Positive Education
Melanie Sluyters
The Importance of Exploring and using the Power of YET
There have been many times where we have thought that we can’t do something and that we either do not have the skills or the intelligence to accomplish a task or we feel that there is no point even tackling something as we do not have the skill set to be successful.
Our attitude influences how we will respond to any situation, how we relate to those around us and how happy we are at any given moment. Those who have a Fixed Mindset will tend to believe that their learning, talents or achievements in life are all static and so they won’t feel that they can or will develop them. However, those people who have a Growth Mindset will believe that anything is achievable and that they can nurture and develop changes in their lives, realise it is possible to add new skills to their repertoire and see that all they do is always a work in progress.
Working alongside the idea of Growth Mindset is what is known as the Power of YET. As Carol Dwerk explains it, we all have the ability to improve through perseverance and a ‘can do’ attitude. It is important to recognise the importance of the power of YET. If we are all in a Fixed Mindset we are working with what we can only do NOW. However, if we are using the idea of Power of YET we are able to work with the power of what we can do in the future.
Every time you hear a voice saying ‘You are not ______’ add YET.
‘I am not _________ yet.’
Dr Carol Dweck
Below are some links to readings, a clip explaining the concept to younger students, as well as a powerful and uplifting TED talk about using the Power of YET.