Process Over Outcome Praise
Focus praise on effort, strategy, and progress, not talent or intelligence.
Explanation
How you praise yourself and others shapes mindset development. Praising intelligence ('You're so smart!') creates fixed mindset—pressure to maintain that image. Praising process ('You worked really hard on that strategy!') creates growth mindset—motivation to continue improving.
Real-World Example
Child solves puzzle quickly. Fixed praise: 'You're brilliant!' Child now avoids harder puzzles to maintain 'brilliant' image. Process praise: 'You tried different approaches until you found one that worked!' Child seeks more challenging puzzles.
How to Apply
Change your praise language. Instead of 'I'm naturally good at this,' try 'My practice is paying off.' Instead of telling others 'You're talented,' say 'Your preparation really showed.' Focus on the process that led to success, not the intelligence behind it.