Growth Mindset
Definition: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and learning from failures.
A growth mindset is a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck to describe the belief that your most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.
People with a growth mindset:
- Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow
- Persist in the face of setbacks
- See effort as the path to mastery
- Learn from criticism
- Find lessons and inspiration in others' success
The opposite is a fixed mindset—the belief that intelligence and abilities are static traits that cannot be significantly changed. Research consistently shows that those who adopt a growth mindset achieve more over time than those with fixed mindsets.
Growth mindset is not just about effort. It's about trying new strategies, seeking help when needed, and continuously learning. The good news is that mindset can be changed—neuroplasticity supports our ability to develop new ways of thinking at any age.