Could what you believe about yourself impact your success or failure?
According to Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, our beliefs play a pivotal role in what we want and whether we achieve it. So, what is exactly mindset?
Mindset Definition and Types
A mindset refers to whether you believe qualities such as intelligence and talent are fixed or changeable traits.
There are two different types of mindsets:
People with a fixed mindset believe that these qualities are inborn and unchangeable.
People with a growth mindset believe, on the other hand, that these qualities can be developed and strengthened by way of commitment and hard work.
In her search, Dweck tried to tackle a question: How kids solve difficult problems? Some children viewed the problem as a challenge and learning experience. Other children felt that it was impossible to solve and that their intelligence was being held up for scrutiny and judgement.
Mindset Formation
Dweck suggests in her book, "Mindset", that many people are trained in the two types of mindsets early in life, often through the way they are raised or their experiences in school.
Fixed Mindsets
Children who are taught that they should look smart instead of loving learning tend to develop a fixed mindset.
They become more concerned with how they are being judged and fear that they might not live up to expectations.
Growth Mindsets
Kids who are taught to explore, embrace new experiences, and enjoy challenges are more likely to develop a growth mindset.
Rather than seeing mistakes as setbacks, they are willing to try new things and make errors all in the name of learning and achieving their potential.
The growth mindset is not about believing that everyone can become anything. Rather, it is about living up to one's possible potential. This potential, however, is never really knowable. Who knows how far a person can go if they set their mind to it? People with a growth mindset believe that the effort that goes into learning and deepening their understanding and talents is well worth all the toil and trouble.
The Impact of Mindset
Your mindset plays a critical role in how you cope with life's challenges. In school, a growth mindset can contribute to greater achievement and increased effort. When facing a problem such as trying to find a new job, people with growth mindsets show greater resilience. They are more likely to persevere in the face of setbacks while those with fixed mindsets are more liable to give up.
Dweck describes people with the fixed mindset to be focused on other's approval.
Every situation calls for a confirmation of their intelligence, personality, or character. Every situation is evaluated: Will I succeed or fail? Will I look smart or dumb? Will I be accepted or rejected? Will I feel like a winner or a loser? — Carol Dweck
Growth mindsets, on the other hand, result in hanger for learning. A desire to work hard and discover new things. To tackle challenges and grow as a person. When people with a growth mindset try and fail, they tend to view it no as a failure or disappointment. Rather, it is a learning experience that can lead to growth and change.
Can You Change Your Mindset?
Dweck suggests that people are capable of changing their mindsets. Parents can also take steps to ensure that their children develop growth mindsets, often through praising efforts rather than focusing solely on results. They can, for instance, encourage their children's hard work and efforts on a project.
By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, adults can help kids understand that their efforts, hard work, and dedication can lead to change, learning, and growth both now and in the future.
This article was inspired from the book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck.
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