Information about resilience and developing a growth mindset

Resilience or growth mindset is the ability to work through challenges, setbacks and failures. We need this to get through the pressures of university.  

Our levels of resilience are affected by our perception of situations, how we feel, and the coping mechanisms we use. 

Having a growth mindset involves accepting we may fail or not do as well as we hoped, and that we can cope with that.

Research suggests that to develop and maintain this mindset we must:  

• embrace challenges 
• persist in the face of challenges, setbacks and failure 
• learn from criticism 
• find lessons and inspiration in the success of others. 

Ways to develop a growth mindset 

• Acknowledge your weakness with kindness. 
• View challenges as chances to learn. 
• Try different ways to learn and to accept that these may be different to others around you. 
• See failure as an opportunity to receive feedback and learn. 
• Value the process of learning over the end result. 
• Celebrate growth and milestones with others. 

How the University can help 

Student Services offer a range of help including specialist support and resources for your wellbeing and mental health.  

Other places to find help 

• This YouTube video explains the difference between fixed and growth mindsets.
• This YouTube video explains Atomic Habits, a way of building habits and motivation.
• The FS Blog has guidance on growth and overcoming fixed mindsets.