The 10-Minute International Librarian #77: Think how to develop a growth mindset

It’s normal, whenever you do something, to want it to go well.

As a result, it can be disappointing when this isn’t the case. Sometimes, the fear of failing can even prevent us from trying new things.

This is a problem though! Because when we don’t innovate – either by doing something completely new, or testing out an idea from elsewhere – we improve or update our practice.

And with the world changing around us, change is necessary if libraries are to continue to be able to fulfil their core missions. Even if it doesn’t work, there is also an opportunity to learn too!

A first step towards this is to be aware of when we hesitate to do new things because of these concerns, and to be ready to overcome this.

So for our 77th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think how to develop a growth mindset.

Think about where a hesitation to try something new may be holding you back.

Work to convince yourself that failures as an opportunity to learn, without losing the confidence to keep going and try again.

Of course, it’s not a question of acting without thinking, but rather of being ready to take on reasonable risks, knowing that you will either succeed, or learn something useful.

Let us know about your experiences of adopting a growth mindset and taking a risk in the comments box below!

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Key Initiative 2.1: Produce, communicate and distribute key resources and materials that inspire the profession

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the com