MindSwitch Mondays #23: Becoming Is Better Than Being
By changing the way we think, we can change the way we learn.
I recently learned that in philosophy becoming is the possibility of change in a thing that has being, that exists.
Becoming involves change, while being is fixed.
We can think about it this way:
Sometimes we can feel we have a Brick Brain or a Bubble Gum Brain.
Our Brick Brain wants to remain unchanged. He knows changing requires work and effort, and he wants a comfortable life or doesn’t know how to change.
Our Bubble Gum Brain wants to change the habits we struggle with, the unpleasant situations we have to endure, the way we manage problems, or learn a new way of doing things.
Does this sound familiar?
How often do we think being is our only possibility and becoming seems so far from our hands?
We tend to think we are born a certain way that determines who we are going to be.
Having a growth mindset means you believe in yourself and especially in your ability to change, learn and develop.
Why is having a Bubble Gum Brain (growth mindset) important for kids?
By changing the way we think, we can change the way we learn.
A Bubble Gum Brain can help you overcome obstacles you may face when learning something new or developing a new skill.
When kids understand that becoming is better than being, a whole world of possibilities opens up.
How can we model having a Bubble Gum Brain to our kids?
Show that mistakes are opportunities to learn.
“I learned so much from this mistake. Wow, getting things wrong can help your brain grow!”
Show it's ok to ask for help.
“I’m having trouble with this, how do you think we can do this differently?”
Point out progress and improvements.
“I didn’t do this as well as I wanted to, but I made progress this time!”
Explain that learning is the real goal.
“I really feel good about this soccer match, even though we didn’t win, I learned a new pass!”
Explain how you get better with practice.
“I didn’t know how to bake a cake before, but with practice, I got so much better!”
To learn more on growth and fixed mindset, check out Carol Dweck’s Book: Mindset.
Before I wrap up, I want to share exciting news with you!
I have been working on my Bubble Gum Brain a lot lately. I am beyond excited to be one of the Write of Passage Cohort 7 Mentors alongside a group of amazing people! Learning all that I have, in order to receive this opportunity has only been made possible with a Bubble Gum Brain. I will share more about this experience as it unfolds this month. Follow me here!
Thank you for reading,
Alexandra