The Growth Mindset
The Growth Mindset: It's Not Just About Talent.
Jorge Muñoz-Bustamante recently led the students through a self-assessment as to whether they are growth-oriented or have a fixed-mindset.
Jorge proffered that it's not about where they are, but rather, where they can be --with effort. Effort trumps talent.
He challenged them to use their God-given gifts to grow by devoting the necessary time to excel in whatever is important to them. Devoting time to learn about their faith would certainly be a priority.
Setbacks, errors, obstacles, all are normal, he explained. If you don't understand something, it's that you don't understand it --yet. But with sufficient effort and possibly help (for instance, coaching, guidance, direction) one progresses. With a fixed-mindset, one is stuck and can't advance.
This approach is consistent with the four Jesuit leadership principles as outlined in the book the students are reviewing called Heroic Leadership:
Understand one’s strengths [talent]
Innovate and adapt to embrace a changing world [to enable growth]
Engage others with a positive, loving attitude [build community]
Energize oneself and others through heroic ambitions [immerse oneself in worthwhile endeavors]
