Counseling

Senior Resource Presentation

Growth Mindset

Senior Year: A How To Guide

Mrs. Marchand's Mental Health Challenge 

Sometimes when we feel like life is just too hard and too complicated, it’s helpful to focus on what we can actually do. Struggling with something doesn’t mean you’re bad at it. A growth mindset means recognizing that you can build skills through practice, new strategies, feedback, and support. Whether you’re tackling a tough class, learning a new skill, or planning your future, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Ask questions, learn from mistakes, and focus on your next step.

Challenge: Turn “I Can’t” Into a Next Step

Choose one thing at school or in your life that feels challenging. Then:

1. Notice your self-talk. Catch a thought like, “I’m just not good at this.”

2. Make room for growth. Try, “I haven’t figured this out yet. What could I try differently?”

3. Take one specific action. Ask for help, try a different strategy, use feedback, or practice for 10 focused minutes.

4. Check in with yourself. What did you learn? What helped? What will you try next?

Your goal: Take one step forward, even if it feels small. If you’re stuck, your school counselor can help you think through your next step!

Sometimes to be able to do the above we need to reset. There are five really important things that we can do every day to improve our mood, energy levels, ability to focus, our overall mental health, and well-being. 

• Show Gratitude
  • Expressing gratitude can improve your mood and make you more optimistic.  People who regularly express gratitude for the positive things in their life are shown to be happier overall, leading to lower rates of stress and depression
• Spread Kindness
  • Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing by improving your mood, self-esteem, and happiness.
• Show Kindness to Yourself
  • Positive self-talk makes you feel good about yourself, helps reduce stress, and boosts confidence and resilience. What you do and think and say every day – determines how happy you are!
• Get Some Exercise
  • Research on depression, anxiety and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
• Take “Me” Time
  • Self-care is about anything that makes you feel good including relaxation, laughing, having fun, finding joy, etc.