The Power of Yet

1/3/2024

By Annabelle C., Grade 11

I bet I am not the only one who says, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m not good at that.” We tend to be negative when faced with challenges, setbacks or failures. However, the key to unlocking our true potential is to cultivate a growth mindset.

A growth mindset is when people believe that their basic abilities can be developed through dedication, hard work and learning. It’s not only a positive attitude but also a belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work and perseverance. When we adopt a growth mindset, we see challenges as opportunities to learn and setbacks as stepping stones to success. In fact, in the book Mindset, author Carol Dweck says: “Failure can be a painful experience. But it doesn’t define you. Embrace challenges, deal with obstacles and learn from your mistakes.”

Let me introduce you to the powerful concept of “yet” to help you apply a growth mindset. The power of “yet” is the idea that if you haven’t achieved something or learned a specific skill, it doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t in the future. When faced with challenges, people may say, “I’m not good at that.” Now, add the word “yet.” I’m not good at that yet. This stops the negative thoughts that may drag you down and opens the door to growth and possibility. It changes our mindset completely.

This concept of “yet” can be used in various aspects of our life. For example, in sports: “I can’t do this play… yet”; at school: “I can’t solve this math problem… yet”; or even in everyday life: “I don’t know how to bake a cake… yet.”

My mom introduced me to this concept during my first year at Stanstead. She learned it in a leadership course at work. Math had always been easy growing up, until I started attending school here at Stanstead. Math was my biggest challenge in 9^th grade, when I was assigned to advanced math. Let’s just say my first math class at Stanstead wasn’t a success. Still, I always gave my best effort and never gave up. Every day, I would say to myself over and over: “I can’t solve this math problem… yet.” Every day, Alexa and I tried to solve the problems, went for extra help and asked questions.

I may have struggled my first year, but now I’m in 11^th grade and succeeding on every test. All my efforts and tears have paid off. I never gave up. I don’t see challenges as an issue but as a potential to improve and grow.

I encourage everyone to foster a growth mindset and to use the word “yet” often.

To finish off, here’s a quote by Gandhi “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.”