Hello Muser!

Last time we talked about the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets and took a little trip down my memory lane, exploring my own encounter with a fixed mindset. Today, we're going to look at the second part of my journey and some resources that helped me on the way there.

Growing 'Til The End

The transition to a growth mindset happened very slowly for me, over a decade from 2008 - 2018, and with evidence that I tried my best to ignore. Obtaining my CCNA cert, learning Windows Server technologies at the MSP, and, eventually, getting into Devops work, were landmarks that solidified the importance of a growth mindset to me. They showed me that the effort exerted was worth it. That, even if I fail, there are lessons to be learned and skills to be taken from the failures. And trust me, when I was interviewing for my first position using Linux, I failed A LOT. For about 8 months, I failed interviews, over and over and over.

I wanted to write this because I've had so many personal conversations with people that amount to the distinction between growth vs fixed mindsets and I want you to know, you can grow. You can change. Whatever you feel stuck in, whatever brings you shame or fear, you can improve in, and through it. I've seen it time and time again where that singular belief is the key that unlocks a world of potential for a person.

And the craziest bit about the growth mindset is that it's possible to grow into the growth mindset. Slowly, and consistently, you can change how you think about the roadblocks you face and the obstacles that come up by seeing them as lessons, and chances to learn.

If you're a SysAdmin now, you do this already! Every time you Google an error message, every time you assure a user that you can figure it out, every time you go searching in a log file for a clue, you're exercising the idea that taking the very next step will allow you to solve the problem! Just like a muscle, you can exercise your growth mindset and perspective!

I'm just asking you to apply that same mindset now to yourself. To your skillset and your own growth. And that's why I'm writing this newsletter. To break down the skills and ideas into small enough, digestible pieces that you can continue to grow.

Some Recommended Reading

I’ve told many people that if I ever had to give up every electronic device I own except one, I’d know without hesitation what it would be: an ebook reader.

There’s no way faster to find perspectives outside your own to expand your own mindset. Here are some of the books I’ve read that I think were instrumental in getting me to where I am (these are NOT affiliate links, I just love these books!):

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Have any questions or experiences to share about your experiences with a growth mindset? Leave a comment below. Also, your comments help me understand what you're curious about, and what topics you'd like to see covered next! I'd love to hear from you!

Keep learning and keep growing,

Darrell