Please take a look at Articles on self-defense/conflict/violence for introductions to the references found in the bibliography page.

Please take a look at my bibliography if you do not see a proper reference to a post.

Please take a look at my Notable Quotes

Hey, Attention on Deck!

Hey, NOTHING here is PERSONAL, get over it - Teach Me and I will Learn!


When you begin to feel like you are a tough guy, a warrior, a master of the martial arts or that you have lived a tough life, just take a moment and get some perspective with the following:


I've stopped knives that were coming to disembowel me

I've clawed for my gun while bullets ripped past me

I've dodged as someone tried to put an ax in my skull

I've fought screaming steel and left rubber on the road to avoid death

I've clawed broken glass out of my body after their opening attack failed

I've spit blood and body parts and broke strangle holds before gouging eyes

I've charged into fires, fought through blizzards and run from tornados

I've survived being hunted by gangs, killers and contract killers

The streets were my home, I hunted in the night and was hunted in turn


Please don't brag to me that you're a survivor because someone hit you. And don't tell me how 'tough' you are because of your training. As much as I've been through I know people who have survived much, much worse. - Marc MacYoung

WARNING, CAVEAT AND NOTE

The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books. Please make note that this article/post is my personal analysis of the subject and the information used was chosen or picked by me. It is not an analysis piece because it lacks complete and comprehensive research, it was not adequately and completely investigated and it is not balanced, i.e., it is my personal view without the views of others including subject experts, etc. Look at this as “Infotainment rather then expert research.” This is an opinion/editorial article/post meant to persuade the reader to think, decide and accept or reject my premise. It is an attempt to cause change or reinforce attitudes, beliefs and values as they apply to martial arts and/or self-defense. It is merely a commentary on the subject in the particular article presented.


Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.



“What you are reading right now is a blog. It’s written and posted by me, because I want to. I get no financial remuneration for writing it. I don’t have to meet anyone’s criteria in order to post it. Not only I don’t have an employer or publisher, but I’m not even constrained by having to please an audience. If people won’t like it, they won’t read it, but I won’t lose anything by it. Provided I don’t break any laws (libel, incitement to violence, etc.), I can post whatever I want. This means that I can write openly and honestly, however controversial my opinions may be. It also means that I could write total bullshit; there is no quality control. I could be biased. I could be insane. I could be trolling. … not all sources are equivalent, and all sources have their pros and cons. These needs to be taken into account when evaluating information, and all information should be evaluated. - God’s Bastard, Sourcing Sources (this applies to this and other blogs by me as well; if you follow the idea's, advice or information you are on your own, don't come crying to me, it is all on you do do the work to make sure it works for you!)



“You should prepare yourself to dedicate at least five or six years to your training and practice to understand the philosophy and physiokinetics of martial arts and karate so that you can understand the true spirit of everything and dedicate your mind, body and spirit to the discipline of the art.” - cejames (note: you are on your own, make sure you get expert hands-on guidance in all things martial and self-defense)



“All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.” - Montaigne


I am not a leading authority on any one discipline that I write about and teach, it is my hope and wish that with all the subjects I have studied it provides me an advantage point that I offer in as clear and cohesive writings as possible in introducing the matters in my materials. I hope to serve as one who inspires direction in the practitioner so they can go on to discover greater teachers and professionals that will build on this fundamental foundation. Find the authorities and synthesize a wholehearted and holistic concept, perception and belief that will not drive your practices but rather inspire them to evolve, grow and prosper. My efforts are born of those who are more experienced and knowledgable than I. I hope you find that path! See the bibliography I provide for an initial list of experts, professionals and masters of the subjects.

Growth Mindset: Understanding and Application

- CEJames & Alfonz Ingram


Definition and Origins


The concept of a growth mindset was developed by psychologist Carol S. Dweck in her research on motivation and learning. In her seminal book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2006), Dweck contrasts two types of mindsets:

1. Fixed Mindset – The belief that intelligence, talents, and abilities are static and unchangeable. People with a fixed mindset avoid challenges, fear failure, and see effort as fruitless.

2. Growth Mindset – The belief that intelligence, talents, and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, and view effort as the path to mastery.


Dweck’s research suggests that fostering a growth mindset can lead to greater motivation, resilience, and long-term achievement in academics, business, and personal development (Dweck, 2006).


Key Characteristics of a Growth Mindset


Individuals with a growth mindset tend to:

Embrace Challenges: They see difficulties as opportunities to learn.

Persist in the Face of Setbacks: Instead of giving up, they analyze their mistakes and try again.

See Effort as the Path to Mastery: They believe improvement comes through continuous effort and practice.

Learn from Criticism: They accept constructive feedback and use it to grow.

Find Inspiration in Others’ Success: Instead of feeling threatened, they learn from those who excel.


Scientific Basis and Evidence


Dweck’s studies, along with subsequent research, support the effectiveness of a growth mindset:

Education: Students with a growth mindset tend to achieve higher grades and exhibit more resilience in academic challenges (Blackwell, Trzesniewski, & Dweck, 2007).

Neuroscience: Brain imaging studies suggest that learning and intelligence are not fixed but can be developed through neural plasticity (Draganski et al., 2004).

Business & Leadership: Research indicates that companies and leaders with a growth-oriented culture tend to be more innovative and adaptable (Heslin & Keating, 2017).


Applications in Different Fields


1. Education:

Teachers can foster a growth mindset by praising effort rather than innate ability (Mueller & Dweck, 1998).

Students encouraged to view intelligence as malleable demonstrate greater motivation and persistence.

2. Business & Leadership:

Leaders who adopt a growth mindset foster environments where employees are encouraged to take risks and learn from failure (Heslin & Keating, 2017).

3. Sports & Performance:

Athletes who believe their abilities can improve through training and effort tend to outperform those who believe in natural talent alone (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).

4. Personal Development & Mental Resilience:

People who adopt a growth mindset cope better with stress, setbacks, and personal challenges (Schroder et al., 2017).


Criticism and Limitations


While the concept of a growth mindset is widely praised, some critics argue that:

Simply believing in growth is not enough—effective strategies and support systems are necessary (Li & Bates, 2019).

Some studies suggest the effects of growth mindset interventions are modest and context-dependent (Sisk et al., 2018).


Practical Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset

Reframe Challenges: See obstacles as opportunities rather than threats.

Embrace the Process: Focus on learning rather than just outcomes.

Use “Yet” Language: Instead of “I can’t do this,” say, “I can’t do this yet.”

Seek Constructive Feedback: View criticism as a tool for growth.

Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People: Engage with those who challenge and inspire you.


Conclusion


A growth mindset is a powerful tool for learning, performance, and resilience. While it is not a magic solution, when combined with deliberate practice and effective strategies, it can significantly enhance personal and professional development.


References

Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). “Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention.” Child Development, 78(1), 246-263.

Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2004). “Neuroplasticity: Changes in grey matter induced by training.” Nature, 427, 311–312.

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

Heslin, P. A., & Keating, L. A. (2017). “A systematic review of growth mindset research in business and management contexts.” Academy of Management Perspectives, 31(3), 423-440.

Li, Y., & Bates, T. C. (2019). “You can’t change your mind(set): Re-analysis of a systematic review on mindset interventions.” Psychological Science, 30(10), 1479-1492.

Mueller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S. (1998). “Praise for intelligence can undermine children’s motivation and performance.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1), 33-52.

Schroder, H. S., Moran, T. P., Donnellan, M. B., & Moser, J. S. (2017). “Mindset induction effects on cognitive control: A neurobehavioral investigation.” Biological Psychology, 129, 46-56.

Sisk, V. F., Burgoyne, A. P., Sun, J., Butler, J. L., & Macnamara, B. N. (2018). “To what extent and under which circumstances are growth mind-sets important to academic achievement? Two meta-analyses.” Psychological Science, 29(4), 549-571.

Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2012). “Mindsets that promote resilience: When students believe that personal characteristics can be developed.” Educational Psychologist, 47(4), 302-314.


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