Kintsugi is an art form in Japanese culture wherein broken pottery is repaired by joining fragmented parts with molten gold or silver, making the item even more beautiful. This technique is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which looks for beauty in imperfection. The concept is analogous to the growth mindset because it allows individuals to abandon an archaic or biased viewpoint by accepting, acknowledging and embracing their imperfections and biases. An emphasis on resilience and learning from setbacks is central to a growth mindset, such that impediments are not seen as a sign of failure but an opportunity to try again.
Johnson (2024) shares an example from the celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who explained that when a string breaks during a concert, he does not see it as an impediment but as an opportunity to embrace resilience, adaptability and learning. Even if the audience gasps when they see the string suddenly snap, the unexpected moment simply requires him to go backstage and replace the string. After this, everything he plays for the rest of the evening feels flawless. Yo-Yo Ma’s message is a beautiful reminder that challenges, setbacks and unforeseen moments are opportunities for growth, not signs of failure.
By adopting a growth mindset, we can create a community where, instead of becoming overcome by challenges or obstacles, we use these as an opportunity to confront the challenge and find an amicable solution, creating a more inclusive and equitable world. In July, we commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was implemented in 1990 during George W. Bush’s presidency. The primary purpose of this law was to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and prohibit any kind of discrimination against them. For example, the ADA requires supervisors to offer reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. The 2008 ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) expanded the definition of disability to include conditions that limit a major life activity, such as mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on this expanded definition, mental health conditions should also be considered disabilities if they substantially limit one or more major life activities, such as working, learning or interacting with others.
Many companies now provide accommodations, including ramps, stand-up computer tables or desks, flexible work hours and disability awareness training. However, mental health issues, which can adversely affect health and productivity within the workplace, are often neglected. Often, there is a stigma against mental disabilities due to biases and stereotypes, and many employees are either unable or unwilling to seek help or even disclose their struggles.
Some celebrities have come forward to create awareness and break negative stereotypes regarding mental health. For example, Michael Phelps, the famous Olympic swimmer, shared how he struggled with depression and anxiety and created the Michael Phelps Foundation to garner greater awareness about this disability (Kliegman, 2022). Prince William and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, have recently become more vocal about mental health issues and launched the Heads Together campaign to promote open conversations about mental health.
Many accommodations for those who face mental health challenges can be quite easy to implement. Examples include adjustments to workload or deadlines, access to counseling or therapy services, or creating a supportive and understanding environment. Like the intricate patterns of gold/silver in a Kintsugi repaired pottery, a growth mindset can make us more aware, develop empathy and create a better environment for everyone.
Dr. Fawzia Reza, Ed.D., is an author, researcher and educator who leverages her expertise to raise awareness of inclusive practices. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and serves as instructional faculty at American College of Education. To learn more about her work and publications, visit fawziareza.org.
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