Nothing against Ben Zobrist---he is awesome and was clearly crucial to the Cubs’ World Series---but Anthony Rizzo gets my MVP vote. This is not because of his talent and skill on the diamond. For me, it’s about the mindset displayed during the post-season.
I believe Anthony Rizzo has a “growth mindset.” Someone with a growth mindset, an idea developed by Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, has the belief that effort and hard work can be cultivated or “grown” and is key to achievement and success. On the other hand, those with a “fixed mindset” believe achievement is dependent upon innate talent and intelligence. Dweck teaches us that if we focus on effort and the learning process, rather than talent or outcome, challenges can become an opportunity to learn from mistakes and try new strategies. She believes that, “the passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
Parents can encourage growth mindsets in their children by shifting from a focus on evaluating outcomes to a focus on honoring the process. When your child comes home with an “A”, instead of praising him on a great job or complimenting his intelligence, try noting the effort that went into the grade. Comment on the strategies he used, the questions he asked, or the determination he showed. When your daughter shows you a picture she has drawn, a typical response might be, “Your picture is beautiful! You are a great artist!” But instead of evaluating her picture and praising her talent, consider describing her effort and strategies: “Wow, look at all the colors you used in your drawing. You took your time and worked hard on this.” Using descriptive words that focus on outcome helps build the resilience and confidence necessary for achievement.
Anthony Rizzo’s resilience was put to the test this post-season. After starting with a .077 batting average, getting just 2 hits in 26 at-bats, Rizzo tried new strategies, (including borrowing a teammate’s bat!) and went on to hit 16 for 39 with 3 homeruns. His resilience is a great model for us all, and it’s also why he is my MVP.
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apardavila/30108532683/in/photolist-9SMK68-9SC4gW-NMJF95-NHcxtX-NMJEQu-NMuBRw-MSA6Nt-MvTjqW-NkWsbP-MvTjeU-NkWs2a-vA8i4L-52QC1s-9meZ8t/
I believe Anthony Rizzo has a “growth mindset.” Someone with a growth mindset, an idea developed by Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, has the belief that effort and hard work can be cultivated or “grown” and is key to achievement and success. On the other hand, those with a “fixed mindset” believe achievement is dependent upon innate talent and intelligence. Dweck teaches us that if we focus on effort and the learning process, rather than talent or outcome, challenges can become an opportunity to learn from mistakes and try new strategies. She believes that, “the passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
Parents can encourage growth mindsets in their children by shifting from a focus on evaluating outcomes to a focus on honoring the process. When your child comes home with an “A”, instead of praising him on a great job or complimenting his intelligence, try noting the effort that went into the grade. Comment on the strategies he used, the questions he asked, or the determination he showed. When your daughter shows you a picture she has drawn, a typical response might be, “Your picture is beautiful! You are a great artist!” But instead of evaluating her picture and praising her talent, consider describing her effort and strategies: “Wow, look at all the colors you used in your drawing. You took your time and worked hard on this.” Using descriptive words that focus on outcome helps build the resilience and confidence necessary for achievement.
Anthony Rizzo’s resilience was put to the test this post-season. After starting with a .077 batting average, getting just 2 hits in 26 at-bats, Rizzo tried new strategies, (including borrowing a teammate’s bat!) and went on to hit 16 for 39 with 3 homeruns. His resilience is a great model for us all, and it’s also why he is my MVP.
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apardavila/30108532683/in/photolist-9SMK68-9SC4gW-NMJF95-NHcxtX-NMJEQu-NMuBRw-MSA6Nt-MvTjqW-NkWsbP-MvTjeU-NkWs2a-vA8i4L-52QC1s-9meZ8t/