Grow Through What You Go Through with a Growth Mindset

Success is wonderful, but how often do we stop to truly reflect on what we’ve learned in those moments of victory? For me, the moments that have shaped me the most haven’t been the ones where I succeeded effortlessly—but the times I stumbled, learned, and grew.

In my journey, Toastmasters has been a pivotal experience, teaching me one of the most valuable lessons of all: a growth mindset. The challenges I faced during my speeches and evaluations weren’t signs of failure; they were opportunities to grow, to learn, and to become better. Every time I stumbled, I found myself rising stronger and more capable. And the best part? I didn’t have to do it alone.

As I embraced leadership roles within Toastmasters, I learned that the most powerful feedback isn’t always the positive praise. It’s the constructive criticism—the suggestions on how I could improve.

I saw this mindset in action most clearly during my leadership journey in Toastmasters. During my first term as a Division Governor, about 10 years after I’d joined Toastmasters, I believed leadership meant showing others how to do everything. Honestly, it seemed easier to just do it myself and bring others along. As a result, I found myself overwhelmed with responsibilities, doing more and more every month.

After a Division Council meeting centered on plans for the Division Contest, a member of my home Club and past International Director approached me and commented on my dour attitude.

“You seem overwhelmed and preoccupied,” he said.

“That’s because I feel as if I’m doing everything myself. I can’t seem to get others to help,” I replied.

“You haven’t created a team,” he observed. “Everyone has to feel valued to contribute.

Anyone can do a task assigned to them, but it’s much more engaging if they have some skin in the game. Your team wants to help with goal-setting and planning the best way to achieve those goals.”

Our conversation changed my leadership style. I chose to become a facilitator instead of a director. I invited the team to set the goals and asked, 'How do we achieve them?' I began sharing authority instead of holding it all myself. The contest was a remarkable event, bringing in an entire community, local band, and the Mayor with a key to the city where we held the contest.

Since then, it is the feedback and constructive criticism that kept me going. The real growth happens when I’m pushed out of my comfort zone, when I confront my weaknesses, and when I learn how to turn those challenges into strengths.

Leadership is a process I hope we all go through. But don’t just go through the process—GROW through the process. The opportunity to grow is waiting for each of us, if we choose to embrace it.

Like this young seedling pushing through the soil, true growth begins beneath the surface—nurtured by challenge, strengthened by feedback, and guided by a growth mindset.