Feedback Thoughts

     Once again I am grateful for the list of articles.  While reluctant to get started at first, once I found the articles that fit myself and starting reading through them I immediately saw how they could be beneficial.  I think feedback is something that we generally don't get enough of, at least in a positive way.  I really like that aspect of this class when compared to just getting grades back.  The first article I picked was "A fixed mindset could be holding you back-here's how to change it."  This article again touched on the value of having a growth mindset.  I was surprised to read that constantly boosting a kid and telling them they're awesome isn't always beneficial.  I work at a school, and I try to be as positive as I can just because I know some kids might need it more than others.  It makes sense that you can't always do this however; if they think they are perfect, when they find out they are not it could potentially be devastating.  I think I can continue to be positive and complimentary, though maybe only when it's necessary.  It was cool to see that the growth mindset can be learned, and can also be beneficial in places other than school.  I can see how it would be extremely valuable in a work setting. Coming from a sports background, I would hear the word "coachable" a lot.  It was meant to be a good thing; it meant that a kid would listen and attempt to implement whatever advice their coach was giving.  It's fascinating that even the most talented athletes were at times the least "coachable."  That is something I need to work on as a move forward in my school and work life.  I can see how having a growth mindset can enhance all parts of your life. 
     The next article I read was "A 5-Second Habit to Rewire your Harshly Self-Critical Brain."  I thought the author described a lot of things that he experienced that also applies to my own mindset at times.  I will often feel very stressed, but most of the time it is self-imposed.  I will feel stressed from not meeting personal goals or holding myself to a standard that is much too high.  The author described similar issues in his own personal life.  I was surprised to find that negative thinking and stress can allow self-critical parts of your brain to dominate.  This sounded so familiar to me.  I was relieved, then, when it was explained that you can reverse this dominance of the self-critical parts of your brain.  I really liked the method that the author had applied in his own life to combat his self-criticism: reality based self-congratulation.  Instead of seeing my flaws and failures, I realize that I often overlook all the small things that I am doing right.  I need to take more notice of my successes, even when I slip up at times.  You forget that making mistakes is a part of being human.  I look forward to using self-affirmation in my own life moving forward, the benefits are apparent. 

This image depicts the difference between the growth and the fixed mindset with the use of two halves of a brain.  

Source: Flickr