“Yet” is a small word with enormous power and impact on a person's mindset, often underestimated. It aids in the cultivation of a growth mindset, leading to continuous improvement rather than confining oneself to a fixed set of abilities. This concept, introduced by Carol Dweck, an American psychologist who focuses on the field of mindset, reveals the potential of 'yet.'
How can a short, modest word like "yet" reshape our minds and attitudes? Here is the answer. Many people, when feeling incompetent or encountering setbacks, quickly declare, "I can't do this," or "This is too much for me." Once your brain is dominated by these negative words that imply defeat, they soon become your reality. Instead of uttering these words that create barriers and limitations, try saying, "I can't do this YET." By incorporating "yet," one begins to recognize the unlimited potential for achieving their desires. What once seemed insurmountable becomes a small hurdle to leap through when you're ready. This attitude empowers you toward a growth mindset, essential not only in educational environments but in various aspects of life.
People who give up easily and feel threatened by others' success tend to have a 'fixed mindset.' A fixed mindset is the belief that talents and abilities are innate and cannot be changed. Therefore, they claim that certain endeavors cannot override one's natural talents and make excuses such as, "He/she is good at this because they have natural-born talent." They give up at the drop of a hat, saying it’s not meant for everyone, treating efforts like a piece of scrap paper, and throwing them aside.
In contrast, the term 'growth mindset' focuses on an individual's traits as a starting point for development. It emphasizes the belief that people can change and grow through various stages of life, and that innate talents are not the only paths to success. Diligence is considered the most important quality for a growth mindset. As mentioned earlier, using "yet" is a component that helps develop this mindset.
There is no such thing as something you can't do; it's just that you are not ready for it YET. There is no need to feel disappointed or blame yourself for something that hasn't worked out YET. You are never inadequate; everyone possesses vast potential that they haven't discovered how to unleash YET.
Consider "yet" as a message indicating that the timing isn't quite right, giving you time to advance until you are ready. What matters most is to prosper and thrive through any process, become a better person, and learn something valuable. Failure and mistakes should not be reasons to abandon your endeavors but rather fuel for starting something new and learning through your experiences.
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