Blog Layout

Fixed mindset or Growth mindset

nuggetsoflearning • July 16, 2012

I have been reading the book “Mindset – the new psychology of success” Carol S Dweck and it simplifies so much behavioural work I have done currently.

When I deliver workshops I notice some delegates are happy to take risks whilst others are more than happy to see group members make a start. Sometimes it can be as simple as asking a question in a group context.

Our mindsets evolve quite early on in life and for some they can be around specific areas, like whether we can draw/play sports/sing or have a mathematical brain. Unintentionally our parents can begin the fixed mindset process, “Darling you can’t sing?” or just as limiting “You are an excellent runner”. Singling any talent out as well as limiting a development area can be just as fixed, parents need to be creating new challenges.

In summary take a look at the two columns below:-

FIXED MINDSET = intelligence is static	GROWTH MINDSET – intelligence can be developed in any area
Learns to look smart and therefore tendency to avoid CHALLENGES	Learns to embrace CHALLENGES
OBSTACLES get defensive or gives up	OBSTACLES persist
EFFORT seen as fruitless	EFFORT pathway to mastery
FEEDBACK ignores	FEEDBACK learns from it
SUCCESS OF OTHERS feels threatened	SUCCESS OF OTHERS – learns from it and finds inspiration
As a RESULT may not fulfill potential	As a RESULT higher ever higher levels of achievement