Maintaining a Growth Mindset with Books!

Many years ago in grade school, I was required to read an academic article on Carole Dweck’s research.  I was immediately a fan and went on to write several papers and follow her work.  Years later when Angela Duckworth’s book Grit came out, I felt both a twinge of age (what’s old is new again) and enthusiasm for how Dweck’s seminal work from three decades ago  was now being leveraged in education.

When we're open to it, there are infinite possibilities to learning and grow.

Dweck’s work came to be a defining influence in my education. It instilled my belief that life is a series of lessons and when we're open to it, there are infinite possibilities to learning and grow. Every professional opportunity has taught me something about myself, the world, and the human experience. Every human I take the time to get to know teaches me something and often makes me a better person.

TBH, I am acutely aware that our circumstances and times that I have a fixed mindset. I have to own that if I am going to overcome it.

I call myself a serial learner, which sounds like a brag, but sometimes is indeed a slippery slope. I've been known to sign up for too many online classes at once or purchase far more books than I can possibly read in a month.

Part of reigning in my aspirational hopes around reading was considering where I wanted to put my energy and resources into fostering a growth mindset. Before that, my interest in reading was a bit like a puppy in a park - "Oh, look that huma….. SQUIRREL!!!!!" or like a Jackson Pollack painting that lands on the wall with energy that eventually wanes.

After piloting several different planners and journals (I'll see those reviews for another post), I landed on the Commit 30 planner. This is my primary tool to flesh out monthly goals and stay focused week to week. Each month, I've got specific reading intentions that range from daily times to read for pleasure and for learning, as well as keeping up with my annual Good Reads Reading Challenge. The planner keeps me focused as I plan my month and week, but for the really granular day-to-day stuff, I'm all about the I-cal and reminder notifications. I also have a few too many screens in my life and find that when I have visual reminders on those screens, they are a highly effective prompt to keep me moving forward, pausing to breathe, or finding joy.

This month (a week in!), I am C R U S H I N G my reading syllabus. Admittedly, I had a long drive, and a few days without internet, I had more time than usual to read and listen to Audible. Not only have I finished two of the four books PLUS one I picked up while waiting in a long Target line.

Here's a snapshot of some books I've really learned from this month:

Chances Are…

This was our book club book this month, and I picked it up blind. Never heard of the author, wasn't part of the choosing of the book, and had no expectations. a pretty fascinating read about enduring friendship that had me hooked when one of the main characters came from my hometown (Shout out to the 'Cuse!) and another is a sorority sister. Beyond those superficial connections, the story of friendship over decades struck many chords and allowed me to experience this from the perspective of four men.

Your Turn: There simply are not enough superlatives for Julie Lythcott Haims' third book. For years after hearing her Ted Talk, I've followed her, particularly her process of writing this book, which is the definitive guide to adulting. Seriously, so much knowledge, perspective, and empathy not just from Julie's voice but from dozens of young adults who graciously shared their stories with her. If you've got an 18-30-something in your life, gift them this book. If you've been a young adult at some point, you need this book. Note, it's a heavy lift, literally. I listened to it from start to finish, but it's definitely the type of book you can open and read select chapters.

The Diplomat's Wife - This was the random book I grabbed while waiting in line at Target and then could not put down. Two nights sleeping on a couch while moving a family member were made more accessible because I slept less and read more. If you're a fan of historical fiction and liked books like The Alice Network, The Nightingale, or love stories of female heroes, grab this one (or its predecessor, The Kommandant's Girl).

I've got two more on my syllabus for the month. I’m curious about what's on your reading list or in your TBR pile?