GROWING WITH G.R.I.T

1) What does success mean to you?

Success to me is when one is able to achieve their goals, no matter the size of their accomplishments. This could be from passing a milestone to completing an everyday task. Success as I know it could be accomplishments in aspects of your life that you work towards such as, financially, emotionally, mentally and etc.

 

2) What are some characteristics do you want to develop from today?

Characteristics I want to develop would be the courage to start to be better and perseverance to keep going on. I often get too comfortable with my current deposition thus I choose not to improve myself and I get too afraid of failing, so I want to develop the courage to take a step forward by knowing that I can learn from my mistakes. After taking the first step, I need to constantly get up and continue on my journey to be better despite failing more than I succeed.

Where are you at? Do you want to change? And why? Where you want to go?

 

I am at a point in my life where I want to be the best version of myself. This includes all aspects, physically, religiously, mentally and emotionally. I want to change because of my own personal drive to be the person I want to be. I know myself as a person who is lacking in all these areas, as I have met people who are better than me given any of these aspects. I compare myself to them in a way that doesn’t diminish the other person but more in a way that I want to match myself to them as I feel that It would be a better experience for other people if they could experience me at my best rather than my inadequate self now.

 

What I learnt from fixed mindset?

The positive parts of fixed mindset would be that I am always in my comfort zone, I stay true to my beliefs, secure in my own comfort space so I just take it safe. However the cons would be that I give up too easily due to not being able to recover from setbacks, live on perceived limits thus not being able to reach my full potential, in the end makes me stagnant as a person.

 

What I learnt from growth mindset?

The pros would be that I am open-minded which allows me to be adaptable to changes, allowing me to recover from setbacks quickly and have a more positive attitude towards mistakes. This mindset allows me to have a direction and develop better confidence and self-esteem. The cons would be that I can have trouble between realistic and unrealistic confidence in what I can and cannot do.

 

How can you handle mistakes?

For me the first step to handle mistakes would be by accepting that I was the one that did the mistake. After that I have to come up with a solution and if I cannot, I find someone who has a solution.

 

How do you view mistakes?

I view mistakes as an opportunity to be better as learning sticks better when you make mistakes rather than when you always succeed.

 

What feelings you feel

Its never nice to make mistakes but I always feel motivated by the mistakes I make as it is something which I can improve on immediately

 

How do you reconcile them> what next?

 

What thought and behavior would you change?

I would like to change my behavior of self-doubt. I think I would put too much pressure on myself to strive to be the best which in turn would make me breakdown.

 

 

4a) you failed at something and gave up, how did you feel? What were your thoughts at your point in time?

When I was doing squats and I failed to beat my personal record so I gave up on improving my squat, I felt like a bum. My thoughts at that point in time was that ‘this is my limit, I can never get stronger.’

 

4b) think about a time that you had to struggle to learn something

When I was struggling to learn a certain concept which I was newly introduced to and could not grasp no matter who I went to or what I did to better understand it, I gave up. My thought at that time was between giving up or trying again later. Which I did the latter, to try again later.

 

4c) looking back, how could you have changed mistakes/ ‘stuck mindset’ into opportunities with a growth mindset.

See it as an opportunity to take a break, sometimes these things you just have to give yourself time to understand or a break to unwind then come back to it later.

3a. Reflection on personal values and significance 

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Values are fundamental beliefs guiding our actions and decisions, acting as a compass toward a fulfilling and successful life. Success is not just achieving goals but aligning actions with core values, providing a framework for navigating life's challenges and opportunities.

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One of my core values is honesty, reflected in transparent communication, integrity, and truthfulness. This means avoiding deceitful practices such as cheating or gambling. Living an honest life ensures genuine achievements and trustworthy relationships, forming a foundation for personal and professional growth.

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Adaptability is another significant value. Life is unpredictable, and adjusting to new circumstances is crucial. Adaptability involves stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing eustress, a positive form of stress stimulating growth. By remaining flexible and open to change, I can overcome obstacles and seize opportunities, staying resilient and innovative.

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Perseverance is my third core value. It drives me to persist in adversity and maintain forward momentum. Perseverance is about consistently challenging myself and striving for improvement. This value ensures commitment to long-term goals, pushing through setbacks with determination.

Aligning these values with my personal goals, I aim to live honestly, characterized by moral integrity and sincere effort. I strive to be adaptable, ready to tackle any situation with a flexible mindset. Lastly, I commit to perseverance, continually pushing myself to grow and overcome challenges. These values define who I am and shape my journey toward a successful and meaningful life.

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3b. Propose self-management strategies for dealing with stressful situations

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Dealing with stress effectively requires understanding personal stressors, predicting stressful situations, and employing self-management strategies. Two major stressors in my life are finding a full-time job after graduating from polytechnic and maintaining my health and fitness. These stressors stem from a fear of responsibility and my own laziness.

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To predict stressful situations, I use three strategies. First, I monitor my workload and commitments to recognize signs of overwhelm early. Second, I pay attention to emotional and physical responses, such as irritability or fatigue, which indicate rising stress levels. Third, I track recurring stress patterns, like approaching deadlines, to anticipate and prepare for them.

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For managing stress, I have three self-management strategies. The first is exercise, which alleviates stress by releasing endorphins, improving mood, and providing a healthy outlet for tension. Regular physical activity, such as running, yoga, or gym workouts, is essential for managing my stress.

The second strategy is taking self-care days. These are dedicated times for rest and rejuvenation, involving activities like reading, meditating, or simply relaxing. Self-care days help me reset mentally and physically, enhancing my resilience to stress.

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The third strategy is spending time with loved ones. Social support is vital for emotional well-being. Interacting with friends and family provides comfort, perspective, and a sense of belonging. These interactions make me feel supported and less alone in my struggles.

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By implementing these strategies, I manage my stressors more effectively. Exercise keeps me fit and balanced, self-care days maintain my mental health, and time with loved ones ensures a strong support system. Together, these actions enable me to handle responsibilities and maintain well-being.

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1) Do you exhibit the characteristics of a growth or fixed mindset?

I honestly believe I exhibit the characteristics of a fixed mindset, so I have to actively remind myself to adopt a growth mindset.

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2) Provide examples of both mindsets to support your stance.

An example of a fixed mindset would be that I would think in a sort of traditional manner where in certain sports or events people are strict in their beliefs even if we do not agree with the methods. As an example in that context, If I am fat I have to be skinnier and lighter to run faster, it is not wrong but it is not the only solution.

 

A growth mindset example would be that even if I am fat, it does not mean that I cannot run fast, I can run fast without getting skinnier by gaining muscle and constantly pushing myself to be faster.

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3) Give some examples of growth mindset that you can use in the areas of:

- Personal:

Someone with a fixed mindset might avoid trying new things or taking risks because they fear failure and believe they lack the innate talent to succeed. For example, they might avoid trying a new sport or hobby because they believe they'll never be good at it.

- Relationship:

In relationships, someone with a fixed mindset might see conflicts as dangers to the relationship, causing them to avoid or defend instead of communicating constructively. They may think that if a relationship requires too much effort, it's not meant to be.

- Academic / Career

In academics or careers, people with a fixed mindset might steer clear of challenges that might fail, like taking advanced courses or going for promotions. They might also avoid seeking feedback or advice, worried it'll prove their limitations.

1a. Essay on what grit and mindsets mean to you (300 words)

 

Grit and mindset are like the dynamic duo of personal growth and success. Grit, in simple terms, is all about sticking to your goals no matter what. It's that stubborn determination to keep going, even when things get tough. Picture a strong tree in a storm, it sways but doesn't snap, fueled by an unwavering commitment to keep moving forward.

 

Now, mindset is like the glasses we wear to see the world. It's made up of our beliefs, attitudes, and how we see things. Having a growth mindset means seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. But if you have a fixed mindset, you might see obstacles as impossible roadblocks.

 

When you put grit and mindset together, it's like having a superpower. Grit gives you the strength to face tough times head-on, while mindset helps you stay flexible and adapt to whatever life throws your way. They work hand in hand, making you stronger and more resilient.

 

In my own life, grit has been my secret weapon. It's what keeps me going when things get hard and pushes me to reach for my dreams. And mindset? Well, it's like my GPS, guiding me towards a positive outlook and showing me that every setback is just a stepping stone to something better.

 

So, in a nutshell, grit and mindset aren't just fancy words – they're the key to unlocking your full potential. With grit, you can tackle any challenge that comes your way. And with the right mindset, you'll see every obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Together, they'll take you places you never thought possible.

 

1b. Reflection on key actions to nurture a growth mindset (300 words)

 

Developing a growth mindset means doing things that push your limits, make you more aware of who you are, and give you the guts to face your fears. First off, you gotta step out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you do stuff that's new or scary, not just the same old routine. Whether it's talking in front of a crowd, picking up a new hobby, or tackling tough conversations, every time you go beyond what's comfy, you grow stronger and more resilient.

 

Understanding yourself is another big part of growing your mindset. It's about looking inside and figuring out what you're good at, what you're not, and where you can improve. Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, you can focus on getting better at what matters to you. Self-awareness acts like a compass, guiding you towards goals that match who you are and what you value.

 

Then there's courage. Stepping out of your comfort zone takes guts. Fear of failure or rejection can hold you back, but facing those fears head-on is how you grow. Courage means admitting you're scared but doing it anyway. It's about embracing the uncomfortable, being vulnerable, and not giving up when things get tough.

 

Putting all this into action means being intentional about your growth. Seek out challenges, ask for feedback, and take time to reflect on what you've learned. See setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, not as the end of the road. And surround yourself with people who support your growth journey and inspire you to keep going.

 

In the end, developing a growth mindset is about daring to step outside your comfort zone, knowing yourself inside and out, and having the courage to face whatever comes your way. When you embrace the discomfort, chase after personal growth, and keep going even when it's hard, that's when you'll truly thrive in life.

2a. Summary on setting grit goals (300 words)

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Setting grit goals involves organizing objectives into a hierarchical structure, prioritizing them from the most important to the less critical. This approach clarifies the relationships between goals and provides a clear path to achieve them.

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The goal hierarchy starts with identifying your most significant, long-term goal, which serves as your primary motivation. This top-tier goal represents your ultimate vision or achievement. From there, you break down this primary goal into intermediate and supporting goals, which are more specific and act as milestones necessary to reach your top-tier goal. At the base of the hierarchy are foundational or low-level goals, consisting of daily tasks and immediate actions that directly contribute to achieving the intermediate goals.

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Visualizing this hierarchy can be done using a mind map or flowchart. This method highlights the relationships between various goals, showing how achieving smaller, immediate goals builds momentum toward intermediate milestones, ultimately leading to the realization of the primary goal. For instance, if your top-tier goal is to become a successful entrepreneur, intermediate goals might include gaining relevant education, securing funding, and building a network. Foundational goals would then encompass daily study routines, attending networking events, and saving money.

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Reflecting on this structured approach to goal-setting reveals a shift from previous understandings. Initially, goals may seem isolated and achievable in any order, each independent of the others. However, the goal hierarchy shows that goals are interdependent, where neglecting foundational or intermediate goals can hinder progress towards higher-tier objectives. This interconnected perspective ensures that efforts are aligned and strategically directed, preventing distractions and inefficiencies.

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By adopting a goal hierarchy, you align your actions with your long-term aspirations, ensuring each step is purposeful and contributes to your ultimate success. This structured method enhances focus, persistence, and resilience, embodying the essence of grit in goal-setting.

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2b. Propose a personalised monitoring approach or strategies to keep sight of your grit goals (300 words)

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Identifying Personal Limiting and Success Factors

 

Firstly, consider the limiting factors that have hindered your progress in achieving previously set goals. One major limitation is being busy with life, school, and work. Juggling multiple responsibilities makes it challenging to stay focused on personal goals. Another significant barrier is burnout; overworking without adequate rest leads to exhaustion, making it difficult to maintain momentum. Additionally, a shifting mentality regarding initial goals can cause you to abandon them prematurely. When your perspective changes, it’s easy to lose interest and discard goals.

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On the other hand, recognizing your success factors is crucial. Your determination to push head-on towards achieving set goals is a significant asset. This drive helps you make substantial progress. Another strength is your ability to hold yourself accountable. Regular self-assessment ensures you stay on track and true to your goals. Lastly, sticking to core values provides a strong foundation for goal achievement. Your values guide your actions, helping you remain focused on what truly matters.

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Readjusting Two Goals Using the Grit Goals Concept

 

To apply the grit goals concept, let’s readjust two goals. First, consider the goal of completing a challenging course with excellent grades. The top-tier goal is to graduate with honors. Intermediate goals include achieving high grades in each course and securing academic support, such as tutoring and study groups. Foundational goals involve developing a consistent study routine, managing time effectively, and seeking help when needed.

 

For the second goal, improving physical fitness and running a marathon, the top-tier goal is to complete the marathon successfully. Intermediate goals are building endurance through progressively longer runs, maintaining a balanced diet, and incorporating strength training. Foundational goals include creating a weekly running schedule, tracking diet and hydration, and ensuring adequate rest.

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Monitoring Approaches and Strategies

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To keep these goals in sight, use a tracking app with reminders. Choose an app that allows setting specific milestones and daily tasks, with notifications to remind you of deadlines and progress checks. This keeps you organized and helps manage busy schedules and prevent burnout. Additionally, share your goals with friends, family, or colleagues and ask for their support in keeping you accountable. External accountability motivates you to stay committed, as you are more likely to follow through when others are aware of your aspirations.

 

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