Eli Tsukayama is passionate about helping students to adopt a growth mindset. Working as an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu, Eli has conducted extensive research on grit and perseverance. His research also focuses on understanding individual differences that can be used to segment and understand target markets. Eli previously worked in corporate world as an information technology consultant for 7 years.
Tune into my conversation with Eli Tsukayama to learn how to adopt a growth mindset on Find Your Passion Career Podcast!
Research is “Me-search”
Did you know that professors are responsible for more than just teaching? That’s right—they spend most of their time researching in their designated field. Eli is surely no stranger to research, or as some psychologists call it, “me-search.”
“Psychologists often do research on things related to them—either something we’re really good at, or something we’re really bad at.”
Going from a community college in undergrad to an ivy league in grad school, Eli began to experience intense imposter syndrome. He felt as though he wasn’t smart enough compared to the students that surrounded him.
“Any prestigious position, career wise, education wise; there’s a huge proportion, maybe 20-30% of people, think they have imposter syndrome. Chances are, you don’t. So, first step is learn about it, and then maybe talk to a mentor.”
Being the gritty student he was, Eli was able to turn his insecurity into extensive “me-search.” He was interested in studying the differences between students who naturally received high grades vs. those who had to put in hours of work for that A+. After conducting research, he found that students with grit (those who put in the work) had higher self-discipline and academic self-efficacy than those who scored high grades naturally.
“Grit is often uncorrelated with measures of ‘talent,’ so like IQ. Sometimes, it’s even negatively correlated. And that kind of matches my hypothesis, ‘I don’t think I’m very smart, but I work hard,’” Eli said.
His work inspired him to continue studying grit and perseverance in his career as a professor.
Grit and Growth Mindset
Do you ever feel like you are horrible at math? Eli finds that those with a fixed mindset are quick to judge their math skills. When you convince yourself that you won’t succeed, chances are, you won’t.
“Having a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset has huge implications on your behavior.”
Eli challenges us to adopt a growth mindset instead. The next time you perform poorly on your math exam, look at it as an opportunity to improve your skills and better yourself. Growth mindset correlates with grit, and if you begin to seek out challenges, you will be equipped to battle imposter’s syndrome head on.
“If you’re in a fixed mindset, challenges reinforce this idea that “I’m bad at this, I’m never going to be good at this.” From a growth mindset, it’s “Well, yeah there [are] challenges because that’s what I need to do to become better.”
According to Eli, growth mindset alongside some grit can help you to reach success within your future career.
To hear more of Eli’s story and his advice on the power of grit, download my podcast interview with him here on iTunes!
FYPC Podcast Ep. 63: Scott Stratten, Founder of UnMarketing