Is lack of skill holding you back from getting a desired result?
Do you believe your abilities are fixed or predetermined?
Are you making the same mistakes over and over?
When you’re learning and developing any skill, it’s better to have a growth mindset, than a fixed mindset. Talent and natural ability do matter. But your attitude towards failure and setbacks are more critical.
There are two modes of learning theories: entity versus incremental theories of intelligence.
Entity theorists think, “I am smart at this.” Success or failure is based on an ingrained ability. Intelligence or skill is a fixed entity. Incremental theorists think, “I got it because I worked hard.” Success or failure depends on effort. Intelligence or skill can be developed.
In episode 36 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:
1) The two modes of learning theories
- Entity theorists have a fixed mindset
- Incremental theorists have a growth mindset
2) 4 key takeaways to learn and master any skill
- Decide whether you want to be decent, good, great or among the best – it’s okay to aim for decent, but if you want to be among the best, the stakes and standards will be higher.
- Stay true to yourself and to your style – in the pursuit of high performance, you keep in tune with your unique disposition.
- Maintain soft zones to increase concentration and overcome distraction – be at peace with an imperfect environment, and use it to your advantage.
- Avoid the downward spiral – don’t repeat the same mistakes, whether technical or psychological.
Resources cited:
- Josh Waitzkin, The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance
- Dyan Williams, The Incrementalist: A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small Steps
Music by:
- Sebastian Brian Mehr: Album – Olemus; Song – La Nieve (hearnow.com)
Dyan Williams
To listen to episode 36, How to Learn and Master Any Skill, click here. If you prefer to read the transcript, go here. Subscribe to The Incrementalist at Apple Podcasts or other apps.
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Dyan Williams is a solo lawyer who practices U.S. immigration law and legal ethics at Dyan Williams Law PLLC. She is also a productivity coach who helps working parents, lawyers, small business owners and other busy people turn their ideas into action, reduce overwhelm, and focus on what truly matters. She is the author of The Incrementalist: A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small Steps.
