POSITIVE MINDSET- Redefining Negativity!
“Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.” – Vince Lombardi
Time and again, we forget the true power of the mind. When we were younger, we were taught to have a sound mind in a sound body. Scientific studies have proven that our minds greatly influence the functioning of our bodies to an extent. In this fast-paced day and age, every individual is caught up in the rat race to be better and do better than everyone else. Unfortunately, this is at the cost of our mental health and mars our positive outlook.
What does it mean to have a positive mindset?
A positive mindset is not to be confused with a positive attitude. Mindset and leadership coach, Cheryl Himburg, explains the difference in the article 'Mindset vs Attitude' " Attitude is how we interact with the world. Our mindset is how we perceive the world around us.”
- This is our subconscious mind and powers 95% of our thinking and actions. "The power wielded by our subconscious perceptions is evident. The kind of mindset we adopt colors the way we view the world, our relationships, our attitude, etc.
It is quite easy to fall into that vortex of depression, disappointments, and negativity when circumstances are not presenting themselves the way we want. That is why adopting a positive mindset is essential to the overall wellbeing of an individual.
A positive mindset helps us to accept the truth that life is seldom a bed of roses. It pushes us to make an effort to rise out of painful experiences like a phoenix out of the ashes. It makes strong and resilient people who learn from their mistakes and rise to the occasion.
Why does positive thinking play a critical role in achieving goals and reaching the pinnacles of success?
- A positive mindset is a key ingredient to success. Successful people have something known as the GROWTH MINDSET, a term coined by Stanford psychologist, Carol Dweck. She concluded that a person's belief system is rooted in the way each person views his/her personality.
- People with the Growth Mindset believe that their talents and intelligence can be improved for better accomplishments. They see both successes and failures as opportunities. Such people are open to change, accept feedback, and are willing to go the extra mile to accomplish goals and accept new challenges.
- Dweck's study shows that character traits, intelligence, talent, etc., are not fixed and unchangeable, but are dynamic and can be developed over some time.
This is encouraging news as this opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the young and vibrant generation. The future of tomorrow is found in the classrooms of today. Developing a growth mindset should be incorporated into each lesson and activity.
We need a generation of individuals who are ready to take on the world without shying away or lodging themselves in their comfort zone. We need a generation who are open to change, ready to learn and grow, who get right back up and do things differently every time.
How do we promote a positive mindset in the classroom
- A positive mindset is vital. With the pandemic showing no signs of dissipating, the cloud of negativity hanging over our heads is understandable. More so for children and teens who have been cooped up at home.
- This is the ideal opportunity for educators and parents to inculcate and guide children in developing a positive mindset.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
- Children soak in the world around them. As educators/parents, we should be advocates of positivity and be role models for children to follow.
- Promote positivity through daily positive affirmations, providing constructive criticism, and saying that it is okay to fail.
- The teachers words must consciously be worded positively. Avoid using can't, never, etc. Teach children to focus on the positive side of every situation.
Positivity Quotes
A practice that teachers can do regularly is posting quotes, anecdotes, short videos, comic strips, etc., which promotes a growth mindset among students.
It should be posted at the beginning of the day and teachers can discuss the message of the quotes before class begins.
REWARDING POSITIVE BEHAVIORS OR ACTIONS THAT ALIGN WITH A GROWTH MINDSET
Keep a reward system in place to encourage positivity and be the biggest cheerleaders for children who fail and feel they can't make it.
MAKE TIME FOR STUDENTS
We should understand what students interests are and encourage them to talk about them. The Shining Star program at NCFE is a 'shining' example of encouraging a positive mindset.
The ultimate goal of every individual is to lead a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. It is in the journey of achieving that goal that the importance of inculcating a positive growth mindset finds its genesis.