My Mindset Snapshot

This worksheet is for your personal reflection. There are no right or wrong answers, and you will not be graded. Take your time to think about each question.

Part 1: Fixed or Growth?

Read each statement. Circle "Fixed" if it sounds like a fixed mindset, or "Growth" if it sounds like a growth mindset.

1. "I'm just not a morning person, I'll never get up early."
   Fixed / Growth
   
   
   
2. "This task is really hard, but I bet if I break it down, I can figure it out."
   Fixed / Growth
   
   
   
3. "I made a mistake. I guess I'm just bad at this."
   Fixed / Growth
   
   
   
4. "I received feedback on my work; it helps me see where I can improve."
   Fixed / Growth
   
   
   
5. "Why bother trying something new? I'll probably just fail."
   Fixed / Growth
   
   
   

Part 2: Personal Reflection

Think about times in your own life. Write a few sentences for each question.

6. Describe a time you felt stuck or gave up on something because you thought you weren't good enough. What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Describe a time you kept trying at something, even when it was difficult, and eventually made progress or learned something new. What helped you keep going?
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. What is one challenge you are currently facing where a small shift in your thinking (e.g., adding "...yet" to a thought) might make a difference?
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. How might seeing challenges as opportunities to learn (instead of threats) change how you approach your daily life?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Mindset Discussion Guide

This guide provides prompts and strategies for facilitating a discussion on fixed and growth mindsets, particularly with adults who may be hesitant to engage. The goal is to create a safe, reflective space.

Section 1: Introduction & Initial Thoughts (After explaining Fixed/Growth Mindsets)

• "Based on what we just discussed, has anyone heard of these ideas before, perhaps in a different way? No pressure, just curious."
• "Can you think of a time when something felt really difficult, and you might have had a thought like, ‘I’m just not good at this’ or ‘This is impossible’? (No need to share what the situation was, just the feeling.)"
• "Conversely, has there ever been a time when you surprised yourself by sticking with something tough and eventually making progress? What was that like?"
• Teacher Tip: If participation is low, share a very brief, low-stakes personal example (e.g., learning to use a new app, trying a new recipe) to model openness.

Section 2: Reflecting on Scenarios (After discussing the slides with Sarah and David)

• "What did you notice about Sarah's reaction to burning her food? What was her internal dialogue like?"
• "How was David's approach to the puzzle different, even when he got frustrated? What allowed him to keep going?"
• "Have you ever felt like Sarah in a situation, wanting to give up quickly? What about like David, pushing through?"
• Teacher Tip: Focus on observing behaviors and thoughts in the scenarios rather than asking direct personal questions initially. This provides a buffer.

Section 3: Connecting to Personal Experience & Shifting Perspective (After the My Mindset Worksheet)

• "Thinking about your worksheet, was there anything that surprised you about your own mindset tendencies? (Share only if comfortable)."
• "Can anyone identify one small area where they recognize a fixed mindset thought popping up? What does that thought sound like?"
• "If you were to take that fixed mindset thought and add the word ‘yet’ to it, how would it change? For example, ‘I can’t do X… yet.’"
• "What might be one small benefit of looking at a challenge as an opportunity to learn, rather than something to avoid?"
• "When we talk about 'bouncing back' from setbacks, how might a growth mindset help with that?"
• Teacher Tip: Frame questions with

Mindset Reflection Cool Down

Take a moment to reflect on today's discussion about mindsets. Please complete one or both of the prompts below.

1. One Big Idea:

What is one new idea or thought about mindsets that you are taking away from today's session?

2. My Small Step:

What is one small thing you might try or think about differently this week, based on what we discussed?