LifeDesign | Growth Mindset
A stumbling-block to the pessimist is a stepping-stone to the optimist.
— Eleanor Roosevelt
Class Resources
Carol Dweck has pioneered the study of a “growth mindset” in contrast to a “fixed mindset,” that believes that our intelligence is static and our ability to tackle challenges is limited. A “growth mindset” instead thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities. Out of these two mindsets, springs a great deal of our behavior, our relationship with success and failure in both professional and personal contexts, and ultimately our capacity for happiness.
Mindsets of Success
Carol Dweck introduces the concept of mindsets, and the critical importance of adopting a growth mindset.
Understanding Growth Mindsets
Carol Dweck (9 Minutes)
Fixed vs Growth
Maria Popova, emphasizes how a growth mindset creates a passion for learning rather than a hunger for approval.
The Science of Growth Mindsets
Growth Mindset Revolution
“Researchers brought people into Columbia’s brain-wave lab to study how their brains behaved as they answered difficult questions and received feedback. What Carol Dweck found was that those with a fixed mindset were only interested in hearing feedback that reflected directly on their present ability, but tuned out information that could help them learn and improve. Those with a growth mindset, on the other hand, were keenly attentive to information that could help them expand their existing knowledge and skill, regardless of whether they’d gotten the question right or wrong — in other words, their priority was learning, not the binary trap of success and failure.”
How Novel Experiences Help Us Grow
Yes Theory discusses the importance of seeking discomfort and getting out of your comfort zone.
Science of Growth Mindsets
Pioneer of Growth Mindsets, Carol Dweck shares the latest science about Growth Mindsets on the Psychology Podcast.
What is Neuroplasticity
The brain is actually malleable and subject to change as neurons can be stimulated and new neural networks can be developed. Increased neural growth is correlated with strategies often used by those who possess “growth mindsets” such as practicing, asking questions and trying something again.