How the story of I-know-land and Growland can inspire you...

Have you ever heard of I-know-land and Growland? This story offers a valuable lesson on the power of a growth mindset and how you can use it to overcome challenges and grow. Let’s take a look at what this story can teach us and how it relates to a growth mindset.

The Story of I-know-land and Growland

In the story of I-know-land and Growland there are two special countries. In I-know-land life is very simple: you are only allowed to do things that you are already very good at. This means that you never try anything new or take on challenges, because everything you do is already easy for you. It is a safe, but limited country, where you hardly get the chance to grow.

Separated from I-know-land by a narrow sea, you can find Growland. Here life is much more adventurous: you can only do things that are a little tricky or that you can’t do (well) yet. Here, you’re always trying new things, making mistakes, and practicing along the way.”

There is a bridge between these two countries. This means that you can choose which country to go to, depending on how you think and what you feel. When you cross the bridge to Growland, you believe that by taking on challenges and learning new things, you can really grow. Then you will:

• Embrace Challenges : Instead of limiting yourself to what you can already do easily, choose to try new things, even if they are difficult.
• Viewing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities : You understand that mistakes are an opportunity to learn and improve your skills, rather than something to avoid.
• Hard work and perseverance : You believe that through effort and perseverance you can grow and achieve your goals.

Crossing the bridge to Growland is not always easy. For that, you need a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop skills and intelligence through hard work, perseverance, and learning from your mistakes. This concept, coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the opposite of a fixed mindset. With a growth mindset, you see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, while with a fixed mindset you think your capabilities are fixed and cannot change much. People with a fixed mindset often avoid challenges and are afraid of making mistakes, because they think that this makes them seem less smart or capable.

And you? What about your growth mindset?

The story of I-now-land and Growland reminds us that we have the choice to live with a growth mindset. By choosing Growland and embracing the growth mindset, we give ourselves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach our full potential. Take a moment to reflect: how often do you get to Growland? Do you often spend a whole week at I-know-land? Do you show your children how difficult it can be to get to Growland? Do you encourage your children to have a good old fashioned struggle?

Do you have questions about how to help your children develop a growth mindset or do you need support? Feel free to contact us or read more on our blog for more inspiring stories and tips!

This blog was written by coach Annelies Engelen.