Hello everyone, Ira Gattu here. I am a new volunteer here at the Ruvvy Resilience Lab, and I wanted to talk about something that influences how we think and how we make choices every day, our mindset.

Mind Matters

What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?

Every morning starts with a decision, even before you get out of bed!

That alarm goes off and, right there in that moment, you’re already choosing between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset:

• Hitting snooze feels easier, more comfortable, that’s your fixed mindset talking, telling you to stay in this moment without challenge.

• The growth mindset, that is the voice that says lets get up, and start our day.

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

A fixed mindset sees a hard assignment and avoids it or rushes through, without taking the advantage of challenging one’s self and learning from it.

A growth mindset sees that same assignment as a chance to improve. Even if it is uncomfortable, understanding that taking the time to work through challenge helps us to improve one step at a time.

How we approach the small stuff shapes how we handle the big stuff.

From making your bed to making decisions, responding to that alarm and responding to life, our behaviors are connected.

Every day is a new opportunity to choose which version of yourself shows up.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Picture yourself making the choices that foster your growth:

• If you’ve struggled in a class, picture yourself walking in with your head held high

• Instead of telling yourself, “I’m not good at this subject”, try reframing to “I have the opportunity to learn so much about this subject.”

Success does not just happen overnight. Success is made possible by making a growth mindset part of your everyday routine.

Try adapting these simple action steps:

• Reply to messages instead of putting them off—social connectedness fosters resilience!

• Send emails on time—developing small professional skills can help prepare you for developing the big professional skills as you grow and learn

• Review and practice daily—whether it is going through your class notes to prepare for an exam, running lines for a play, or practicing a drill to improve in a sport, taking time each day will prepare you for the long haul rather than leave you stressed the night before a big event.

When bigger challenges come your way, you will be more prepared to handle them. By practicing small growth mindset habits consistently, you strengthen your problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and build confidence over time.

The Greenhouse of the Mind:

Resources to Help You Bloom

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