Growth vs Fixed Mindset
Believe abilities can be developed through effort and strategy.
Explanation
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck discovered that your beliefs about intelligence and ability dramatically affect your learning. People with a 'fixed mindset' believe talent is static, so they avoid challenges that might reveal limitations. Those with a 'growth mindset' believe abilities can be developed, so they embrace challenges as opportunities to improve.
Real-World Example
Fixed mindset: 'I'm not a math person' leads to avoiding math, confirming the belief. Growth mindset: 'I'm not good at math yet' leads to seeking help and practice, eventually improving. Fixed: Feedback feels like judgment of worth. Growth: Feedback is information for improvement.
How to Apply
Notice your internal dialogue. Replace 'I can't do this' with 'I can't do this yet.' Focus on process ('I worked hard and used good strategies') over outcome ('I'm smart'). View mistakes as learning opportunities, not failures. Ask 'What can I learn from this?' instead of 'Why am I so bad at this?'