An Opportunity to Rise
The legend Kobe Bryant reminded us that “everything negative—pressure, challenges—is all an opportunity…to rise.” Kobe's words remind us that what initially makes us feel uncomfortable is a chance to learn and become stronger. We tend to approach challenges that we are certain we can overcome this way; however, when it comes to those challenges we do not feel equipped to face, our confidence dwindles in the face of adversity.
The differences between these approaches to tackling challenges have been studied thoroughly by psychologist and author Carol Dweck, Ph.D. The first approach is when we choose easier challenges over more difficult ones, what Dweck calls a “fixed mindset”, or a belief that intelligence and talent are hardwired in us. The second approach Dweck calls a “growth mindset”: it supports development and change in a person. As Kobe's words suggest, a growth mindset sees failure and mistakes as possibilities to learn and evolve. In her work, Dweck has found that those who operate with a growth mindset tend to be more successful due to directing their energies toward searching for strategies to overcome the challenge rather than agonizing over their perceived inabilities.
When it comes to employment exams, these mindsets can make or break the test takers. For instance, if an individual believes they are “not good at math”, that fixed mindset may impede study attempts, create undo anxiety, and act as a barrier to success. Added obstacles of a lack of study resources or the time to scour the Internet for them could be the final barrier that stunts not only their own careers but also their service potential within the community.
Our belief that employment exam candidates should realize their potential given the right tools is one of the reasons the nonprofit Employ California was founded. Our team of educators creates and curates practice exam materials for employees and job seekers to prepare for employment exams. An original, challenging workbook is provided for test takers to practice in advance of a virtual Saturday morning workshop led by qualified instructors who share strategies needed to solve the problems efficiently. After the workshop, participants have access to a self-paced online course through which they can further study and practice at their convenience.
Equipped with both a growth mindset and the resources needed to approach their exams with confidence, employees will promote and flourish, serving our vibrant community with that certain magic that comes when we are given the opportunity to rise.
Jen Garcia
Founder & Executive Director
Employ California
Recommended reading: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
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Dweck, Carol. "Carol Dweck revisits the growth mindset." Education week 35.5 (2015): 20-24.
https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
https://portal.cornerstonesd.ca/group/yyd5jtk/documents/carol%20dweck%20growth%20mindsets.pdf
