Growth Mindset — Blog — Courage to Caregivers

Connecting Through Curiosity

“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” – Albert Einstein

Our theme for this month is growth mindset, and one of the most effective ways of ensuring that our minds remain focused on growth is by staying curious. When we stay curious, we grow by exploring those parts of ourselves and our world that we might be unfamiliar with. By asking the basic questions of who, what, where, when, why, and how, we can gain a new understanding of ourselves and our environment. In doing so, we open up opportunities for both self-growth and making new connections with others in our world.

Growth MindsetKristi HornerMay 1, 2024Staying Curious, Curiosity

MAY 2023 Newsletter: GROWTH MINDSET ... You Have the Power to Grow 🌱

Carol Dweck, Ph.D, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, coined the terms fixed and growth mindset to describe beliefs around learning and intelligence.

Having a growth mindset allows you to BELIEVE in yourself and see yourself as growing. A growth mindset is our belief that we have the power to develop our talents and build our abilities. We can improve ourselves, develop new skills, embrace challenges, overcome setbacks, and reach our potential. Nothing but opportunity and possibility!

"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as being stuck somewhere you don't belong." ~ Unknown

As caregivers, we can be hard on ourselves. For just one moment today - pause and notice. Reflect on all that you do. Show yourself some gratitude for the resilience you've show in ...

... the grief you are working through
... the heartbreak you are journeying with
... the pain that has strengthened you

Look at how far you have come. Remember - you have overcome 100% of your hardest days so far. You are still growing! 🌱

Check out our entire May newsletter focused on Growth Mindset here.

The Opposite of Shame

This week, we’re talking about two feelings that can be hard to understand, recognize, and respond to, even though they are common to all of us. The words “guilt” and “shame” are often used interchangeably, but they are very different. The fact that it is so hard for many of us to distinguish between the two and focus on them openly led us to think about them in a different way, which is why we chose redefining guilt and shame as this week’s topic.

Growth MindsetKristi HornerMay 17, 2023Guilt, Shame, Redefining Guilt & Shame

Life Is Not a True/False Test

How often do you find yourself thinking in extremes? … I’m either a success or a failure … I’m either right or wrong … You’re either with me or against me.

When we find ourselves thinking in terms of true or false, good or bad, my way or the highway, we fail to recognize that the world is complex, diverse, and filled with shades of gray. Instead, we experience cognitive distortions that inhibit our growth mindset. We use words like “always,” “never,” “impossible,” or “perfect” when we evaluate ourselves and others. We become stuck in our own thinking and limited in our relationships. And we have little chance to learn from our mistakes.

Grow Through Healthy Curiosity

We have lots to talk about this month, as our theme will focus on having a growth mindset, and this week’s topic is staying curious. Growth occurs in many ways, and one of the most important sources of growth is curiosity. By asking the basic questions of who, what, where, when, why, and how, we learn new things about our world and ourselves.

Growth MindsetKristi HornerMay 4, 2023Curiosity, Staying Curious

May Newsletter: GROWTH MINDSET ... it's truly the POWER of YET 🌱

Having a fixed mindset is telling yourself that you (and your loved one) can't change.

Having a growth mindset is reminding yourself that you are a perfectly imperfect perpetual work in progress and that anything is possible.

It's NEVER too late to cultivate a growth mindset - your brain is like a rubber band and science tells us that you can learn new things. It starts with believing.

You don't get really good at something - anything - without practice. Your brain is a muscle - give your growth mindset a good workout today!

Check out the May Newsletter focused on GROWTH MINDSET here.

For Those of You Who Want to Know More …

As you probably know, self-growth is very important to us at Courage to Caregivers, and that includes growing our minds. One of the best ways to ensure that our minds keep growing and developing in a positive way is by staying curious.

Growth MindsetKristi HornerMay 19, 2022Curiosity, Staying Curious

Humor: The Universal Language

This week’s topic is all about one of the greatest stress relievers: the power of happiness and laughter. Although the emotional roller coaster of caregiving may make us feel awkward or uncomfortable to experience happiness and laughter during stressful times, it’s important to remember that humor is one of our most natural responses to difficult situations, and it has proven benefits for our emotional health.

Growth MindsetKristi HornerMay 12, 2022Happiness, Laughter, Growth Mindset

Reality Check: There Are Many “Right” Solutions

This month’s theme is something we talk about a lot, relating to various topics. That’s because having a growth mindset is so important in our continuing efforts to improve ourselves and reach our full potential, whether it’s solving problems, meeting new challenges, or just trying something new.

Growing is Ongoing - May 2021 Newsletter

Growth mindset is that belief that you have the power to develop your talents and build your abilities. We talk about having a GROWTH mindset all the time - and it made for a perfect theme this month, which just happened to be Mental Health Awareness Month! With a growth mindset, nothing but opportunities and possibilities abound. It's also a hope-centered mindset.

Read our MAY Newsletter here.

Growth MindsetKristi HornerMay 27, 2021Growth Mindset, Hope, Mental Health Awareness

Staying Curious: This Might Be a Stupid Question, But …

Personal growth occurs when we stay curious – when we explore those parts of ourselves and our world that are unknown to us.

The Journey to Happiness … in Baby Steps

Let’s face it – happiness is complicated. I began to realize this as I provided mental and emotional support to my brother. Since that time, I have wondered if happiness is really a choice.

Growth MindsetKristi HornerMay 13, 2021Happiness, Laughter, Humor

Spend More Time in the Middle

Our theme this month is all about having a growth mindset, which is a powerful force for self-improvement.