The Mindset of a Champion | Carson Byblow | TEDxYouth@AASSofia

Summary

The video script explores the concept of mindsets, highlighting the difference between a growth and a fixed mindset. It uses Michael Jordan and Dwayne Johnson as examples of individuals with a growth mindset who overcame failures to achieve success. The speaker shares personal struggles with a fixed mindset, particularly in reading, and how learning about mindsets from Carol Dweck's book 'Mindsets' and the power of the word 'yet' helped transform their approach to challenges. The message is one of hope and self-improvement, encouraging viewers to adopt a growth mindset to become champions in their own lives.

Takeaways

• 🏀 Michael Jordan's success is attributed to his perseverance and growth mindset despite numerous failures.
• 🚀 A growth mindset is characterized by a belief in one's ability to learn and improve, embracing challenges and learning from criticism.
• 🌱 Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson exemplifies a growth mindset by overcoming early career setbacks to become a successful actor.
• 🏈 Coaches and scouts value athletes with a growth mindset who are coachable and willing to put in the effort to improve.
• 🔒 A fixed mindset is the opposite of a growth mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are static and fear challenges.
• 📚 The speaker's personal struggle with reading and a fixed mindset highlights the importance of recognizing and changing one's mindset.
• 💡 Carol Dweck's research on mindsets provides a framework for understanding the impact of one's mindset on learning and success.
• 🔑 The word 'yet' is a powerful tool for shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset, implying that current inability is temporary.
• 🤝 Support from parents, teachers, and counselors can be instrumental in helping individuals develop a growth mindset.
• 💪 The speaker's journey from struggling with a fixed mindset to embracing a growth mindset demonstrates that change is possible for everyone.
• 🏆 The concept of being a 'champion' in one's own way encourages individuals to strive for personal growth and success, regardless of external comparisons.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video script about Michael Jordan?

The main message is about the importance of having a growth mindset, as exemplified by Michael Jordan's perseverance and success despite early failures and challenges.

What does the term 'mindset' refer to in the script?

In the script, 'mindset' refers to the attitude or approach one has towards learning and personal development, which can be either a growth mindset or a fixed mindset.

What is the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?

A growth mindset is when someone believes they can improve and learn, embracing challenges and learning from criticism. A fixed mindset is the opposite, where individuals believe their abilities are static and are resistant to learning and challenges.

Why did Michael Jordan not make his high school basketball team initially?

Michael Jordan did not make his high school basketball team initially because he was too short and not good enough at the time.

How did Michael Jordan's mindset contribute to his success?

Michael Jordan's growth mindset contributed to his success by motivating him to practice daily, improve his skills, and not give up despite initial failures.

Who is another example of someone with a growth mindset mentioned in the script?

Dwayne Johnson, also known as 'The Rock,' is another example of someone with a growth mindset, who faced early career setbacks but worked hard to become a successful movie star.

What do coaches and professional scouts look for in athletes according to the script?

Coaches and professional scouts look for athletes with a growth mindset, who are coachable, willing to learn, and give 100% effort in practices.

What is the speaker's personal struggle with reading and how did it affect them?

The speaker struggled with reading from kindergarten to fourth grade, often reading below grade level. This struggle led to frustration and emotional outbursts when corrected, reflecting a fixed mindset.

What advice did the speaker receive from their teacher and school counselor to help with their mindset?

The speaker was advised to use the word 'yet' at the end of sentences expressing inability or lack of understanding, to signify that they can achieve it with more effort and time.

How did the speaker's understanding of mindsets change after learning about growth and fixed mindsets?

The speaker realized they had both growth and fixed mindsets and began working on changing their fixed mindset into a growth mindset, aiming to become a champion in their own way.

What book did the speaker and their father read to understand more about mindsets?

The speaker and their father read the book 'Mindsets' by Carol Dweck, a professor and psychologist who developed the concept of growth and fixed mindsets.

What is the significance of the word 'yet' in helping the speaker overcome their fixed mindset?

The word 'yet' signifies potential and progress, helping the speaker to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones, acknowledging that they can achieve or understand something with more effort over time.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 The Champion's Mindset

This paragraph introduces the concept of mindsets through the inspirational story of Michael Jordan, highlighting his journey from not making his high school basketball team to becoming a legendary player. It contrasts the growth and fixed mindsets, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset characterized by a belief in one's ability to improve through effort and learning. The speaker also mentions Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as another example of someone with a growth mindset, who overcame early career setbacks to become a successful actor. The paragraph discusses the qualities that coaches and professional scouts look for in athletes, which include a desire to learn and a coachable attitude indicative of a growth mindset.

05:02

📚 Embracing the Growth Mindset

The speaker shares a personal struggle with reading and the challenges of having a fixed mindset, where they felt they should already know everything and became upset when they did not. This led to emotional outbursts and a desire to understand why they reacted this way. In fifth grade, they learned about the growth and fixed mindsets from Carol Dweck's book 'Mindsets' and the transformative power of changing one's mindset. The speaker discovered the importance of the word 'yet' as a tool to foster a growth mindset, which helped them to acknowledge that they might not understand something at the moment but are willing to learn and improve. The paragraph concludes with the speaker's testimony of overcoming their fixed mindset and the ongoing process of embracing a growth mindset to become a champion in their own right.

Keywords

💡Mindset

A 'mindset' refers to the established set of attitudes held by an individual. In the context of the video, it is pivotal as it differentiates between a growth and a fixed mindset. The video emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset to achieve success, as exemplified by Michael Jordan's continuous improvement and resilience in the face of failure.

💡Growth Mindset

A 'growth mindset' is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. The video illustrates this concept through the stories of Michael Jordan and Dwayne Johnson, who both faced setbacks but persisted and ultimately thrived due to their belief in their capacity to improve.

💡Fixed Mindset

A 'fixed mindset' is the belief that skills and intelligence are static and cannot be changed much. The video contrasts this with a growth mindset, showing that individuals with a fixed mindset are often afraid of challenges and give up easily, which hinders their potential for success and learning.

💡Failure

'Failure' in the video is presented as an integral part of the path to success. Michael Jordan's quote about missing shots and losing games highlights that failure is not a setback but a stepping stone for those with a growth mindset, as it provides opportunities to learn and grow.

💡Success

'Success' is portrayed in the video as the outcome of perseverance and learning from failure. It is not just about winning but about the process of continuous improvement. The video uses the term to describe the achievements of individuals like Michael Jordan, who turned their failures into lessons for success.

💡Effort

'Effort' is emphasized in the video as a key component of the growth mindset. It is the act of trying hard and putting in energy to achieve a goal. The video mentions that coaches and scouts seek athletes who are willing to give 100% effort, indicating that effort is valued over innate talent.

💡Challenges

'Challenges' are depicted in the video as essential for personal growth. Individuals with a growth mindset are not afraid of challenges but rather embrace them as opportunities to learn and improve. The video contrasts this with a fixed mindset, where challenges are seen as threats.

💡Criticism

'Criticism' is presented as a tool for learning in the video. For those with a growth mindset, criticism is not a negative experience but a chance to gain feedback and improve. The video suggests that embracing criticism is crucial for personal development.

💡Coachable

'Coachable' refers to the willingness to be taught and to learn from others. The video mentions that coaches and professional scouts look for athletes who are coachable, indicating that being open to guidance and instruction is highly valued in the pursuit of excellence.

💡Emotions

'Emotions' are highlighted in the video as a significant aspect of an individual's mindset. The speaker shares personal experiences of struggling with emotions when faced with failure, demonstrating how emotions can influence one's mindset and approach to challenges.

💡Champion

'Champion' in the video is used to describe someone who has achieved success and overcome obstacles. The term is not only applied to famous athletes like Michael Jordan but also extended to the idea that everyone can be a champion in their own way by adopting a growth mindset.

💡Learning

'Learning' is a central theme in the video, associated with the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and understanding. The video encourages a love for learning as a pathway to personal growth, especially when faced with difficulties and setbacks.

💡Resilience

'Resilience' is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, which is a key attribute of individuals with a growth mindset. The video implies that resilience is crucial for turning failures into stepping stones for success.

💡Carol Dweck

'Carol Dweck' is mentioned in the video as the psychologist who developed the concept of growth and fixed mindsets. Her work provides the theoretical foundation for the video's message and offers strategies for cultivating a growth mindset.

💡YET

The use of the word 'YET' in the video is a powerful tool for transforming a fixed mindset into a growth mindset. It signifies potential and the belief that current inability is temporary and can be overcome with more effort and time.

Highlights

Michael Jordan's quote on the importance of embracing failure as a path to success.

Jordan's initial setback of not making his high school basketball team due to height and skill level.

The concept of mindset and its impact on personal growth and success.

Definition and characteristics of a growth mindset.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's story as an example of a growth mindset overcoming early career challenges.

The preference of coaches and scouts for athletes with a growth mindset over innate skill.

Definition and characteristics of a fixed mindset and its limitations.

Personal narrative of struggling with a fixed mindset in learning and its emotional toll.

The realization of the negative impact of a fixed mindset on personal and social well-being.

The transformative power of understanding and shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset.

The coexistence of both growth and fixed mindsets within individuals.

The role of Carol Dweck's research and book 'Mindsets' in understanding mindsets.

The practical advice of using the word 'yet' to foster a growth mindset.

The speaker's personal journey and progress in overcoming a fixed mindset through writing and self-reflection.

The empowering message that a fixed mindset can be overcome with effort and persistence.

The conclusion that embracing a growth mindset leads to personal victory and success.

Transcripts

Translator: Mirjana Čutura Reviewer: David DeRuwe

Michael Jordan said, "I've missed more than 9,000 shots,

lost almost 300 games,

and 26 times, I've been trusted to make the game-winning shot

and missed.

I fail over and over and over again.

And that is why I succeed."

Michael Jordan is one of the most famous basketball players in the world

though he wasn't always a star.

He didn't make his high school basketball team

because he was too short and wasn't good enough.

He could've quit,

but, instead, he had the mindset to continue and get better.

He was out practicing each day before most people were even out of bed.

And because of this, he not only made the team the following year,

but he went on to become the greatest player of all time

and a true champion.

The question that comes to our minds is:

can we all learn to have the mindset of a champion?

A "mindset" is a word describing how we think.

There are two types of mindsets:

one, a growth mindset,

and two, a fixed mindset.

A growth mindset is when somebody believes they can learn to be good

and they can learn to be better.

They are not afraid of challenges.

They continue when things get hard.

They know that they have put effort in to learn,

and they learn from criticism.

They are also inspired by people who do well.

Michael Jordan has this trait

though another person with a growth mindset is the Rock, Dwayne Johnson.

He was cut from the Canadian Football League early on in his career.

He could've quit,

but instead he worked very hard, faced many challenges,

and is now a super, super famous movie star -

one of my favorites.

(Laughter)

Did you know that coaches and professional scouts

look for athletes who don't just have skill.

They want someone who wants to learn,

who's coachable,

and will give a 100% effort in practices.

They want someone with a growth mindset.

What they don't want is someone who thinks they are already good enough,

they don't need to learn, and are not coachable.

These people have a fixed mindset.

A fixed mindset is the opposite of a growth.

These people either think they're born good or born not so good.

They cannot learn.

They're afraid of challenges.

They give up and get defensive easily.

They feel criticized when given feedback,

and they're threatened by people who do well.

Which mindset do you think I have?

Well, let me tell you a story.

Reading has always been hard for me, and even now I still find it challenging.

From kindergarten to fourth grade,

I was always a bit below grade level in reading.

So each night, I read aloud to my parents to try to get better.

This was always the worst part of my day.

(Laughter)

Whenever I was reading, I would, of course, make mistakes:

misread words, say words that were not there,

miss words that were there, and miss punctuation -

normal.

But whenever my mom or dad tried to correct me, I'd get upset.

I told them that they were wrong and sometimes even had a meltdown.

This happened for my friends and teachers

and with other subjects and activities too.

I thought that I should know how to do everything already,

and if I didn't, I would get upset.

I thought that what my teachers were teaching should come to me easy.

Well, guess what?

Some of the things I was learning or reading were not easy.

I would get upset.

Negative thoughts came into my mind, "You suck. You can't do anything.

This should be soooo easy."

Suddenly, I felt tears coming down my face in front of my friends and teachers too.

In my head, I was saying, "No, no, no, no, no, please no."

I could no longer control my emotions.

This is where the real problem begins.

You see, I lose control of my emotions, I stop listening, and I stop thinking.

I become difficult to those around me.

And when I finally get through it, I am very tired.

This is not healthy, and it's not the person I want to be.

I want to know why I'm feeling this way and why my emotions were so strong.

Well, this year in fifth grade

is the first year I was able to answer these questions.

I learned what a growth and fixed mindset are.

I'm learning how to change my fixed mindset into a growth mindset

and have a mindset of a champion.

I believe we can have both of these mindsets:

a growth mindset and a fixed mindset.

I believe this because I have both.

I have a growth mindset with things like soccer, basketball,

change, and learning new languages.

I also believe we can change our fixed mindset into a growth mindset

and have a mindset of a champion.

Well, maybe not a champion like Michael Jordan,

but a champion in our own way.

We may just need a little help to do this.

My dad and I read this book called "Mindsets," written by Carol Dweck.

Carol Dweck is a professor and professional psychologist

who researched and came up with the idea of a growth and fixed mindset.

Her book told me that I was not the only one who has a fixed mindset

from time to time.

However, the best advice I ever got was from my teacher and school counselor.

Their advice was one little three-letter word.

This word was "yet."

They told me to always put the word "yet" at the end of my sentence.

"I can't do it."

"I can't do it ... yet."

"I don't understand."

"I don't understand ... yet."

The word "yet" makes me feel I just need to put a little more effort in

before I understand it.

I still struggle with the fixed mindset from time to time.

However, I now know why I get frustrated and upset.

For any of you out there who may have a fixed mindset from time to time,

please know that I'm proof that you can beat it.

Writing this talk, I struggled the whole time.

But every day, I've gotten a little better than the day before.

This is why I can say I'm winning -

because I'm here in front of you now today.

Thank you.

(Cheers) (Applause)