New Beginnings: The Power of a Growth Mindset for Kids and Adults

Starting something new can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether it’s a child trying out for a new sport, an adult learning a new skill, or anyone stepping into an unfamiliar challenge, the way we think about learning makes all the difference.

That’s where a growth mindset comes in. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. It’s the opposite of a fixed mindset, which assumes that skills are innate and can’t change much over time.

If you or your child are embarking on something new, here’s how to embrace a growth mindset and make the journey smoother and more rewarding.

1. Normalize Struggles as Part of Learning

A big part of developing a growth mindset is understanding that struggle isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of progress. Kids (and adults) often assume that if something is hard, it means they aren’t “good” at it. Instead, remind them that challenges help their brains grow.

You might say:

“Of course it feels tricky right now—you’re learning something brand new! That’s how all skills start. Keep going, and it will get easier.”

Reframing struggles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks helps build perseverance.

2. Swap “I Can’t” for “I Can’t . . . Yet”

One simple way to shift toward a growth mindset is by adding the word "yet" to negative thoughts.

Instead of:
❌ “I can’t do this.”
Try:
✅ “I can’t do this yet, but I’m learning.”

This tiny shift reinforces the idea that skills develop over time.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results

When someone is learning something new, it’s easy to focus only on achievements. But celebrating effort instead of just outcomes helps build resilience.

Instead of:
❌ “You’re so talented at this!”
Try:
✅ “I love how hard you worked on this!”

Talent can feel like something people either have or don’t, but effort is always within our control.

4. Share Stories of Growth

Kids love hearing real-life stories, and even adults can benefit from examples of people who struggled before succeeding.

• Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

• J.K. Rowling faced multiple rejections before publishing Harry Potter.

• Albert Einstein was once told he wouldn’t amount to much academically.

These stories show that setbacks don’t define us—persistence does.

5. Model a Growth Mindset Yourself

Kids pick up on how adults talk about challenges. If you openly express frustration when trying something new, they’ll do the same. Instead, model the kind of self-talk you want them to adopt.

Instead of:
❌ “I’m terrible at technology.”
Try:
✅ “I don’t understand this yet, but I’m figuring it out.”

When kids see you pushing through challenges, they learn to do the same.

6. Encourage Reflection

After trying something new, take time to reflect on what was learned—even if the experience didn’t go perfectly.

Ask questions like:

• What was the hardest part, and how did you handle it?

• What’s one thing you improved at?

• What would you do differently next time?

Reflection helps reinforce the idea that every experience—good or bad—is a learning opportunity.

7. Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Starting something new often comes with setbacks, but the key is to remember that learning is a journey. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, both kids and adults can develop the confidence to take on new challenges with excitement instead of fear.

Final Thought

A growth mindset isn’t about being good at something right away—it’s about believing that with time, effort, and persistence, you can improve. Whether you’re supporting a child or working on your own mindset, embracing the idea that skills can grow makes new beginnings far less intimidating and much more exciting.

What’s something new you (or your child) are working on right now?