Fixed Mindset versus Growth Mindset
Can you improve? Can you become more intelligent? Both of the those questions will most likely be answered by your belief system. Therefore, you may have answered either ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’. However, they should be only answered with the facts - and the answer would be ‘yes’. The problem is that many of us have a belief about the way our intelligence is or the way it will always be.
Fixed Mindset
Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, when speaking about a study on children with a fixed mindset, said
“They think that intelligence is just a fixed trait, you have a certain amount and that’s that. This is the mindset that makes kids afraid to try."
Growth Mindset
In contrast, she noted that children with a growth mindset:
“believe that intelligence can believe developed, through their effort, dedication, learning and mentorship from others."
Check out this video here for the full explanation. It's something that every child should be made aware of.
References:
- Achor, S. (2010) The happiness advantage: The seven principles of positive psychology that fuel success and performance at work. New York: Crown Publishing Group.
- The RSA (2015) RSA ANIMATE: How to help every child Fulfil their potential. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl9TVbAal5s (Accessed: 21 January 2016).