Week 1, Growth Mindset

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Growth Mindset was a concept I heard about last semester in the Mythology and Folklore course. It is a very interesting idea and I agree with the concept. We shape our world we live in with our beliefs and perceptions. We often limit ourselves. I think I have been inspired in the past by certain books I have read. One of them being the life changing book called "Illusions" by Richard Bach. It is an easy read, small book. The concepts inside the book are huge. One of my favorite quotes from the book is when the main character learns, "Argue for your limitations and sure enough they are yours."

I have found that in my life I have made huge messes. I made choices that have led my life, and my education down some odd paths. I am a non traditional student. I often question my sanity at being a 42 year old person trying to earn my first bachelors degree. Many times in life I felt that the education that I have always wanted was not going to be possible after I had to leave college when I was 20 years old.

Occasionally though I would find a glimpse of inspiration, from a book, a television show etc. that would stir up my emotional need to push myself and my comfort zones into areas that are not the traditional path but valid choices none the less. There are times when I compare myself to others and see that they are smarter than me, or made a different choice and I feel less than. But I pull it back together and march to the beat of my own drum and feel great for accomplishing things that are challenging for me.

This course and the other three I am taking this semester will actually reflect this concept for me. Taking this online course poses challenges because I an so technology uncoordinated (like two left feet...lol) but it also creates opportunity for me to grow and learn things that my younger peers take for granted. Also I struggle so much with writing clearly. Being at this University has been such a valuable asset to me. In the past at other colleges I always received great grades on papers and projects. However, since I have been here the professors have graded my work mercilessly. I have rarely received an A grade on my writing. This is crushing to me in some ways. My ego is bruised because I felt like I was already great. The truth is, I am in the "NOT YET" stage. I am so close.

This semester my goal is to achieve some level of growth in my writing. I am aware of several of my weak areas. My goal for graduating from this university is to take with me the skill of communicating at a level that my professors agree is up to snuff! I love to write! I want to be great at it! So the next four months of my life will be aimed at working to achieve this goal. I believe it is a goal that is realistic and important to accomplish. I don't want to hear myself ever say again, " I can't write an A paper to save my life! I can write B papers all day long though!".

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