“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas A. Edison.
In today’s fast-paced world, where achievements are often measured in absolutes of success and failure, the concept of “not yet” offers a refreshing perspective. It’s a simple yet transformative idea that shifts our focus from immediate perfection to continuous learning.
Let me repeat it again: “Shift our focus from immediate perfection to continuous learning.”
Read each sentence twice, with and without yet:
1. My novel hasn’t found a publisher, yet.
2. I can’t run a mile without stopping, yet.
3. I haven’t found a way to overcome my fears, yet.
4. The treatment hasn’t shown positive results, yet.
5. He hasn’t learned to tie his shoes on his own, yet.
6. Our company hasn’t turned a profit, yet.
7. We haven’t been able to reconcile our differences, yet.
8. We haven’t been able to afford that dream vacation, yet.
…
“Yet” signifies that something hasn’t happened so far, but it could happen in the future. When applied to learning or personal development, “yet” implies that while you may not have mastered a skill or understood a concept right now, there’s always a possibility of doing so in the future.
“Not Yet…”
…a small phrase with significant implications in learning and personal development. It serves as a bridge between our current abilities and our potential. When we say we haven’t achieved something “not yet,” it implies that while success hasn’t been reached at this moment, the possibility still exists in the future. This mindset is crucial because it fosters perseverance, resilience, and a growth-oriented perspective. It teaches us that failure or lack of understanding isn’t a permanent state but rather a step in the learning process.
🪴Growth Mindset
Growth Mindset: People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed with time, effort, and perseverance. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset fosters a love for learning and a resilience that is vital for achieving significant success. Those with a growth mindset don’t see effort as a drawback but as a necessary path to mastery. They are not discouraged by setbacks; instead, they see them as part of the journey of improvement.
Fixed Mindset: On the other hand, individuals with a fixed mindset perceive their abilities and intelligence as static traits that cannot be changed. They view challenges as potential threats that might expose their inadequacies. This mindset often leads to the avoidance of challenges and a hesitation to exert effort, rooted in the belief that innate talent is the key to success. Setbacks are often seen as permanent obstacles, reinforcing the belief in their own limitations.
🎯Key Takeaway
Add “yet” to your life: The 3 letters shift the focus from achieving instant perfection to engaging in ongoing learning. It’s about recognizing that you haven’t mastered something yet, but you have the potential to do so in the future.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
Carol S. Dweck introduced this concept in her TEDxNorrköping talk “The Power of Yet.” If you liked the post, you will love her video:
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Disclaimer: This post was created with the help of AI tools to improve efficiency, required hours of dedicated writing, and contains my experience in the field.
