Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S Dweck, PhD

Some ideas are timeless, and they keep proving their worth. Just like an old classic, some theories that can be put into practice are designed to last.  “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck really changed how I think. It opened my eyes to how our beliefs can shape our actions, led me to explore how the brain can change with learning, and reshaped how I coach others.

Dweck introduces two main ideas: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are set and cannot change, while those with a growth mindset believe they can develop their abilities through effort and learning. What’s compelling is how recent brain research supports this: studies show that our brains can actually grow and change through learning and experience.

The impact of these mindsets is especially noticeable in schools. When teachers and students adopt a growth mindset, the results can be remarkable. Students are more motivated, engage more deeply with learning, and can even improve their grades, especially in challenging subjects like math. Teachers who believe in the growth potential of their students also tend to see better performance across the board, including narrower achievement gaps among different student groups.

However, implementing the growth mindset effectively can be challenging. While some schools do it very well, others struggle. The success of these programs depends heavily on how well the concept is integrated into the way teaching and learning happen in the classroom.

Carol Dweck is still working on making these ideas even more effective in schools and beyond. Her ongoing research aims to refine these strategies to ensure they work well in different settings.

For anyone looking to understand how our beliefs can impact our actions and achievements, Dweck’s book is a must-read. It not only offers insights into how we think but also provides practical advice on fostering a mindset that embraces challenges and learning.

You can of course, also listen to the book on Audible.

Disclosure: The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.