Growth Mindset

As the season of spring is upon us….

we may look to small buds on the trees or the shoots of life emerging from the soil, as a reminder of the possibility of continued growth and the larger cycles we find ourselves within. 

Growth mindset is the belief that your abilities, perspectives, and strengths are not fixed but ever-evolving. In a growth mindset, challenges become invitations rather than obstacles; they are opportunities to learn, adapt, and deepen your understanding of yourself. Mistakes are stepping stones, each one guiding you closer to mastery and resilience.  When operating within a growth mindset, you approach life with curiosity and openness, knowing that no matter how difficult or unexpected a situation may be, there is something to be gained, a lesson to be discovered. This mindset empowers you to see beyond temporary setbacks, allowing you to respond to challenges or obstacles with a sense of possibility rather than defeat.

Art Therapy Prompt: Visualizing Growth

Supplies needed: paper, colorful medium of choice, collage materials, glue

Step 1:  Choose a Skill or Quality You’re Working On

Begin by reflecting on something you’re still learning or have not yet mastered. This could be a skill, a personal quality, or an aspect of yourself you’re developing, such as patience, self-confidence, or resilience. Take a moment to connect with this area of growth and imagine what it might look like if it were a symbol or image.

Step 2:  Create a Symbol

Using collage materials, magazine cutouts, or your own drawing, create a symbol that represents this quality or skill. This symbol should capture the essence of what you’re working toward. For instance, if you’re developing patience, you might use an image of a tree or a seedling. If it’s a specific skill, choose a symbol that reflects the goal you’re reaching for. Place this symbol in the center of your paper. 

Step 3:  Add Concentric “Growth” Fields

Surround your symbol with layers that represent growth. Using any media you prefer (markers, pastels, paints), begin creating concentric color fields, lines, or arrows radiating outward from your symbol. These fields represent the energy and progress expanding from your efforts. Choose colors that resonate with you or feel symbolic of the growth journey — vibrant greens, calming blues, or even fiery reds to represent passion and drive.

Step 4:  Emphasize Movement and Expansion 

Let each layer build upon the last, adding lines, textures, or shapes to convey movement and flow. Think about the feeling of growth — expansive, dynamic, constantly shifting. You might draw swirling lines, energetic arrows, or bursts of color to capture the idea of continuous learning and self-expansion. Allow yourself to feel this energy as you create.

Step 5:  Reflect on Your Artwork

Step back and observe your completed piece. In a journal, reflect on what this process of visualizing growth felt like. What does the symbol and expanding energy represent for you now? How can you carry this visual of growth into your daily life as a reminder of your journey? Let this image serve as a reminder that growth is a beautiful, ongoing process, full of movement and potential.

Use this art therapy prompt to usher in spring and explore what growth looks like and means to you!

Previous
Previous

Standing With Survivors

Next
Next

Rainbow Youth Eras Events Calendar