Overview

“I’m just not a math person.” “She’s a natural genius.” These are examples of a Fixed Mindset. The belief that talent is born, not made. Carol Dweck proved that this belief holds people back. A Growth Mindset is the belief that you can get smarter if you try.

Core Idea

The core idea is The Power of “Yet”. “I can’t do this… yet.”

Formal Definition

The belief that basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Opposite: Fixed Mindset (abilities are static).

Intuition

  • Fixed Mindset: Intelligence is a height. You are 6 feet tall. You can’t change it. If you fail, it means you are short (dumb). So you avoid challenges to hide your shortness.
  • Growth Mindset: Intelligence is a muscle. You are weak. You can lift weights (study) to get strong. If you fail, it just means you need to lift more. So you embrace challenges.

Examples

  • Praise:
    • Bad: “You’re so smart!” (Fixed. Implies it’s a trait. If they fail next time, they think they aren’t smart anymore).
    • Good: “You worked really hard on that!” (Growth. Praises the process/effort).
  • The Brain: Neuroplasticity. The brain physically changes when you learn. Teaching kids this scientific fact improves their grades.

Common Misconceptions

  • It’s just “Try Harder”: No. It’s about trying strategies. If you bang your head against the wall, that’s effort, but it’s not growth. You need to try a new way.
  • False Growth Mindset: Teachers saying “Good job!” for everything. That’s just participation trophies. You have to praise effective effort.
  • Grit: Passion and perseverance for long-term goals. (Angela Duckworth).
  • Resilience: Bouncing back from failure.

Applications

  • Business: Companies like Microsoft use Growth Mindset to encourage employees to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Criticism / Limitations

  • Replication Crisis: Some studies have failed to replicate Dweck’s massive results. It might not be a magic bullet.
  • Systemic Barriers: Telling a poor kid “Just have a growth mindset!” ignores the fact that their school has no books.

Further Reading

  • Dweck, Carol. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.