Adopt a growth mindset

By Manzi Mugisha Prince.

I have come to realize that my mindset is determined most of the time by people currently around me or those with whom I associate myself. I can relate it to the saying, 'Show me five of your close friends, and I will tell you who you are.' When I am around people that are focused and know what they want in life, I will try and adapt to them so that I do not feel like the odd man out. This can work well when you want to achieve great things in life because those same people will push you and make you a better version of yourself.

The same can be said of hanging around people who don't possess the best perspective of approaching life; the party-goers and live-in-the-moment kind of people. You won't tell me that you will have most of your closest friends always attending house parties and going out to enjoy, and you will stay behind and do your assignments. Chances are, the more you hang around them, the more you will be influenced to be like them and pretty much end up diverting from your path if you had one.

How you approach your school life and everyday life might differ, but some aspects can be picked from one and used in the other, or vice-versa. If I have a severe mindset in my day-to-day life, by serious, I mean I know what I want, and I work towards it; I can adapt that same mindset and use it in my school life. This is because I know that this same mindset can be used for a greater good; better grades and so on. I do not largely agree that you should have two different mindsets; one you use inside and outside of school.

I also believe in the idea of putting it into action. There is a vast difference between knowing and doing the right thing. Every single individual knows the right decision most of the time, but a huge difference is made when you put it into action. That is one aspect I can use outside but also inside of school. I have a test due next week. I know I have to read for the test-that is the right thing to do. However, I decided to spend my days playing video games, watching YouTube videos, or hanging out with friends. In the end, I suffer the consequences. Not because I don't know the right thing I was supposed to have done but because I failed to do it.

Most of the time, the people we work with in group projects could affect our mindset. If you are in a group of students that always wants to get everything done on time, ever zealous and vibrant, they will eventually force you into doing the same. However, the case might not be the same if you are around people with a dead attitude. They are reserved, slow to respond, and do not participate. Even if you try to stand out and make a difference, you will not receive the sort of encouragement and vibrance much needed.

In a nutshell, I believe that once you have an overall positive mindset or attitude toward life, you can use it both inside of school and outside because it is the same mindset that will enable you to pass your exams and get good grades get promoted at your work.