You’re in your 30s, married with a couple of kids, and determined to make the most of the ever-changing social norms. You’re open to new growth mindset activities, experiences and learning as much as possible.
In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, written by psychologist Carol Dweck – Carol states that society values natural, effortless accomplishments over achievement through effort over time. Today’s social media bombardments of perfect lives, bodies, and careers will challenge the perception of your success.
That’s where a growth mindset comes in. A growth mindset is about setting fear aside, being open to new opportunities, and embracing change. It’s the key to personal growth, and it’s something that can help you be victorious in any area of your life.
This post will cover seven activities to get you started if you want to develop a growth mindset.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset believes that you can always learn a new skill and grow. Despite your age and what you’ve accomplished in the past, you’re never too set in your ways to learn new things. You view challenges and setbacks as an opportunity for improvement.
Alternatively, fixed mind setters believe your talents and skills are limited to what you were born with. A fixed mindset believes their identity is attached to the areas they receive praise for and perform well in. They also think that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
A growth mindset is key to claiming victory in your 30s. Why? You may be pivoting into a new career or evaluating your accomplishments. What worked for you in your 20s might not work anymore.
Why Is a Growth Mindset Important?
Now that you’ve hit the big 3-0, you’re probably analyzing the last ten years and thinking about all you’ve accomplished. And while you’re proud of yourself, you know you have the potential to do more.
Developing a growth mindset is crucial because it will prevent you from stagnating professionally and personally. It will give you confidence, keep you in a positive head space and see yourself as someone who doesn’t give up.
But a growth mindset is more than a positive outlook on life. It’s about being humble and knowing that you’re constantly learning, no matter how experienced. It’s about being willing to put in the hard work and effort, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Keep reading for seven activities to help you develop a growth mindset and succeed in your 30s.
5 Activities to Help Develop a Growth Mindset
Journaling
Journaling is a great way to do some self-reflection. You can ask yourself specific questions and be honest. Studies have shown that journaling can reduce stress, show gratitude towards things you didn’t acknowledge in the past, and release negative thoughts and feelings.
Writing in my journal has become a daily exercise since it was first introduced to me by my 8th-grade teacher. My journal has become my punching bag – I don’t have to watch my tone, and I can say things like I mean them without offending anyone.
Try these journal prompts to develop a growth mindset:
- Who am I?
- What false stories do you still believe about yourself?
- I am capable of
- When my phone rings, I answer for (X) because
- If I could change my environment, I’d be
- In what ways can I strengthen my existing skills?
There are a variety of journals, and no right or wrong way to write in one. You must find the best time and begin writing for one to two minutes daily. The more comfortable you get, the longer you will write.
If you feel brave, periodically read past entries to see how much you’ve changed. You might surprise yourself and have a new perspective on things.
Below is a picture of my collection of journals:
Yoga
I’m no yogi, but yoga is my jam!
Yoga and meditation are practices that help you discover your purpose. Be still, talk out your affirmations and visualize your future self.
I found Yoga with Adriene and Benji in 2019. Adriene’s voice is soothing and easy to follow as a beginner. My pets loved the calmer version of me because they joined me on my mat every time.
Yoga and meditation are suitable growth mindset activities for physical benefits and for making you aware of your mind chatter, shedding light on the areas in your life you need to relax.
I’ve grown to love yoga for these benefits:
- You can achieve peace of mind
- It strengthens your core and makes you more flexible
- There’s an increase in energy and an improvement in your mood
- It helps with back pain
Eventually, I’m going to try aerial yoga. It just looks like a ton of fun!
Read Growth Mindset Books
The most important investment is what we put in us, not on us.
Dharius Daniels
I love to read. Taking away my books was my punishment growing up. Reading opens your imagination and exposes you to new information.
Here’s a list of my favorite mindset books:
- The Celestine Prophesy by James Redfield
- You Are Your Best Thing by Tarana Burk and Brene Brown
- Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill
- Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
- The Bible
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Marc Mason
- You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
- Meditation: How to harness the power of inner reflection by Tara Ward
- Chakras: How to focus the energy points of the body by Julian Flanders
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Learn a Skill
Over the last few years, learning new skills in tech, digital marketing, and web design has become accessible and affordable. Whatever you decide to learn, do it with a can-do attitude.
Change your mindset by enrolling in self-paced online courses that enhance your career. You can earn a professional certificate or degree in a new industry. If going back to school isn’t on your agenda, start a new hobby like dance or take an art class.
Develop GRIT
A growth mindset sounds cute but is more challenging than you think. You will feel lonely when friends and family don’t understand your new choices. You’ll face challenges in developing new habits and need the grit to overcome the obstacles.
Webster’s Dictionary defines grit as the firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.
If you have grit, you are determined to meet your goals, and under no circumstances do you give up. To reach your goals in your 30s, set well-defined goals that are realistic and you can measure. What most people need to remember is to establish the time frame you expect to complete the objective.
So let us not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
-Galatians 6:9 NLT
Final Thought
You can use growth mindset activities to change how you think about yourself and your abilities.
With a bit of time and effort, you can develop a growth mindset. Five activities you can implement today are journaling, learning a new skill, reading books on growth mindset, having grit, and practicing yoga or meditation to clear your mind.
Believe you are capable of achieving your goals, then go after them!
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