Aspire4u prides itself on taking a mindset-based approach to its work. Whether teaching young people employability skills, showing social enterprises the key to successful bid writing, or using the arts to expand the horizons of the community, Aspire4u believes having the right mindset is the answer. But how do you get into the right mindset? What is it? And what exactly does ‘mindset’ mean anyway?
The two mindset approach
The answers can be found in educational psychology. In 2006 Carol Dweck coined the terms ‘fixed mindset’ and ‘growth mindset’ to describe the underlying beliefs about learning and intelligence. Working with children she noticed the different attitudes they had towards their school work and how that affected their learning outcomes. These could be divided into two approaches. Those with a fixed mindset believed that intelligence is innate and there is little we can do to change outcomes. Growth mindset, on the other hand, refers to a belief in improvement, that there is always scope for personal development.
The two mindset approach has since taken hold of the imaginations of those in education and even in business as it revolutionises the way we look at failure. For those with a growth mindset, getting things wrong is an achievement in itself as it is a step on the way towards a successful outcome.
Finding a balance
The mindset approach can be read in a more nuanced way. In fact, it can be understood as a continuum. The fixed mindset is a belief in absolute talent, while the growth mindset is at the opposite end of the spectrum. The belief that talent does not exist and that only hard work matters. More realistic is a balance of both, understanding that while talent exists, it is always possible to improve.
Through our mindset-led programmes, we support our beneficiaries to achieve this balance. Therefore, their enterprises grows or they apply these principles to their personal development. Finally, we encourage communities to challenge their fixed mindset and take control of their attitude, their successes, and their future.
Mindsets in practice
Like our approach? To find out more about the training we offer, please visit our Eventbrite page for upcoming events. This includes The Kickstart Network aimed at businesses in the Midlands who have applied, or are interested in applying for, the government’s Kickstart scheme. As a gateway organisation, we can help you apply, find out more, network with other local businesses, and reach your youth training targets.
Written by Madeleine Hughes
For Aspire4u CIC,
The Mindset-led Organisation.
You can also click here to read more of our blogs.
We are a not for profit community engagement organisation. We use the arts to develop mindsets to improve well-being, foster financial literacy and give people employability skills.
Lastly, you can contact hello@aspire4u.co.uk to discuss our current opportunities.
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