Carol Dweck's growth mindset theory and practical applications

Mindset

Carol Dweck\'s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success describes what it is that makes people more successful in life, identifying one\'s mindset or outlook as the ultimate factor in driving people towards their goals. More than innate talent or special gifts and abilities that come one\'s way, mindset is actually what helps to create the environment and provide the right kind of motivation that individuals need to achieve whatever it is they are looking to accomplish. The main idea in Dweck\'s book is that by having a growth mindset, life is not viewed as full of obstacles but rather as full of opportunities. Dweck shows that mindsets can be groomed and cultivated to help get one to this stage and she provides practical steps on how to assist one in that cultivation. A growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset, is what separates the success-achievers from those who stumble and fail. Having a mindset that is focused on growing is what allows a person to develop the wings he or she needs to soar.

Chapter 6 describes how a growth mindset is essential in relationships, especially romantic ones. Fixed mindsets lead people to think their traits are what they are cannot be altered or changed. Such people tend to bounce from one relationship to the next, seeking that special someone who will be the \"one.\" A growth mindset on the other hand allows a person to enter into a relationship knowing that some adaptation will be required: two people coming together, after all, demands some type of change. Negative relationships -- such as bullying relationships -- can also benefit from the growth mindset: a person with a growth mindset will not take a bully\'s words or actions personally. A person with a fixed mindset will and it will hurt him, making him feel resentment and self-pity whereas the individual with the growth mindset will see the problem as being a psychological one of the bully\'s.

Chapter 7 examines where mindsets come from -- namely from those who help us on our way: parents, teachers, coaches, etc. Everyone is always sending a message to children. Parents do it by praising their children -- which can sometimes lead them to shirk challenges and only take on those that they know will not present difficulties. Parents should encourage children to work through challenges because this is what growth is all about. Teachers and coaches can do the same: developing a growth mindset is essential in learning new skills, concepts and honing one\'s abilities. If one does not get the right example of mindset from these people, it can lead them towards a life that is not as full and bright as it could be.