The ‘YET’ mindset, in simple terms, turns a negative thought or comment into one that is optimistic and aspirational. This is done simply by adding the word ‘YET’ to the end of those negative thoughts or comments, leaving the possibility for improvement in the future – that the state of the situation as is, is not how it will necessarily remain.
For example, fill in the blanks: “I can’t _________.” Versus “I can’t _________. YET!”
Note: The ‘YET’ mindset came out of work done by Carol Dweck – a professor at Stanford University and the author of Mindset, a classic work on motivation and “growth mindset.” According to her, the power of “not yet” helps people see the possibilities of their future as it makes them feel that they are on a learning curve rather than at a dead end.
