I graduated in 2017 from the University of Iowa. One of the things I loved most about being in college was the enveloping atmosphere of growth around campus. Almost everyone I met was constantly learning, growing, and evolving. The question “how can I be the best version of myself” seemed omnipresent in the back of everyone’s mind. You didn’t have to think about building a growth mindset, you just were.
Unfortunately, my experience after I graduated didn’t quite compare. It seemed like there was a whole new population of people who felt stuck, bored with life, and in no hurry to make any type of change. The hamster wheel of adulthood and subsequent burnout was real, and I wanted to avoid it like the plague.
It took me almost a year to find a few things that helped put me back on a “growth mindset” track. The whole point of working towards growth is the subsequent happiness derived from it. Happiness expert Gretchen Rubins states that “being happier requires you to think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth.” It’s simple, but I think it’s something a lot of people underestimate. Here are some suggestions to continue (or start!) being happier by embracing an atmosphere of growth.
Take a class
No, I’m not saying you have to take a collegiate level class. There are most likely plenty of beginner level fun classes in your community to try out. Check your local Co-op, YMCA, coffee shop bulletin board, etc. We took three zero waste classes (check out Tare Market if you’re local to the Twin Cities), and a beginners guide to planting a vegetable garden at Mississippi Market. Taking some fun classes after we moved to the Twin Cities was also a great way to meet new people who were interested in the same stuff as us.
Learn a new skill/hobby
You can take a class to learn a new skill or start a new hobby, but YouTube, books, and just testing something out are also great. Maybe you want to make your own soap, learn how to ski, or improve your cooking skills. Having something to focus on that you enjoy and can get progressively better at is key here.
Set Goals
There’s a good chance you’ve heard about SMART goals, and for good reason. Grandiose goals that sound nice but aren’t really clear like “eat healthier,” are hard to accomplish. Not being specific usually makes you feel worse because you’re trying to (and feel like you’re failing) meet a goal that you’re not even clear about. I don’t always love how much time and effort setting a proper SMART goal can take though. This year, I opted to follow Gretchen Rubin’s lead and set 20 goals in 2020. When possible, I tried to follow the SMART goal principles, but I also threw a few in there for fun.
Listen to podcasts
There is SO MUCH to learn from the hundreds of thousands of podcasts available. Try out a ton, choose a few you love, and listen to them on your commute, while you do laundry, while you exercise, etc. I love podcasts because it’s easy to kill two birds with one stone. Travis often listens to one of his favorite podcasts while he’s doing the dishes. I’ve been obsessing over Were you raised by wolves? lately. It’s informative, hilarious, and always brightens my day. If you’re looking for something more inspiring, try out All the Wiser. The stories and life lessons are powerful and always help to put things in perspective for me. 
Read for pleasure
While I love podcasts, I still think physical books (or audiobooks) are an important part of learning and growing. It doesn’t matter what you read- fiction, nonfiction, etc.- you’re still learning something. Especially after college, there is something so nice about choosing what you get to read and how quickly you’re going to read it. I remember I cried after I finished reading a book I checked out at the library my last semester of college. The book was good, but not tear worthy. I cried because I honestly had forgotten what it felt like to read something “just because.” I’ve got a rotating stack of books by my bedside that I enjoy working through now.
Surround yourself with the right people
This is perhaps the most important thing on this list. The “right people” are going to be the people that challenge you, inspire you, and are a positive influence in your life. Do they encourage you or make fun of you when you try something new? Do they call you out when you’re self-sabotaging or making a poor choice? You want people in your corner that want to see you succeed, and who will motivate and support you along the way.
What would you add to this list? How do you focus on building a growth mindset? Write to me and let me know!
Thanks for reading,
Caitlyn
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