Developing a Growth Mindset

This video uses the metaphor of two seeds to illustrate the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. It encourages viewers to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth.

Here are two seeds, both planted on the same day, in the same soil, in the same garden bed. One is very curious, full of life, and ready to grow as tall as it can. The other is filled with fear. "What if the sun is too strong and burns my leaves once I grow," it thinks, "or what if a beast eats my tender sprouts? No way, not a chance I am leaving my shell." So it remains, still and stagnant, rigid in its place. The brave seed feels the heat of the sun above and starts to push hard out of its shell. Sure, it has doubts about reaching the outside world, but its curiosity is stronger than anything. "I want to see all the living creatures of this garden," it thinks, "I can't wait to feel the morning dew drops on my leaves." The little seed keeps pushing until a single sprout comes out. It grows and grows through sunny, warm days; it even grows through colder, stormy days because the brave seed knows that the sun will always return. Throughout life, you will have moments when you feel like either one of these seeds. The way we see the world around us, and how we behave towards life, is called our mindset. You can choose to have a fixed mindset or to have a growth mindset. When you have a fixed mindset, things can seem too hard. Your thoughts might cloud your mind, and you start to give up easily. "I can't do this." You may believe that if you are not good at something, then you never will be. "I'm just born this way." The obstacles you face can hold you back, and you begin avoiding challenges. "What's the point of trying?" Just like the fearful seed. However, you can always choose to have a growth mindset. A growth mindset helps you believe that your goals are within reach with effort and perseverance. "Life is a great big adventure." It shows you that failure is a normal part of your journey. The obstacles you encounter will only make you stronger. "Mistakes help me learn."