{"id":76214,"date":"2024-06-01T00:00:54","date_gmt":"2024-06-01T04:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=76214"},"modified":"2024-05-26T16:26:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-26T20:26:35","slug":"growth-mindset-creative-disruption-0624","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/growth-mindset-creative-disruption-0624\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for the Class of 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

By the time you read this, my youngest will have graduated from college. I could not be prouder of both my daughters \u2014 proud of the adults they\u2019ve become, the good they bring to the world, their intellect, good humor, curiosity and kindness. Not to mention, no more tuition or college expenses for Mom and Dad.<\/p>\n

As I reflected on graduation lately, I feel obligated as a dad to pass on my advice and consider my daughter\u2019s future. After all, isn\u2019t sharing advice part of a parent\u2019s job description? Whether she wants advice could be the topic of another column.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve tried to narrow my advice to a Top 10 list. I make no claims of authorship for any of these ideas, as I\u2019ve borrowed them from brighter minds. I\u2019ve found the following tips beneficial and hope my daughter and the Class of 2024<\/a> find a few takeaways here as well.<\/p>\n

1. Choose Optimism<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Winnie the Pooh character Eeyore famously finds the worst in every situation. Make no time for Eeyore. Instead, look for the best in all things. That doesn\u2019t mean deluding yourself into thinking everything is OK. Rather, look for the positive and work to make a difference wherever possible. Similarly, choose a growth mindset over a scarcity mindset. A growth mindset is one in which you see collaboration versus competition, knowledge-sharing versus hoarding, generosity versus withholding, and opportunities versus barriers.<\/p>\n

2. Remember Your ABCs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Always be curious. Ask questions, listen and learn. Lifelong learners build self-confidence, improve their cognitive and mental health, increase their competence and better achieve personal fulfillment.<\/p>\n

3. Realize That Being Uncomfortable Is Good<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We learn the most when we\u2019re uncomfortable. As you grow, you\u2019ll often find yourself uncomfortable. That\u2019s OK. The goal is to be better, not perfect. Winston Churchill once said, \u201cSuccess is not final; failure is not fatal.\u201d When you do fail (and we all do), practice self-kindness. Take it easy on yourself, and embrace being uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

4. Know That It\u2019s OK to Fail<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wayne Gretzky, arguably history\u2019s best hockey player, said, \u201cYou\u2019ll miss 100% of the shots you don\u2019t take.\u201d Likewise, Dory from Disney\u2019s Finding Nemo<\/em> said simply, \u201cJust keep swimming.\u201d While failure can be painful, it\u2019s also a chance to learn and improve. Failure often opens new doors and begins new journeys. Try to see failure as an opportunity and not a threat. Take your shots, and keep on swimming.<\/p>\n

5. Assume Best Intent<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of my first leadership gurus was 7 Habits<\/em> author Stephen Covey. Among the habits he espoused is assuming the best intent (also expressed as giving people the benefit of the doubt). That habit is harder than it might seem, particularly in this day of virtual communication. We often take offense or rise to conflict when those we communicate with aren\u2019t aware that their email, text or post might be perceived as rude or embarrassing. Assume best intent.<\/p>\n

6. Surround Yourself With Smarter People<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I don\u2019t necessarily mean smart in terms of IQ. Look to gain perspective from all kinds of people. Smarter people make you think about things differently. Always listen, particularly to those unlike you. You\u2019ll never learn anything by listening to yourself.<\/p>\n

7. Enjoy the Journey<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Find joy in the everyday. Try not to focus on the destination but on the moment. And don\u2019t be in too big of a hurry. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second-best time is today. Take time to stop and smell the roses.<\/p>\n

8. Think Critically<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Form your opinions based on facts, evidence and your observations. Critical thinking leads to better decisions, increases self-awareness, helps discern fact from fiction and improves problem-solving. Hold your strong opinions loosely. Be open to new ways of thinking.<\/p>\n

9. Learn to Deliver and Receive Feedback<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Early careers are weighted toward receiving feedback and later careers toward delivering it. Both are critical throughout life. The beauty of feedback is it helps us grow. We don\u2019t always like it, but it\u2019s good for us. View feedback as a gift.<\/p>\n

10. Understand That Work Is Not Your Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I\u2019ve often mistakenly thought that veterinary medicine is my life, not my life\u2019s work. That\u2019s a subtle but critical distinction. This generation has a much better understanding of work-life balance than my boomer generation does. Don\u2019t burn yourself out chasing success. Take care of yourself. Life comes before work.<\/p>\n

The Class of 2024 inherits a world with much to be optimistic about. Harvard psychologist Dr. Steven Pinker makes the case that there\u2019s never been a better time than now. For example:<\/p>\n