Mistakes - To Get Better You Have to Get Ugly

Summary

This script challenges the fear of failure and the pursuit of perfection in learning, emphasizing the importance of embracing mistakes and discomfort as essential to growth. It discusses the shift from a growth mindset in children to a fear of failure in adults, influenced by external factors like praise and rewards. The script highlights the impact of focusing on effort over ability, drawing on research by Carol Dweck. It introduces the 'lizard brain' concept, explaining how our primal fear of failure can be managed to foster a learning mindset. The message is clear: to truly learn and grow, one must be willing to look bad, make mistakes, and step out of comfort zones.

Takeaways

• 🚴 Learning to walk and ride a bike involves a lot of falling and making mistakes, which are essential parts of the learning process.
• 🎉 Early learning experiences are often celebrated for mistakes, encouraging resilience and persistence.
• 🔄 As people mature, there's a societal shift from embracing to avoiding mistakes, which hinders continuous learning.
• 📚 John Gardner in 'Self-Renewal' discusses how the fear of failure and the desire to avoid it can limit learning in adults.
• 🧠 The 'lizard brain' or amygdala is responsible for our fear-based responses and can impede learning by seeking safety and comfort.
• 🏅 Praise can significantly influence learning behavior; praising effort leads to more challenging choices, while praising ability can lead to risk aversion.
• 🤔 The fear of failure and the desire to appear perfect can be detrimental to the learning process, as they discourage taking on challenges.
• 💡 Using the 'lizard brain' as a compass to do the opposite of what it suggests can lead to growth and learning.
• 🌟 Embracing the 'novice' stage of learning, with its inherent mistakes and questions, is crucial for true skill acquisition.
• 🌱 The best learners are those who are comfortable with discomfort and are willing to be awkward in the pursuit of mastery.
• 👨‍🏫 Coaches, teachers, and parents should foster environments that encourage learning from mistakes and stepping out of comfort zones.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video script?

The main message is that learning involves making mistakes and embracing failure as a necessary part of the process. It challenges the fear of failure and the desire to look perfect, which often hinder learning in adults, and encourages a mindset that celebrates effort and the process of learning.

Why is it important to celebrate mistakes during the learning process?

Celebrating mistakes is important because it encourages a growth mindset where learners are not afraid to take risks and learn from their errors. This approach fosters resilience and persistence, which are crucial for mastering new skills.

What does the script suggest about the change in our attitude towards learning as we grow older?

The script suggests that as we mature, we often shift from a learning mindset that embraces mistakes to one that avoids them due to fear of failure and a desire to maintain a perfect image. This shift can limit our ability to learn and grow.

How does the concept of 'lizard brain' relate to learning and fear of failure?

The 'lizard brain' refers to the amygdala, which is responsible for our fight-or-flight response and seeks safety and comfort. It resists change, struggle, and effort, which are essential for learning. The script suggests that we can't eliminate this fear but can learn to work with it to push through our comfort zones.

What role does external feedback play in shaping our approach to learning, according to the script?

External feedback, such as praise for abilities versus effort, significantly influences our approach to learning. Praise for abilities can lead to a focus on maintaining a perfect image, while praise for effort encourages a focus on the learning process and taking on challenges.

What is the significance of the study mentioned in the script where students were given a choice of test difficulty after receiving different types of praise?

The study's significance lies in demonstrating how praise for abilities versus effort affects students' willingness to take on challenges. Students praised for their abilities were more likely to choose an easier test to maintain their image, while those praised for effort chose a harder test, indicating a growth mindset.

How does the script connect the fear of failure with the concept of 'lizard brain'?

The script connects the fear of failure with the 'lizard brain' by explaining that the amygdala, or 'lizard brain,' is hardwired for survival and seeks safety, which leads to a resistance to challenges and mistakes. This resistance can manifest as a fear of failure and a preference for comfort zones.

What does the script suggest as a strategy for dealing with the 'lizard brain' during learning?

The script suggests using the 'lizard brain's' reactions as a compass to do the opposite of what it suggests. It encourages learners to lean into challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for growth, rather than as threats to their image or competence.

How does the script define 'real learning'?

Real learning, as defined by the script, involves being comfortable with not knowing, making mistakes, asking questions, and being open to exploration and improvement. It's about embracing the process, effort, and challenges, rather than focusing solely on outcomes and appearances.

What role do coaches, teachers, and parents play in fostering a learning environment according to the script?

Coaches, teachers, and parents play a crucial role in creating a safe environment that encourages learning by accepting mistakes, promoting effort, and challenging individuals to step out of their comfort zones. They should model a constant state of learning and support the process of growth.