pen

Instructions:

1. Form pairs and take one paper link (or strip) each.
2. On the first link, write a real challenge you’ve faced (academic or personal).
3. On the second link, reframe that challenge using growth-mindset language (add “yet,” focus on strategies, or view it as a learning step).
4. Attach the second link to the first to form a two-link chain.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 to build a chain of three reframed challenges.
6. Share one pair of links with your partner, explaining your reframing process.

Template Links

Link Pair 1
Challenge: ________________________________________________



Reframe: _________________________________________________

Link Pair 2
Challenge: ________________________________________________



Reframe: _________________________________________________

Link Pair 3
Challenge: ________________________________________________



Reframe: _________________________________________________

Once your three reframed challenges are linked, discuss with your partner:

• Which reframing felt most powerful? Why?
• How might you use this reframing strategy when you face future challenges?

My Next-Level Goals

In this journal, you will set a goal that stretches you, plan how to achieve it, and reflect on your progress using growth-mindset language. Remember: a SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

1. My Goal
   What is one academic or personal goal you want to achieve in the next month? (Be as specific as possible.)
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why It Matters
   Explain why this goal is important to you. How will reaching it help you grow? Use growth-mindset words like “yet,” “learning,” or “practice.”
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Action Steps
   List at least three clear and specific steps you will take to reach your goal. Make sure each step uses growth-mindset language (e.g., “I will try a new strategy,” “I will ask for feedback”).

   • Step 1: ________________________________________________
     
     
   • Step 2: ________________________________________________
     
     
   • Step 3: ________________________________________________
     
     

4. Potential Obstacles & Reframes
   Identify one challenge you might face as you work toward your goal. Then reframe it with a growth mindset (add “yet,” focus on strategies, or see it as a learning opportunity).

   • Obstacle: ________________________________________________
     
     
     
   • Growth Reframe: _________________________________________
     
     
     

5. Measuring Progress
   How will you know you’re making progress? Describe one way you will measure or track your improvement (e.g., checklists, reflection, feedback).
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Reflection & Next Steps
   After two weeks, revisit this goal:

   • What progress have you made so far?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • Using the Mindset Reflection Rubric, how would you rate your effort and reframing skill? Why?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • What will you do next to keep improving toward your goal?
     
     
     
     
     
     

Keep this journal close and update it regularly to remind yourself that every step, even small ones, moves you closer to growth!

Mindset Reflection Rubric

Use this rubric to self-assess your engagement, reframing skill, goal-setting, and reflection after the session. Circle the level that best describes your performance and add comments.

Self-Assessment

1. Circle your level for each criterion above.
2. In the space below, explain your rating and set one personal target for the next session using growth-mindset language.

Comments & Personal Target:

Back to My Next-Level Goals • Back to Growth Mindset Mission