I have often found myself stuck in a situation where I have yet to measure up to the world's standards. In school so many years ago, I measured myself against the grades of others and usually found myself being left behind. I would be hyper-critical and focus on my limitations. At times, I considered myself unintellectual and limited in my abilities. Because my thinking was fixed, I could not rise above my supposed intellectual skills. However, as I pursued my education over time, I could get excellent grades despite my previous beliefs.
In Carol Dweck's book Mindset, I am fascinated by her distinction between fixed and growth mindsets.
Dweck reports people with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence are static traits. They think you are born with a talent or not, and no amount of effort will change that. This mindset leads to a fear of failure and a tendency to avoid challenges. Dweck notes that those with fixed mindsets often feel threatened by the success of others, viewing it as evidence of their inadequacy. Early on, this description fits me perfectly.
In contrast, Dweck's concept of a growth mindset is based on the belief that dedication and hard work can develop abilities and intelligence. People with growth mindsets embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. She emphasizes that those with growth mindsets are likelier to achieve their full potential because they view failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
Carol Dweck's research offers profound insights into how my mindsets can shape my life. By understanding and adopting a growth mindset, I can unlock my potential and embrace a lifelong journey of learning and improvement. I have found that any negative thinking or conversation sets me in a fixed mindset. Resilience and the search for opportunity point me to growth.
How about you? Do you need to shift your mindset and transform your approach to challenges?
Watch for the blind spots.
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