Flexible vs. Rigid Thinking
Scenario: Sarah has a plan for her weekend, but when her friends ask if she wants to change the plan, she’s upset.
What type of thinking is this?
Rigid thinking
How might a fixed mindset cause someone to avoid challenges?
A fixed mindset may cause someone to give up easily or avoid challenges because they believe they cannot improve.
What coping skill can help calm you when you’re feeling anxious or upset?
Taking deep breaths can help calm your body when you're feeling anxious or upset.
How can reframing help you stay positive when things don’t go as planned?
Reframing helps you focus on what you can control or learn from the situation instead of dwelling on the negatives.
What skill helps you focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the future?
Mindfulness helps you pay attention to the present moment and feel less distracted by worries.
Lily finds a new hobby, but when things don't go well at first, she immediately decides it's not for her.
What type of thinking is this?
rigid thinking
How does a growth mindset help with learning from mistakes?
People with a growth mindset understand that making mistakes is part of learning and growing, so they see mistakes as opportunities to improve.
How does positive self-talk help when facing something challenging?
Positive self-talk helps you change negative thoughts into more helpful ones, like thinking, “I can do this,” instead of “I can’t do this.”
Reframe this thought: “I can never do anything right, everything I try fails.”
“I’ve had some setbacks, but each time I try, I learn something new, and I can improve with practice.”
How can breaking a problem into smaller parts help you solve it?
Breaking a problem into smaller parts makes it easier to understand and solve, instead of feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing.
Can you think of a time when sticking to your first idea made things harder? How could flexible thinking have helped?
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How does a growth mindset help you embrace challenges?
A growth mindset leads to embracing challenges because you see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
What are some strategies for staying focused when you're working on a long task?
Breaking the task into smaller parts, setting timers, or taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
How could reframing help someone who is nervous about an upcoming test?
Reframing helps you see a test as a chance to challenge yourself and improve, rather than just something to fear.
How can perspective-taking improve a disagreement with a friend?
Perspective-taking helps you understand other people’s feelings or thoughts, making it easier to resolve conflicts and find solutions.
Sarah has a project due tomorrow, but the computer she’s using freezes and won’t work. She starts to panic and doesn’t know what to do next. What kind of thinking is Sarah using, and how could she use flexible thinking to solve her problem?
she could try using a different device or ask for help instead of panicking.
True or False: People with a growth mindset like to take on challenges.
True
What are some examples of healthy coping skills that can help with anxiety?
Deep breathing, exercising, talking to someone you trust, or using mindfulness techniques are all healthy ways to cope with anxiety.
How does reframing help with stress in tough situations?
Reframing allows you to focus on what you can control rather than stressing about what you can’t, making the situation feel more manageable.
How does adaptability help when something unexpected happens?
Adaptability helps you adjust to new situations or challenges, so you can handle them better and stay calm.
Alex was set on winning a video game, but after losing multiple rounds, he starts to feel frustrated. Instead of quitting, he tries different strategies to improve. What does this show about Alex’s thinking?
This shows flexible thinking, as Alex is adapting his approach and trying new strategies to overcome obstacles.
Jake is trying out for the school play but is worried that he won’t get the role he wants. What could Jake think to have a growth mindset about the audition?
Jake could think, “I’ll do my best and learn from the experience, whether I get the part or not.”
What is the difference between positive and negative coping skills?
Positive coping skills help you manage emotions and stress in healthy ways, while negative coping skills may provide temporary relief but can cause harm in the long run (like avoiding problems or using substances).
Reframe this thought: “I don’t have enough time to do everything, so I’ll never get everything done.”
“I might not have enough time for everything right now, but I can prioritize and focus on the most important tasks.”
What should you do if you and a friend disagree?
Examples include listening to each other, staying calm, and finding a compromise