Resilience is the ability to bounce back despite adversity, and is one of the single most important skills a young person can develop as they grow into adulthood. A growth mindset is defined by psychologist Carol Dweck as the belief that personal characteristics, such as intelligence, talent, and ability, can be developed with effort. This approach can be thought of as the foundation on which to build healthy coping skills and resilience. 

Fueling healthy motivation, action, and learning

A growth mindset is like fuel that motivates an individual to use healthy coping skills in the face of obstacles. When a person with a growth mindset encounters a challenge, they experience a positive feedback loop:

  • First, they start with the belief that they can navigate challenges successfully. 
  • This belief motivates them to take action by applying healthy coping skills to the obstacles they are facing. 
  • As a result of successfully overcoming the obstacle, they gain a greater sense of their capacity.
  • This experience reinforces their belief that they are capable of growth.
  • Finally, their reinforced belief inspires them to use healthy coping skills the next time they face a challenge. 

The outcome of this process is resilience. It is important to recognize that resilience is not a permanent trait we are either born with or without. It is a skill. Similarly, the development of a growth mindset and the use of healthy coping skills can be taught. This important process equips young people with the skills they need to navigate the challenges present in today’s society and thrive. 

Where do you start? 

Cultivating a growth mindset in your young person starts with working on two beliefs, or ways of perceiving themselves and their abilities:

  1. They are capable of unlimited growth.
  2. It is ultimately not their innate talents but their effort that will determine their success. 

Strategies to start the process include praising effort rather than outcomes, and modeling this mindset by intentionally sharing how you practice it in your own life. 

You can take steps each day to become more intentional in your ability to teach and apply healthy coping skills. Start by learning about different types of coping skills (such as emotion-focused, problem-focused, social-focused, and meaning-focused) and encourage your young person to use them regularly. 

The Takeaway

It is never too early to start teaching growth mindset principles, healthy coping skills, and building resilience. It is also never too late. The human brain is capable of continual growth through the process of neuroplasticity. Equipping your young person with the skills that build resilience can enable them to not only survive adversity but to grow from it and thrive.

Learn more and download our Rooted in Resilience Guides and Workbooks

  1. Rooted in Resilience Mini Workbook. Equip your family with practical tools to cope, adapt, and bounce back, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
  2. Built to Thrive Full Workbook. The Rooted in Resilience mini workbook is part of Built to Thrive, an interactive workbook created by The Steve Fund.
  3. Safe & Seen: Building Secure and Trusting Relationships Guide. Explore ways to help your young person develop strong, positive bonds with others by modeling these practices yourself.

Explore all THRIVE toolkits:

References: 

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