Thoughts & Articles
Why A GROWTH MINDSET Is ESSENTIAL For Learning! (Learn Faster From Jim Kwik)
- 23 April 2023
- Posted by: Tsholo Sehume
- Category: Reviews & Reflections
In the modern age, everyone is constantly learning and seeking ways to improve themselves, their skills, and their knowledge. Jim Kwik, a renowned expert on learning and brain development, has become one of the foremost experts in this field today. Growing up with a learning disability, Kwik learned firsthand how to develop a growth mindset that has helped him achieve massive success today.
A growth mindset is a belief system that through dedication and work, a person can improve their most basic traits and abilities, including intelligence. Rather than seeing failure as an endpoint, someone with a growth mindset sees it as part of the process of reaching their eventual goal. Kids taught with a growth mindset have been shown to focus primarily on the process of reaching their desired outcome rather than the outcome itself.
The general principles of a growth mindset come from the idea of neuroplasticity, or the principle idea of brain growth. The brain can be thought of as a muscle; in order to grow a muscle, one needs to work it, and the same is true of the brain. As we’re challenged, we build neuronal connections in the brain, helping us to think faster and more efficiently, as well as grow skills and build habits. Therefore, through this process of working the brain, you see neuroplasticity take effect, and you effectively become smarter.
One way to develop and use a growth mindset is through the FAST method, designed to help people learn faster. The acronym stands for:
- Forget: Forget any preconceptions you might have on a subject and have an open mind when learning.
- Active: Be an active learner by engaging with the material and asking questions.
- State: Get yourself in the right state for learning by taking care of your physical and mental health.
- Teach: Teach others what you’ve learned to reinforce your own knowledge and help others learn.
Jim Kwik has used this method to help many people improve their learning abilities and develop a growth mindset. His story shows us that anyone can develop this mindset, regardless of their background or past experiences. A growth mindset can benefit not only tangible results but also one’s mental health and confidence.
In conclusion, a growth mindset is a powerful tool that anyone can develop to improve their learning and overall life. By shifting one’s perspective on failure and focusing on the process of growth, a person can achieve success beyond what they once believed was possible. The FAST method, developed by Jim Kwik, is an excellent way to start developing a growth mindset and improving one’s learning abilities.