This Wednesday, November 5, within the walls of the Zanner Institute in Goma, as part of the activities already launched by Chora Congo, a training and exchange session brought together about twenty students around a fundamental theme: "Knowing yourself to grow and cultivating a growth mindset." Brilliantly led by Vanessa Kilandji, this meeting allowed participants to dive into deep personal reflection regarding their inner development and their ability to face challenges.
The inner mirror: a tool for introspection The session began with the introduction of the "inner mirror" concept, an introspection technique aimed at helping students to:
- Identify their dreams, ambitions, and personal challenges.
- Recognize their strengths and weaknesses.
- Understand their reaction and motivation mechanisms.
This approach encourages young people to work on themselves before seeking to influence their environment, by cultivating self-awareness essential for any leadership or transformation process.
The power of "Not Yet": Carol Dweck and the Growth Mindset Vanessa then introduced the theory of Growth Mindset, developed by American psychologist Carol Dweck, which is based on the idea that abilities are not fixed but can evolve with effort and perseverance. One of the key concepts discussed was the "power of not yet," which consists of replacing phrases like "I don't know" with "I don't know yet." This simple yet powerful reframing:
- Encourages resilience in the face of failure.
- Values the learning process.
- Strengthens long-term motivation.
The strength of Grit by Angela Duckworth Finally, the session explored the notion of Grit, popularized by Angela Duckworth, which refers to the combination of passion and perseverance to achieve long-term goals. Unlike talent, grit values:
- Sustained commitment toward a goal.
- The ability to continue despite obstacles.
- Mental discipline during periods of doubt.
A transformative rather than usual session Through dynamic exchanges, practical exercises, and theoretical insights, this session allowed students to lay the foundations for solid personal development in line with the values promoted by Chora Congo, notably self-knowledge, commitment, growth, and impact.