Gearing Towards a "Growth Mindset"

It was presented that there are two types of mindsets - fixed and growth - that people gravitate towards. 

Having a FIXED MINDSET means you are focused on the now. You strive for A's, or some other type of validation. It may not seem like this "fixation" is too bad, I mean, what is wrong with wanting a good grade. However, simply focusing on the reward at present doesn't get you too far in the long road. 

On the other hand, a GROWTH MINDSET means you look to the future - what has yet to be. The final outcome is not as important as the journey it takes to get there (Carol Dweck specifically mentions effort, strategy, focus, perseverance, etc.). This mindset is preferred to its fixed counterpart, because it is the journey, not the outcome, that truly teaches us. We will learn so much more while we are trying to solve a problem, then the solution could ever teach us. 

A growth mindset strengthens your mind for the future! (Xavier Verges)

When approaching my school work, I tend to use a mixture of the two mindsets. I have to admit, I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from completing problems. Getting A's is very important to me - because I am in a highly competitive field (and because it is just nice knowing you did a good job). However, when actually trying to learn material, the growth mindset really helps. Appreciating the steps it takes to solve a difficult problem is refreshing. Many of my professors do not necessarily care about the final answer, they want to see the approach you took to solve the problem.