Celebrate Change

“Most people don’t know that when they practice and learn new things, parts of their brain change and get larger, a lot like the muscles do. This is true even for adults. So it’s not true that some people are stuck being “not smart” or “not math people.” You can improve your abilities a lot, as long as you practice and use good strategies.”
- David Yeager

We all know that things change, often dramatically. The news industry is built on constant change and upheaval. What can be harder to appreciate is how much we can change. In reality, most of us are much more adaptable and flexible than it might seem in the midst our usual day-to-day.

“Growth mindset” is a phrase that has become well-known, but what does it mean on a practical basis - especially in terms of goal setting? Here are five simple and highly effective ways you can change your attitude about change!

1). Effort as the Path to Mastery
The feeling of stress and effort can be very uncomfortable. However, research has found that stress and effort are actually extremely helpful for long term growth. In other words - if you are feeling stressed about a task or goal, that usually means your body and mind are rising to the challenge. Those butterflies in your stomach are there to help you! Don’t shy away from stress and effort - lean into it.

2).  Persist in the Face of Setbacks
All day, every day, we face setbacks of different kinds. Sometimes they are small setbacks, other times they are major defeats. The key to maintaining a growth mindset is to resolve ahead of time that no matter what type of setback you face, you will find a way to regroup and keep going. Persistence is - without question - the quantum warp speed engine for reaching your ROCKET Goals in record time.

3).  Cultivate Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is crucial in maintaining a growth mindset. Some setbacks can generate intense feelings of regret, loss and even self hatred. Even worse, defeats can make you lower your standards or even give up altogether. As you move forward, congratulate yourself for trying and putting in the effort - even though the result was not what you expected. Even after a crushing defeat, you can get up the next day, pat yourself on the back and put in the effort to improve for next time. Learning to hold high standards while also giving your own self high support and compassion is a master skill for achieving success.

4).  Set Learning Goals With Your Performance Goals
At every level of performance, at every age, there is always more to learn and improve. This means that setting learning goals should be a lifelong practice alongside your goal pursuits. In fact, if you are trying to decide between two goals, consider picking the goal that will help you learn the most. Keep track of your learning progress, and look for those 80/20 levers that seem to be driving significant progress.

5). Find Inspiration in the Success of Others
“I see your success, and raise you one better” is a good growth mindset to maintain in our highly competitive world. In other words - instead of feeling intimidated when you see someone run by you - either literally or metaphorically - figure out how you can not only catch them, but surpass them. Eventually, like Steph Curry and other elite stars, you may reach a place where the only person you are competing with is the prior you. In the meantime, take the success of others as a model and inspiration for what you could become capable of.

Celebrating change is not always easy, but framed in the context of a growth mindset, change is not only inevitable - but it becomes the driver of continuous learning and success. Go ahead and start making those changes today!