Resilience and growth mindset are deeply intertwined, as illustrated by experiences that stretch our comfort zone and challenge us to persist in adversity. The recent episode with my daughter—pushing herself to perform in her ballet competition despite battling a viral fever—beautifully captures the spirit of both concepts and the real learning journey they entail.
A Child’s Resilience
As a mother, it was testing to watch my seven-year-old, feverish and clearly not at full strength, face the crucial choice: attend her long-awaited ballet group dance competition, or rest and recover at home. We talked through the risks and rewards, weighing health against the effort she had invested. In the end, she said she wanted to go—and with courage and determination, she pressed on.
Though her temperature rose, her group came in first, and she demonstrated true camaraderie and perseverance in the face of discomfort.
In our quiet conversation afterwards, the message was clear: to persist when things are tough, to keep striving even without certainty of success, makes the achievement far more meaningful.
Growth Mindset in Everyday Life
Growth mindset is not merely about trying hard: it means working smart, experimenting with new approaches, and consistently seeking feedback. It is about intentional effort, regular measurement of progress, and adapting strategies—not just repeating actions. Resilient professionals and learners are distinguished by their ability to embrace setbacks, see feedback as fuel, and adjust their efforts as situations change. Growth mindset, therefore, is the foundation of resilience, shaping our willingness to persist and adapt when plans don’t unfold as expected.
Importantly, growth mindset alone is not enough. True development requires us to challenge our identity mindtrap—the subtle urge to protect our self-image instead of evolving beyond it. The most valuable growth happens when we are willing to reconsider old assumptions and step into new, uncertain territory. For children, being exposed to this mindset early on means learning to embrace challenge, reflect on their experiences, and build emotional endurance for future hurdles.
Building Resilience: Lessons for Life
Resilience is cultivated by deliberate practice, conscious reflection, and openness to progress over perfection. Valuing the process over outcomes, reframing setbacks as learning opportunities, and appreciating progress in small steps all build the resilience required for long-term success. When a child learns that effort and experiment—rather than flawlessness—lead to growth, she is equipped with a mindset that will serve her well for life.
In the grand tradition of parenting, one thing is certain: resilience is contagious. If my daughter ever feels under the weather again, perhaps she will negotiate for a trophy and a serve of ice cream. After all, it is all about stretching beyond our comfort zones—sometimes onto the dance floor, sometimes into dessert!
Written by:
Fenni Choo, Marketing & Innovation Strategist of ILSFenni is a vibrant marketing professional known for her infectious enthusiasm and collaborative spirit. She believes that teamwork is the secret ingredient to achieving extraordinary results — whether in the boardroom or at home! When she's not creating campaigns, she's baking up a storm or navigating the joys of conscious parenting. Catch her blending creativity with a dash of sweetness!