Mindset

I apologize for not posting anything in so long. I have no excuse. I bow in humility... Please, forgive me. 

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

I want to share an idea I came across while doing some assigned readings from my peer mentor position at BYU. Many of you may be wondering what a "peer mentor" does, so I'll explain a little bit. A peer mentor works with incoming freshman to help them learn how to make connections (with professors as well as peers), develop effective time management skills, and succeed in life as well as college. We are there to be a friend and a guide; a more experienced student who can pass on wisdom and learning.

As part of our training, both new and returning mentors are required to study selected essays, speeches and other readings and then write a self-reflection essay. For our current training module, I read an excerpt from a book, Mindset, written by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. In chapter 2, "Inside the Mindsets", Dweck proposes the idea that there are two possible mindsets in relation to perceived ability: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

In short, a fixed mindset believes that ability is set; a test you take today can legitimately predict how smart you are and can be in the future. However, a growth minded individual once wrote to Dr. Dweck that, "Performance cannot be based on one assessment. You cannot determine the slope of a line given only one point, as there is no line to begin with. A single point in time does not show trends improvement, lack of effort, or mathematical ability." (Micheal D. Riodan, Ch 2, Mindset)

A fixed mindset views any mistake, rejection, or correction as evidence of failure. They give that "failure" power over them, letting it diminish their self-worth. A person stuck in a fixed mindset will often avoid challenging their abilities and trying new things out of fear that they will "be a failure;" it is safer to stick to what they know they can succeed. A fixed mindset leads people to give up as soon as things get difficult because in that mindset, if they don't try, they can't fail.

However, a growth mindset views failure much differently. While the thought of "I could have done..." is comforting to the fixed mindset, it is haunting to the growth mindset. This mindset defines true failure as not reaching his or her full potential. In the growth mindset, "failure" can still hurt, but it does not define who you are. Mistakes become opportunities to learn and improve. The growth mindset allows people to enjoy the process no matter the outcome.

"Success is about being your best self, not being better than others; failure is an opportunity, not a condemnation; effort is the key..."

I was talking the other day with my trainer, Anthony DiRocco at Vi Holistic Health, about how much people in general set limitations on their own abilities. I mentioned that I was working on improving my painting skills. My biggest setback has always been my desire for perfection. Anthony in return quoted Bob Ross, a famous painter who had a television show, The Joy of Painting, in the 1990s. Ross said, "There are no mistakes. There are only happy accidents." It is all in how we utilize the unexpected turns in life that make us who we are.

Do you live for praise and validation, or for growth and a love of learning? What do you think will get you where you want to be? Mindsets can change. People can change. Every moment is a new possibility and every person, at some point, has to face the question: "what have I done with my life?"

Dear Child

 How much the world’s toils do hold thy mind,

And body captive to their will and then,

Do leave a sense of emptiness behind.

You’re words to me as well: the same again.

They give you naught to feel till you confess

To me. Forgo self-swindling. Dear child,

Every burden to thy numb soul, express.

Please tell me all your raging wars so wild.

Please let me in. Oh hear my voice and know

If you but step into the dark and try

To faithfully follow the path I show,

I’ll be with thee till from you, darkness shy.

Please chose my path, with faith my words are true.

My yoke is light. Drink from my living well.

Thine eyes now dull, bright flame it will renew,

As you remove that dark worldly bushel.

My child, to you this gift I give:

That ye might chose my path and live.

Finding Grace

Folded arms, bowing head,
Streaming tears upon my bed.
Pretense gone, lies forsook
Staring at that open book
Piercing words, parable,
Leads me to defer control.
Melting stone, changing heart
Filling in a missing part.
Speaking truth, hidden fears
Crying out till hope appears.
Searching soul, finding grace
Now safe within thy warm embrace.
Broken door, open wide
Lets him rush forth to my side.
Peaceful calm, He doth send
Oh Savior, my best friend.

Change the World

So, one thing you will learn very quickly about me is that I love quotes. I truly thrive on them and can even have full conversations with my siblings out of just movie quotes, as my parents know well. Today, I will feature some wise words from the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, Screwtape Letters, and The Great Divorce, among other titles.

"What we learn from experience depends on the kind of philosophy we bring to experience." C.S. Lewis Miracles: A Preliminary Study

While this concept seems extremely sensible and slightly obvious, sometimes a reminder is needed. You are much more powerful than you think. We all are. I feel as though society and the adversary, for those of you who are religious, condition us from infancy to relinquish much of that power without realizing we had it to begin with. Life is what we make it.

Just like a camera lens, when we are extremely focused on one thing, the rest of the picture is blurry and unclear. Imagine what could be seen if people just changed their focus. Instead of zooming in on the bad, look around and express gratitude for the flower blooming in your yard, the family member doing your dishes, or even the cheerful greeting of a cashier. If we merely change our way of thinking about life, each and every person truly can change the world. Our own world. So, who wants to join me in changing the world?

Welcome!!!!

So, if you have read the column titled "About Me" then you know a bit about why I created this blog and where the name came from. For those of you who haven't read it and don't feel like looking across the screen, I will reiterate and expound.

The Wind is Blowing

The name is derived from a quote by a man I very much admired growing up, Gordon B. Hinkley. Among the plethora of wonderful sayings he left behind is one stating this: 

"I am the last leaf on the tree and the wind is blowing." 

I don't know about all of you, but there are definitely times where I feel just like that. As if I am using all my might to just barely keep holding on, as everything else is changing and crumbling around me. Some weeks I can find myself sitting in my room staring at the wall. I find myself stressed and in tears even though nothing horrible has happened. I know that I'm not the only one with hardships. I think it's safe to say that we have all felt the wind blowing at some point.

However, the wind cannot blow indefinitely. No matter how long and hard the storm rages, it will cease. It doesn't always cease when we want, but all who stay strong are promised a time where "they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."

Mission Statement

My mission statement for this blog is as follows:

Through providing uplifting personal stories, quotes, expositions, and original poetry, "The Wind Is Blowing" will attempt to facilitate the spiritual, emotional and compassionate growth of others so they might have hope and strength, even when "the wind is blowing" and then in turn become a strength to others.

 I had the idea for this blog months upon months ago, and I have finally gotten it up and running. (Well, kinda.) I hope that this can be a place where you can find strength in times of weakness, light in times of darkness, and hope in time of confusion.