Alumna Guest Post: Growth Mindset

On a recent trip to Europe, I was faced with an onset of challenges from the administrative items, on-site agendas, travel logistics and of course the ever-huge challenge of packing! I also had the challenge of driving in foreign countries on the other (wrong) side of the road with passengers who were my coworkers, after long travel days. 

While I could have easily chosen to be filled with anxiety and nerves about the trip and worked myself up into a mess in my head, I began thinking about this trip in a different light. 

Hello, Growth Mindset!

I shifted my thoughts to remembering that I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be able to travel the world with the company I'm with. I've traveled before to strange places and have learned many lessons along the way.

While away from my "normal" everyday life, I had plenty of time to reflect on many experiences. The word resilient continued to creep into my mind.  Being resilient in difficulties is one of the growth mindset attributes. I continue to learn each and every time I'm presented with difficulties. Even when I fail, I can look back and remember the experience and lessons learned.

Having a bit of resilience is part of developing a growth mindset. It’s remembering when you think you've failed that you've actually been given an opportunity for improvement. Knowing you will fail again, but also knowing there will be a lesson of improvement within.

The next time you're faced with any challenge, take it head on and know if you fail, you will gain an experience to learn from.  As always, continue to be a student of the growth mindset.

With Love,

Julia (Your biggest cheerleader)

Julia White is a Growth Mindset student who helps deploy the vision of "a seamless, connected world where everyone thrives" among Federal organizations during the day. In her spare time, she is a cheerleader for women who hold themselves back from achieving what they want.  She also supports her husband’s business and serves in her favorite role of all - Mommy to 3 high-energy children.