My Own Growth Mindset Journey
Can you teach a woman over 60 new tricks?
I believe you can, so when I turned 60, I decided to learn the cello! The cello is a very hard instrument to learn. As someone who played the piano, and a few wind instruments, I’ve had to learn bass clef, and figure out where the notes are on the cello. On the clarinet and saxophone, I put my fingers over certain holes and viola, a note. The cello does not have holes, or frets like a guitar.
I have had to put string on my cello neck to help me find first position notes, and my wrists don’t move as fluidly as they did in the past.
Even thought I can play other instruments there are times I get really discouraged with my cello progress.
Featured image is of me on the southern coast of Oregon – 2015. Photo credit Steve Weiss
Women over 60 and the Importance of a Growth Mindset
What is a growth mindset? Let’s get a bit academic shall we…
A growth mindset is a belief or attitude that individuals can develop their abilities, intelligence, and talents through dedication, effort, and learning. It is based on the idea that qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and skills are not fixed traits that people are born with but can be cultivated and improved over time.
Individuals with a growth mindset embrace challenges, see setbacks and failures as opportunities for learning and growth, and believe that their abilities can be developed through hard work, effective strategies, and perseverance. They view effort as a necessary and valuable part of the learning process, and they are willing to invest time and energy into improving themselves.
In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities are fixed traits that cannot be significantly changed or developed. People with a fixed mindset may avoid challenges to protect their self-perception of being “smart” or “talented,” and they may give up easily when faced with obstacles or setbacks.
The concept of a growth mindset was popularized by psychologist Carol S. Dweck in her book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.” Developing a growth mindset can lead to increased resilience, motivation, and achievement, as individuals are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and actively seek opportunities for improvement and learning.
A growth mindset is important for women over 60 (as well as individuals of any age).
Photo is of me at Gulf Shores – an annual trip we take with friends. I played a couple of pieces for them and they were very gracious.
Continuing Personal Development: A growth mindset encourages us to believe that we can continue to learn, grow, and develop new skills throughout our lives. It helps us embrace challenges, persist in the face of obstacles, and see failures as opportunities for learning and improvement. This mindset allows us to pursue new interests, explore new hobbies (even if we aren’t that good at first), and continue our personal development journey.
Engage in Lifelong Learning: With a growth mindset, we are more likely to engage in lifelong learning. We understand that our abilities and intelligence are not fixed but can be cultivated through effort and practice. This mindset motivates us to seek out new knowledge, acquire new skills, and stay intellectually active. Lifelong learning can lead to enhanced cognitive function, improved memory, and a higher quality of life for women over 60.
Easier Time Adapting to Change: Embracing a growth mindset helps us navigate the inevitable changes and transitions that come with getting older. It enables us to approach these changes with flexibility and resilience, viewing them as opportunities for personal growth rather than limitations. Whether it’s adapting to modern technologies, adjusting to retirement, or coping with health challenges, a growth mindset allows women over 60 to face these changes with optimism and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Boost Your Career and Entrepreneurship Opportunities: You may still be working or considering new career opportunities, or even starting your own businesses. A growth mindset is crucial in this context as it encourages us to believe in our ability to acquire new skills, take on challenges, and embrace continuous professional development. Let’s spread our wisdom! It helps us overcome self-doubt and societal stereotypes about aging (we’re not dead yet!), and empowers us to pursue career goals or entrepreneurial ventures.
Strengthens Emotional Well-being: A growth mindset can positively affect the emotional well-being of women over 60. It fosters a sense of optimism, self-empowerment, and resilience, which can contribute to overall mental health and life satisfaction. By supporting a growth mindset, we can better cope with setbacks, maintain a positive outlook on life, and cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
What are you wanting to accomplish in this stage of your life? How will a growth mindset help you? Leave a comment below.
If you are looking for encouragement on your journey – I have 16 suggestions for you. These are books written by my podcast guests, and I know there is one in there to inspire you.
