Bethesda Growth Mindset Salon

4.8•182 ratings

Bethesda, MD, US

985 members · Public group

What we’re about

Tired of small talk and craving conversations that actually matter?

The Bethesda Growth Mindset Salon is a community for curious minds who want to grow, learn, and connect through meaningful experiences. Each gathering centers on an idea that expands how we think or live, sometimes sparked by a short TED Talk, other times by a shared reflection or group activity.

Our mission is to create a space where curiosity drives connection and every conversation helps us practice the growth mindset: embracing learning, challenge, and change.

If you’re looking for thoughtful people and thought-provoking dialogue, join us. Let’s explore personal growth, one conversation at a time.

Our Ground Rules

Step up and step back. If you've been talking a lot, step back and listen; if you've been quiet, step up and share your perspective or ask questions.
Listen to understand, not to respond.
Respect diverse viewpoints.

All events are free, inclusive, and non-promotional, focused solely on learning and growth.

📚 For ongoing inspiration, visit William's weekly newsletter: Paradigm Shift

Upcoming events

See all

Sun, Dec 7 · 2:30 PM EST
Why Are People Acting Like Everything's Normal When It's Not?
Panera Bread, 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD, US
The lively discussion will center around the concept of hyper-normalization. As described in this TED Talk, hyper-normalization is a specific feeling where you as a regular person are living your life, but something feels weird. It's that feeling where you understand the world is changing, but the people around you, the institutions, the elected officials, they seem to be ignoring this while going as normal. It creates a cognitive dissonance that makes you feel like you're going crazy.

Questions for Discussion (Developed by LP, not AI, FYI)

1. Do you feel like you are going crazy?!
2. What are some of the causes of hyper-normalization today? How have you observed others ignoring or engaging in those issues?
3. What are the upsides and downsides of hyper-normalization?
4. What are some things you think people are overreacting to?
5. How can you become more of a productivity practitioner?
6. Even with all of the craziness and change in the world, do you think this still the best time to be alive?

You can listen to the podcast (which is about 45 minutes) or read a transcript here: https://www.ted.com/podcasts/ted.com/podcasts/why-are-people-acting-like-everythings-fine-with-rahaf-harfoush-transcript
18 attendees
Sun, Dec 14 · 12:30 PM EST
End of Year Celebration Brunch + Optional Book Exchange
Maya Cuisine Restaurant & Bar, 7345 Wisconsin Ave A, Bethesda, MD 20814, Bethesda, MD, US
Thank you all for being part of this community and for your incredible support throughout the year. Our discussions have become richer, deeper, and more meaningful because of each one of you.

To celebrate the end of the year and everything we’ve built together, you’re invited to join us for a special celebration brunch at:
Maya Cuisine Restaurant & Bar
📍 7345 Wisconsin Ave, Suite A, Bethesda, MD 20814

This will be a relaxed and friendly gathering—no agenda, just good food, great conversation, and a chance to connect with fellow members outside our usual discussion format.

Optional Book Exchange (Thanks to Laura for suggesting this cool idea):
If you’d like, bring a book you love (or one you’re ready to pass on) for a casual book swap. Totally optional—just a fun way to share ideas and discoveries.

Looking forward to celebrating together! Let’s wrap up the year with great company.
21 attendees
Sun, Dec 14 · 3:00 PM EST
How Will You Measure Your Life?
Panera Bread, 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD, US
To confirm attendance, please register on Luma:
https://luma.com/z76swgrx

"It's actually really important that you succeed at what you're succeeding at, but that isn't going to be the measure of your life." Too often, we measure success in life against the progress we make in our careers. But how can we ensure we're not straying from our values as humans along the way? Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School professor and world-renowned innovation guru, examines the daily decisions that define our lives and encourages all of us to think about what is truly important.

Please watch this 20-min video before joining the discussion:
https://youtu.be/tvos4nORf_Y?si=tWrpGSPz4UZO6-bv

If more than 7 people join the discussion, we will break out into smaller groups. (max 7 people per group)
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1. Why do you think the pursuit of immediate achievement often overshadows deeper sources of fulfillment, such as relationships or personal growth?
2. Many people end up living lives they never intended. How can we become more aware of the "unintended strategies" we are implementing daily?
3. If families and relationships are often cited as the greatest sources of happiness, why do we find it so difficult to prioritize them consistently over work and other commitments?
4. What practices or habits could help ensure that our daily actions align with the life we hope to lead in the long term?
5. Society often defines success in terms of hierarchy and wealth. How might individuals create personal definitions of success that resist these external pressures?
6. If the true measure of life is the positive impact we have on others, what steps can we take to make this a central part of our daily lives?
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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
2. Listen to understand, not to respond.
3. Be open-minded and value differences.
4. Max 7 people per group.
26 attendees