Growth Mindset: Alzheimer's

I read the article "The Neurologists Who Fought Alzheimer’s By Studying Nuns’Brain" and I found it fascinating. One thing the article confirmed for me was remaining intellectually active through your whole life may hold off the development of Alzheimer's. Just like exercise for the body, exercise for the brain is healthy for its long term functioning. Since we are all likely to have a close relative that is diagnosed with this dreaded disease, I am going to read more about this unique research and its findings. The article also mentions the Religious Orders Study that I will research further. Their findings identified factors that lead to Alzheimer's like exercise, mood, diabetes, stress and depression.

The brain is one of the most important organs in the body

Growth Mindset: Thriving

I read the article, "Scientist finds Secret to Thriving" and I really enjoyed it. One thing the article confirmed for me was that to thrive can be as simple as just feeling good and happy about your life along with a sense of being good or successful at something. Further, one new thing that I learned was that while thriving can be done through all age groups, we tend to label the concept of thriving differently as we age. When we are young we are learning and growing. In middle ages people have vitality, focus and mental toughness. Then in the twilight years it seems like people are just happy with any of these labels! Research on this topic is still fragmented but I know that I want to live my life always thriving to learn and stay focussed throughout my entire life. It really fuels us to excel and move forward. 

Flowers Thriving. 

Growth Mindset: Passion and Enthusiasm

I watched the video Learning with Passion and Enthusiasm and it confirmed for me that learning happens when new information is connected to existing memory, like new memories that stick. One new thing I learned from the video is that being excited or enthusiastic makes our learning happen much easier and faster. The key is being able to ensure you are learning about those things that interest you most and that you are excited about for the long term. Many times when studying, it can be drudgery and feels like work. However, when I study now, I will prepare my mind to remember how excited and enthusiastic I am about the topic before I dig into reading, studying and learning.

Through passion and enthusiasm your brain can get a good workout. 

Growth Mindset: New Situation

I read the article "How to get over your fear in new situations," by Keith Rollag. Here is the link to article.

Putting ourselves into new situations can be uncomfortable for most people and this can inhibit us from growing and experiencing new things.

So how do we overcome this uncomfortable feeling that many times prevents us from entering new situations that can enrich our lives? Our mindset is the problem. Instead of looking at new situations as a test of being perfect and proving ourselves, we should view new situations as an exciting new learning opportunity.

I am going to shift my mindset and look at new situations as a learning opportunity and to engage with others as a student that is hungry to learn. I need to just be relaxed and look at new experiences as fun and helpful in my own personal growth. There are so many opportunities to grow in our lives and we need to take advantage of those as often as possible!

The New Stamp of Approval.

Growth Mindset a Review

I re-watched the videos on growth mindset from last semester, just to help recap some of the main ideas of growth mindset. I really enjoyed Carol Dweck’s Ted Talk and I think her point of view on studying and learning is something that I’m really going to try to adopt for this semester. I remember from last semester the growth mindset assignments were both interesting and helpful. The information I learned was very beneficial in not only this class but my other classes as well!

First day of School Necessities.