I Could Have Been A Contender

The article from The Boston Globe linked below illustrates what a fixed mindset looks like among high school students. The excuses become grander and actual self-sabotaging behavior becomes more rampant and dangerous. Learners who fail to study or exhibit other self-sabotaging behaviors may be attempting to protect their ego by lowering expectations. These behaviors are not only more common in males, but they may also spark a vicious circle in that learners who have a legitimate excuse for a poor performance on one exam are less motivated to study for future tests. "The handicap allowed them to say, 'All things considered, I actually did pretty well,'" said German psychologist Sean McCrea. "And there's no drive to get better."

After all, borrowing the words from Marlon Brandon, isn't it easier to not try at all, thus protecting your ego, and just settle regretfully for "I could have been a contender."

So, why is this related to middle, elementary, or preschool teachers? Because you and parents who are knowledgeable about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset can help students learn to take risks, learn to fail, learn a sense of efficacy (belief that hard work pays off), and develop a sense of resilence. Why you? Because it is easier to retrain in earlier years; high school is almost too late. Why you? Because learning to be a successful student involves developing a growth mindset and a curiosity and desire to learn.

Some Protect The Ego By Working On Excuses Early by Benedict Carey

The Power (and Peril) of Praise: How Not to Talk to Your Kids by Po Bronson