Unlock the power of a growth mindset by learning new activities
This column was first published in The Capital-Journal in December 2021.
The concept of mindset is endlessly fascinating to me.
My introduction to this idea was shaped by my time with Chip Conley’s Modern Elder Academy, but even before meeting Chip, I recognized the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning for healthy aging.
The ideas of “fixed” and “growth” mindsets have given me a fresh perspective on how our thought patterns influence not just our present but also our future.
Becca Levy’s groundbreaking research at Yale University highlights the power of mindset: Embracing a positive outlook on aging can add an incredible 7.4 years to your life. That insight alone is enough to make anyone pause and reflect on their approach to aging.
And the conversation is only growing — new studies and books continue to explore the connection between mindset and successful aging.
One study published in Oxford Academics, titled “Does a Growth Mindset Enable Successful Aging?,” emphasizes the role of rituals in shaping our lives. When we cling to the same routines out of comfort, it’s often a sign of a “fixed mindset.”
Familiar habits may feel safe, but they can prevent us from stepping out of our comfort zones to try new things or learn new skills. In contrast, a “growth mindset” thrives on curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore.
Yes, growth involves the risk of failure, but the real reward lies in the willingness to engage — to embrace success and failure alike as opportunities for growth.
Aging often nudges us toward ruts. That little voice whispering: “I’ve always done it this way; that’s just who I am,” is a red flag — a symptom of what I call “stinkin’ thinkin’.” A growth mindset, on the other hand, invigorates your brain, encouraging the creation of new neural pathways and fostering successful aging.
So, ask yourself: What’s the last new thing you’ve learned? What recent activity has sparked your curiosity?
The opportunities for exploration are endless. Maybe you’ll try an adventurous recipe, subscribe to a magazine outside your usual interests or host a dinner with people from different backgrounds. You could even travel the scenic backroads instead of the interstate on your next trip.
For something more immersive, why not learn a new language, take up a physical activity — like pickleball or Tai Chi — or audit a class at a local university?
At its heart, embracing a growth mindset means being willing to be a beginner — again and again. As Chip Conley wisely puts it: “Learning to stretch as we age is not just good for our bodies, it’s also good for our minds.”
So, what’s stopping you from stretching into something new today?
Find Connie’s books “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging” and “The Way Grandmothers Are” atwww.justnowoldenough.com.
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