One of the reasons I’ve dedicated the last few years of my professional life to teaching and training on Growth Mindset theory is because I’ve seen how learning about this concept can change lives. I’ve read the research that shows positive results from learning about our mindsets, and above all, I’ve seen how it has transformed my own life and the lives of those around me. So, when I spoke with Diego Silva, one of the donors of the Seeds of Growth (Semillas de Cambio) program, about his intention to give a gift to the youth group in Quibdó, I was thrilled and deeply happy to contribute with my work, and to count on the support of Fabián Dulcé to deliver an impactful workshop on growth mindset.
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What is Semillas de Cambio?
In the heart of Chocó, where social and economic challenges are part of daily life for many communities, Semillas de Cambio was born as a complementary educational initiative that seeks to empower the youth of Chocó through learning and personal development. The program is offered to 20 students from public schools over a period of three years, providing them with key tools in math, critical reading, English, and holistic personal development. The goal of Semillas de Cambio is for these young people to significantly contribute to the transformation of their society and to break structural barriers through the strengthening of their own education. Learn more about this initiative by clicking here.
The Growth Mindset Workshop
This workshop was conducted over two 3-hour sessions in the afternoons. We worked with 16 youth: 11 females and 5 males (between 14 and 18 years old). During the workshop, we explored the concept of mindset through explanations, a worksheet, analogies, and LEGO bricks. Each participant built individual LEGO models by responding to specific questions that encouraged introspection and reflection on their mindsets, perspectives, and lived experiences. The questions were designed to explore 8 dimensions of mindset (worldview, effort, challenges, mistakes, others’ success, obstacles, asking for/receiving help, criticism and feedback) based on the work of Anderson (2017) and Dweck (2016). We also carried out group activities to share reflections and learning throughout the sessions. Since it was a large group, when sharing their LEGO models, we divided them into two groups of eight to ensure powerful conversations could emerge. In these moments, Fabián and I each facilitated a group.
Take a look at some of the moments we shared during the workshop:
In the following video, you can see a part of the workshop where I explain the mindset concept using LEGOs:
Using LEGO Serious Play as a tool to explore beliefs and thinking styles allowed each participant to visualize in 3D (through LEGO construction) what was in their minds. There is a big difference between describing what we believe and building it! It is through experiential learning and play-based dynamics that we were able to create an open space for deep conversations and reflections.
Mindset Reflections: What We Discovered Along the Way
As we delved into the concept of mindset and each participant connected it with their individuality, I observed how they identified fixed mindset beliefs that were holding them back from growth. We talked about the different dimensions in which both mindsets appear. Some key themes emerged:
- We talked about criticism and how some participants struggled to accept it.
- On effort, they shared how sometimes they lacked the motivation to strive for better results.
- On perfectionism, they admitted it was difficult to accept mistakes, often feeling pressured to always do things right without allowing room for error.
- The topic of asking for and receiving help came up repeatedly—many found it hard to raise their hand when they needed external support.
- One participant recognized their egocentrism and the effect it had on their life.
In addition, there were deeper conversations around family and personal matters that some youth shared during group reflection moments. This highlights the value of creating safe spaces to explore our thoughts—and our thoughts about those thoughts.
To close the workshop, we asked three questions anonymously. Below is a summary of the responses:
Question 1: What do I realize about my mindset?
Responses were filled with introspection, uncertainty, realizations, and profound reflections. I’ve grouped them into four categories:
1️⃣ Awareness of strengths and areas for improvement
Many recognized both what they do well and what they need to work on. Statements like “I realize I have shortcomings” or “There’s still much to improve” reflect openness to growth. Others acknowledged the relationship between mindset, effort, and results.
2️⃣ Reflection on the ability to change
Responses like “I can change,” “I need a new perspective,” and “I must rethink things” show an openness to question current beliefs and adopt new approaches.
3️⃣ Recognition of personal challenges
Several responses pointed out mental barriers preventing growth: “Sometimes I think of doing something but don’t,” “I still have many mental blocks,” and “Sometimes I feel down.” One person described their mindset as messy—indicating awareness of the need for inner work.
4️⃣ Diversity and ambivalence in mindset
Some responses showed the complexity of mindset: “It’s diverse,” “I’m on the edge—either I move forward or I fall,” and “Like everything, it’s not all good or bad.”
Question 2: How do I feel?
This question revealed emotions, growth, and connections to mindset. Key themes included:
1️⃣ About the experience
Many shared positive feelings like joy, satisfaction, and a sense of connection. Phrases like “I felt good, I expressed my ideas and had fun” or “I’m happy because I met new people” were common. Others appreciated gaining new knowledge.
2️⃣ Self-awareness and willingness
Some expressed a readiness for change: “I feel ready to improve my flaws and fixed beliefs,” or “I feel capable of achieving what I set my mind to.” Others mentioned stepping outside their comfort zone.
3️⃣ Gratitude
Responses like “I feel more hopeful about life” and “I’m grateful for every experience” showed appreciation for the process.
Question 3: What questions arise for me?
This final question aimed to understand lingering doubts and growth areas. The questions fell into several categories:
1️⃣ Reflecting on the present and future
- How is my mindset now?
- What will it be like in the future?
- What’s ahead for me?
2️⃣ Strategies for change
- How do I start changing my belief system?
- How do I shift from a fixed mindset to a growth one?
- How do I know I’ve made progress?
3️⃣ Knowledge and life application
- What new things can I learn?
- How can I apply this to my life?
- How do I put in more effort?
4️⃣ Asking for help
- How can I avoid limitations when asking for help?
- How do I let go of pride and ask for a favor?
- How do I ask for help when I need it?
These questions reveal a desire to grow, seek tools for change, apply learning, and recognize support as a resource.
Sowing the Seeds of Change
This workshop was more than a learning activity—it was a transformative space. Seeing these young people identify limiting beliefs about their ability to grow and witnessing their openness to new possibilities (that may not have been there before) reaffirms the importance of creating intentional spaces to reflect on and question our mindsets—especially when our mindset is the first barrier to our growth.
Change begins with awareness and continues with action. We need more educational spaces to foster this awareness.
Acknowledgments
Thank you, Diego Silva, for paving the way to make this workshop possible and for believing in the power of mindset education through serious play.
Thank you to Semillas de Cambio for the logistics that made it possible for each young person to receive this gift.
Thank you, Joseph Caicedo (Academic Coordinator – Semillas de Cambio), for your hospitality and support throughout the workshop.
Thank you to the Bank of the Republic in Quibdó for providing the space.
And thank you, Fabián Dulcé, for your expertise and whole-heartedness in co-facilitating this workshop.