Growth Mindset: Janet Echleman

I watched Janet Echelman's Ted Talk about imagination. I enjoy art but I don't often seek it out. I rarely go to art museums but I do appreciate it. My artist side favors writing such as poetry or music. But her pieces were so out-of-the-box and innovative that I was captivated by them. She actually came up with a way to create a moving sculpture. I would love to have the chance to lie underneath one and just watch it. I feel like it would be so soothing. I really admire the fact that she dreamt up something and actually found a way to bring it to life. It wasn't easy and she had to incorporate many different groups of people with different talents but in the end she did it! I truly don't think I've ever seen something so creative. And to think, she was actually turned down by seven art universities! Her story is a testament to never give up on something you're passionate about. I told my manager the other day that it's difficult to be a creative person. Someone really just has to take a chance on you for you to be able to succeed. But you just have to know that you may not make much money by choosing to do art for a living. Some get lucky and some do not. But I think no matter what you should never let your passions slip away. 

(Janet Echelman)

Growth Mindset: 4 Lesson in Creativity

I watched Julie Bernstein's video over the four lessons in creativity. I am drawn to creative people. When I feel that I am lagging behind, talking to someone about their passion is likely propel me forward. I enjoyed listening to the words of all the creative people she had interviewed. It truly excites me to hear all the different point of views. I liked how she focused so much on imperfections. We tend to have some sort of creative plan but that doesn't mean things always go according to that plan. She used the pottery as an example. She showed how one pot acquired a crackle pattern on it due to the quick change in temperature. The pattern was not intended but it was actually beautiful. Or when she talks about how the photographer was about to make something beautiful out of the rubble from 9/11, I feel that I can relate to that. I can really only write after I've been heart broken. While this is a form of destruction, it makes the most beautiful art, at my own cost. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I think it is that way for many artists. The strongest of feelings end up as the most vibrant. Creative people will always ignite the spark inside of me. I really enjoyed this short video. 

(Rupi Kaur Poem)

Week 8 Growth Mindset

I definitely think that I have a lot more to work on with Growth Mindset. And hey, I guess that's a good thing cause that means I am using a Growth Mindset. I am, and have always been, a professional procrastinator. Lately though, it seems to have reached an all time high. I have forgotten about two exams in the last couple weeks and that's a bit frightening. I wanted to push myself to us a planner this semester and while I started out strong, I've slowly abandoned my planner. It's really difficult for me to develop a routine for myself cause I've never lived off a routine. I truly do want to work on this though. I'm sure school would give me a lot less anxiety if I could just stay focused on the task at hand and get things done. I feel I've made it pretty clear that I'm pretty far from achieving a Growth Mindset but the whole purpose is to use that to propel me and inspire me to reach that goal. For the second half of this semester I'm going to try to fill out my planner thoroughly so I don't miss anything. I'm also going to attempt not to put things off till the very last second. This post is actually being written earlier than usual for me. I typically don't start any homework till at least after 10pm. I know it's really terrible. I hope I can really hone in areas in my life where I can apply Growth Mindset because I think it would be very beneficial to me!

Ps. Meet Suri, she's my new fur-daughter. Basically my entire body is covered in scratches because I am her only playmate but I still love her. Oh, and she thinks she has to eat everything I eat, here she is trying to steal my Panera mac n cheese!

(Personal Photo of my new kitten Suri)

My Thoughts on Growth Mindset

WOW!

Okay, this is an amazing concept. How have I not heard of this till now?! I think it was practically made for me. I definitely have a fixed-mindset. I was a 4.0 student in high school and once I started college that all changed. I have received As, Bs, Cs and I have even failed once. This really hindered my willingness to put in the effort to do well in my classes. I am a horrible time manager and when I have a lot of assignments for multiple classes I usually just become overwhelmed and don't do any of them till the last minute because I feel like I have to prioritize one over the other. 

The idea that someone does not fail but is given the grace to try again and succeed is genius. I can see also though, why it could be a problem. Of course some people may take advantage of this and never get anything done but personally I know if I were given a second chance to either complete an assignment or score a higher grade- it would boost my confidence in my ability to learn and give me an incentive to try harder for the future. 

I love that Professor Laura has given us growth mindset challenges to try. I am actually extremely eager to try them. I think the 'Grow By Watching Others' challenge is one of my favourites. To try to learn from my peers seems like an awesome idea. I'm so ready to try to apply growth mindset to my life. I think this week I will try the 'Grow-Your-Writing-Process' challenge just to break out of my comfort zone a bit!

PS- Love all the growth mindset kitties. 

(Growth Mindset Cat)