When my kid was 6–7 years old, his school advanced him in math. This unexpected transition made my child nervous, questioning his capacity to understand topics that looked to be above his age.

Concerned, I rushed to his school and urged them not to promote him. However, the principal argued that my kid had met all of the requirements for his grade and that not advancing him would result in boredom and a lack of stimulation.

This quandary plagued me sleepless nights since witnessing their child’s pain, no matter how minor, is the most daunting thing for a parent. Luckily, though, a solution began to emerge in my mind.

When my son complained the next day, I told him, “I will teach you Algebra.”

“But you said you aren’t good at Math,” my son pondered aloud, yet he agreed to cooperate.

The Lousy Math Teacher

Sitting down with my son with his Math book, I told him:

You are human, but God lives in you. Yet, you don’t know that God lives in you. So, God is the unknown variable. Sanatana Dharma calls it Om, and Algebra calls it X.

My son began giggling. “What about Y in Algebra?” He questioned.

Maintaining a serious demeanor, I responded, “Everyone needs a friend. X cannot be alone. Hence, we also have to find Y.”

He burst out laughing. Since that day, every algebraic problem became a source of amusement for him for a long time.

“Mom! You are such a lousy Math teacher,” he commented at times.

Meanwhile, I thought — Son, I wasn’t teaching you Math. You have well-trained teachers for that. I was helping you develop a learning mindset. That way, you can relax and learn Math without fear or anxiety.

The Power of a Learning Mindset

Scientific research has revealed that people with a learning or growth mindset are better prepared to face the challenges of life.

Because everything in life is just another learning experience, they view failure merely as the tuition they pay for success.

As a result, they develop grit, resilience, and inner strength, which are the foundations of success.

How do we cultivate this mindset?

Here are four ways to develop this learning or growth mindset based on Sanatana Dharma:

1. Embrace Karma Yoga

Our expectation of results is the root cause of stress. If we can train our minds to work without complaining, we can gradually overcome resistance. Eventually, this will foster action without worrying about the results.

Applying Karma Yoga to developing a growth mindset involves focusing on the process rather than fixating on outcomes.

2. Continuous Learning

If I learned and adopted one valuable lesson from my father, it would be his unwavering eagerness to learn. For years, I have ensured that I do not sleep without learning something new daily.

This practice of continuous learning has become a cherished habit, ensuring that every day concludes with the joy of learning and a dedication to a lifelong growth mindset.

3. Be Vulnerable

Over the last decade, I have seen a lot — hatred, jealousy, judgments, and whatnot. The only thing that makes me smile and keep walking is my ability to take all the stones thrown at me as constructive feedback as against a personal attack.

This ability to handle feedback comes from having the courage to be vulnerable. I don’t ever consider myself or even remotely strive to be perfect. I just know I’m beautiful, but I also have a lot to learn.

4. Make Learning Fun

Over and above everything else, the crucial factor for developing a growth mindset is infusing fun into every learning activity. Enjoyment reduces stress, whether studying, cleaning, writing, or any other task.

For example, cooking is my most boring task. Rather than cribbing, I kept learning and finding new methods to make healthy food my family enjoyed in less time. Not only has my time in the kitchen been reduced to 30–40 minutes a day, but I’ve also grown to love experimenting with new cooking methods.

What’s holding you back?

In summary, developing a learning or growth mindset demands the courage to work without complaints. We also need to prioritize the learning process by accepting vulnerability and making everything fun. If we can do that, the path to spectacular success awaits us.

Now that you know the value of the growth mindset, what’s holding you back? Commit yourself to learning something new today before you hit the sack.

So, what will you learn today?

Love,
Sri Devi Om