Mindset is everything. If we think we can’t do something, then we will never do it.
If we think we can, then we will find a way. The idea set out in the book,is that people have two different mindsets: Fixed and Growth.
A Fixed Mindset person believes that the amount of intelligence, strength, athleticism etc a person possesses is fixed and can not be improved. When a Fixed Mindset person is challenged by a tough problem she can’t figure out, she feels defeated, quits, and avoids those problems in the future.
The Growth Mindset is quite the opposite. It’s the belief that anyone can change anything about themselves at any time. Her identity has nothing to do with being the smartest kid or best athlete. She focuses only on improving her knowledge and athleticism. She isn’t afraid of mistakes like the Fixed Mindset person because she understands that mistakes will help her learn and improve.
The Mindsets in Action
A Fixed Mindset person that isn’t confident in math may forever avoid doing it in order to not feel stupid in front of others. She doesn’t want others to judge her. She also believes that she simply isn’t good at math and therefore never challenges that belief. On the other hand,
A Growth Mindset person will study hard and work at the math until she feels confident and becomes exceptionally good at it because she believes the outcome is based on her effort not her innate intelligence.
Wouldn’t we all do better at life if we remembered that effort and learning are the real keys to accomplishing anything. But how do we train ourselves and our children to lean into the Growth Mindset?
