What do you do when you hit a brick wall and can’t get around something? In her book Mindset, The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck was curious. How do people deal with failure? What happens when you hit a brick wall? She studied, gave some young students challenging puzzles, then sat back and watched. So the study in her book, “Mindset,” will completely change your life.
Have you been thinking about reading Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck? Want to know a little more before buying a copy for yourself? Check out my review. I’m going to talk to you about mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. You’ve probably heard about the concept of the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset. It’s been talked about in thousands of publications and hundreds of books. Mindset book is the source, and I consider it a must-read for all traders. The concepts of the book are pure gold.
The mindset book is a viral topic in the personal development world. However, I was drawn to this book because of the sublime that changes how you think it could help you fulfill your potential. I am all about helping people to fulfill their potential. So I want to understand that covers work better at the beginning. Carol Dweck has presented some interesting and informative ideas that this book is worth reading.
About Author
Carol Dweck is quoted in so many different books. She’s a Ph.D. and one of the leading researchers in the field of motivation. Also, She’s a professor of psychology at Stanford University. There are so many media and tv channels that often talk about her. She’s lectured worldwide and written for The New York Times, The New Yorker, Time magazine, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe, among many others.
Mindset Book Summary
The book talks about two different types of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. A fixed mindset revolves around people thinking they have a certain ability level, whether in sports, arts, or academics. That level judges them, and they are to sit there forever. It also means that their whole world revolves around proving their success to others. In contrast, the growth mindset is all about stretching yourself.
People with a growth mindset believe that wherever you start in life isn’t where you have to end up as long as you’re willing to work. Also, they are much more likely to put themselves forward and try new things. From the beginning, the author wants to be clear that no one is entirely a growth or fixed mindset.
The point is that most people are somewhere along the scale, depending on the situation. You might be more likely to have a growth mindset in one area and more like to have a fixed mindset and the other. So don’t start having a panic attack if you’re already thinking about a fixed mindset in some area.
In the book’s opening section, Carol talks to us about what a fixed mindset is, what a growth mindset is, and the implications for you. The idea of failure is assumed in your mind, dependent on your growth or fixed mindset. Failure is seen differently by those with growth and fixed mindsets.
So if you have a fixed mindset, you will likely see yourself as a failure and feel judged if you fail. If you have a growth mindset, you see failure as something that happens, and you see that you failed.
However, through the book, why talk about different topics? The hope is that you might realize what areas or triggers will occur. You have this fixed mindset now. Wouldn’t you understand those areas? She then forces that process to try and help you turn this and slowly develop a growth mindset.
Book Specification
Author: Carol S. Dweck
Average Review: (4/5, on Goodreads)
Bestsellers rank: 355
Category: Psychology & Counseling, Personal Finance, Self-help, Motivation, Business
Total pages: 320
Publication date: December 26, 2007
Book dimensions: 5.14 x 0.64 x 7.91 inches
Available: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback
Mindset Book Review
We have massive consequences. One of the things that we’re trying to highlight is the idea that we need to separate failure from our identity. Like you are not a success, and you are not a failure. We are all working, moving, developing, and learning.
As you move further into the book, the cover applies the fixed and growth mindsets to different areas of life. So one of them is looking at specific abilities and accomplishments in this section.
- The author talks about prodigies from a young age and how being labeled is from a young age. We stifle their ability to move forward.
If, as a child, you believe that you are great at something and everyone loves you because you’re great, you will not want to push yourself and fail. So you will try to sit within your realm where you’re comfortable. You will miss out on all the opportunities as you grow up when you’re young. Carol Dweck also talks about how people learn to pass tests rather than acquire knowledge.
Chapter: Inside the Mindsets
We will talk about the two different mindsets Carol puts forward here. The first is the fixed mindset, which she describes as believing that your qualities are carved in stone.
- The fixed mindset creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over.
So if you need to prove yourself in business or any of your relationships. You might be in a fixed mindset, which you’ll want to look at.
If you have only a certain amount of intelligence, personality, and moral character, you better prove that you have a healthy dose of them. So all those things, intelligence, personality, moral character, if they’re set in stone, you have to prove how high level yours is. If it makes sense that you have to have a healthy dose of them, they won’t look or feel deficient in those most basic characteristics.
Next, we’ll talk about the growth mindset. The growth mindset is based on the belief that your essential qualities are things that you can cultivate through effort. Although people may differ in everything, in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, and temperaments, everyone can change and grow through application and experience. You can see how the growth mindset will lead to more success because even if you fail the first time, you’re okay to go back again until you get better.
- Carol is talking about this core tenet of the book, this fixed mindset versus growth mindset, and all that separates those two things is one belief.
Do you believe that we’re able to grow or that we’re able to get better over time? Or do you believe we’re fixed and stuck with the qualities we’re born with? It is one belief, and that’s the real core tenet of the book. She explains what a Fixed mindset is and what a growth mindset is. So, there are a few common characteristics among each group.
Chapter: Sports (The Mindset of Champion)
Another area where the mindsets are applied is champions and specifically sports champions. This section talks about McEnroe, who was known for thinking. He was the best, and if anything failed, he blamed other people.
He had a fixed mindset, and his whole identity was surrounded by being a winner. He didn’t know how to cope with it when he didn’t win. He saw himself as a failure and therefore blamed everyone else. That is then compared with the excellent Michael Jordan.
- In another world, failure is about not growing, not reaching things of value, and not reaching for things you value.
It means you’re not fulfilling your potential. So that’s another mindset shift that you can make. Failure means you’re not smart or talented. So how many of us think like that? I would bet quite a few of us!
You wouldn’t need effort if you were a true success, intelligent and talented. The effort is what makes you smart or talented. You have a choice; mindsets are powerful beliefs, but they’re something in your mind, and you can change your mind.
Chapter: Business (Mindset and Leadership)
Another area where mindsets come to play in business and cable talks about two different cultures, generally from the boss, leadership, or senior management team. So you can have a culture of geniuses. It would typically mean that everyone within that company will want to be an expert, and they’re going to have a fixed mindset.
People with a culture of geniuses have people from elite universities with specific qualifications. They believe they will be in all the people with the best talent, making them the best company. But what that means for an individual working within the organization is that you will not want to take risks.
You make a mistake. You’ll try and hide it because you won’t want anyone else to know. In contrast to this, there is a culture of development. It usually is where a company has a culture of a growth mindset. This company knows the person who walks in their door will not be the same as who leaves.
The world is changing. What they need to do is hire people who are motivated, who are driven, and who are willing to admit failure. Women, the people eager to try, try and learn, not only look at how having a fit and growth mindset affects them more professionally.
Chapter: Relationships (Mindsets in Love)
The author looks at it personally and examines how mindset works in relationships. People with a fixed mindset are more likely to look for that instantaneous love that hits you immediately. But the problem comes when that starts to break down. They will begin to judge their behalf. They have a fixed mindset about people’s capabilities and people changing.
If that relationship breaks down, they are more likely to feel judged and like a failure. In contrast, those with a growth mindset are much more likely to see a relationship as a two-way process, conversation, discussion, and something that changes over time.
Chapter: Parents, teachers, and Coaches
One of the final chapters looks at the roles of parents, teachers, and coaches. It talks about the idea of praise and how we encourage people to get the best out of themselves. Now, one of the things she criticizes is people who praise people for achieving things. If you focus on praising people for being great, developing a fixed mindset is easy.
Instead, praise should focus on the effort people have put into it and the work people are putting into it. Suppose you are going to praise the normal outcome. Try to consider how you can reassure someone that everything they’ve done to build up to that point is as valuable as the outcome.
Chapter: Changing Mindsets (A workshop)
People may differ in their initial talents, aptitudes, interest, and temperaments. But everyone can change and grow through application and experience. Does that mean that everyone can be an Einstein or fun? Of course not. But with the growth mindset, people believe that once true potential is unknown, it is impossible to foresee what can be accomplished with years of passion, learning, and training.
Let’s dig a little deeper into how your mindset controls your life. Your mindset dictates your relationship with success and failure, which plays a huge role in your career development in a fixed mindset. World success is proving to yourself and your waters that you are smart and talented.
Success is determined by learning and improving. It’s all about stretching yourself. If you didn’t win but left it all on the field or if the loss helped you learn something new. It is a success to spend your time and effort on always evolving, learning, and honing down your skills instead of proving that you’re already the best.
Do you think your intelligence is something basic about you that you cannot change very much? You can try to do things differently. But significant parts of who you are cannot be changed if you agree with the statement. It is fixed mindset thinking. Do you believe that no matter how intelligent you are right now, you can always change it and change the law?
If you agree with the statement, you can influence and change the basic things that currently make you who you are. It is a growth mindset. Suppose you happen to be in the growth category, awesome. You’re already on your way to success. If you’re heavily leaning towards fixed, things are not doomed yet. So let’s talk about adopting a more productive outlook on life.
Try to figure out what is the source
What is the initial source? Where is this mindset currently coming from? As the book discusses itself, it’s not like you were born with you were not born a fixed mindset person. It could be a parent, caregiver, sibling, or teacher who hears many different people who’ve influenced your life. If you behave this way, you will get our approval or give it yourself. It could be the same parent, teacher, or sibling who didn’t give it to you, but they were that way themselves.
Self-awareness
It’s all about self-awareness, catching yourself. When something good or bad happens, catching yourself off what in your conversation, what’s going on up here? What are the questions? If something bad happens to you, what are you saying to yourself? Or are you saying to yourself, what is this teaching?
- The lesson that I can learn once you’re aware of this, once you’re aware of the conversations going on, can take little steps towards improvement.
A significant note to be made is patience. Your mindset is not something you’re criminalized. It is not something that you develop overnight. It took years, if not decades, to become who you are. So chances are it will take you a long time to become better. You can go to school or online and take a class in the growth mindset.
So the mindset that drives your life will allow you to achieve your goals, but it will also allow you to enjoy it. Give this gift to yourself, try to improve your mindset, and the results blow you away.
Recommendation
Now the question is – Is Mindset book worth reading? Yes, it’s worth reading for several reasons:
Research-based insights: The book presents well-researched and evidence-based concepts. So you can apply it in your life.
Broad applicability: You can use the principles for personal growth, relationships, parenting, education, sports, and professional settings.
Self-improvement: Reading the book can help individuals identify their mindset and understand how it impacts their life. This self-awareness can lead to positive changes and personal growth.
Personal and professional development: The book’s concepts help readers develop a growth mindset, increasing motivation, resilience, and a greater capacity to overcome challenges.
Impact on children and students: The book provides valuable insights for parents and educators, enabling them to foster a growth mindset in children and promote their love for learning.
Some people think that they can’t draw. They’re not very good artists, and they’re not very creative. That is a fixed mindset idea. If you have a growth mindset, you can improve it by working and putting in the effort. This box goes into the studies they carried out with the mindsets and how it affects people’s lives, businesses, and ultimately what they achieve.
One of the biggest takeaways from this book is combining a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. It’s not a case of you being one or the other throughout your life. They do change and move around depending on what you’re doing. For example, when doing some of their studies, they would put some people in a fixed mindset, putting others into a growth mindset. Then they would see how they fared with the challenges ahead.
Now, that is one of the biggest takeaways for me. When I was reading the first bit of the book, there were times when I was in a growth mindset. I was getting a little bit confused about it. But then I realize that we are a mixture of both of them. The key is understanding which mindset we have in play at the time, and then we can respond and react accordingly.
This book looks at the mindset across a whole array of different life experiences. So it looks at mindset in terms of accomplishment at school and mindsets within the sport, business, relationships, parents, and teachers. One of the most valuable sections I found in this book was a few minor cases where she proposes a dilemma at the end. Then, the response to it is either a fixed or a growth mindset response and how they differ in different outcomes.
Personal Review
This book helps you respond to it better. In them, dilemmas help outline that beautifully. When I was reading this book, one of the things I would mark it down for was the ideas.
The author surprises me with the four steps journey to a true mindset. So it was an excellent way to finish off the book. She went through all the research, her studies in a different life, business, relationships, etc. Then at the end, in the Changing Mindset section, you can follow a friendly four-step process to help improve your mindset and pull yourself away from that fixed mindset into the growth mindset.
Personal rating – 4.6/5
This is a great read, and I would say it is essential if you are a parent or teacher. I will love to get your thoughts if you have read this book. Please leave me a comment below. Let me know why you gave the book that scores at the moment. It is my opinion review, so that I would love your thoughts.
10 Main Points From Mindset Book
- Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Dweck identifies two types of mindsets: Fixed, where individuals believe their abilities are unchangeable. For growth, where they think they can improve through effort and learning.
- Importance of Mindset: Our mindset can significantly influence our motivation, achievements, and personal satisfaction.
- Impact on Learning: A growth mindset encourages a love of learning, making challenges and setbacks opportunities for growth. In contrast, a fixed mindset can limit progress.
- Overcoming Failure: A growth mindset enables individuals to see failure as a chance to learn and develop rather than a defining moment that proves their limitations.
- Effort is Key: The growth mindset acknowledges that effort is essential for improvement and mastery, while the fixed mindset downplays its importance.
- Feedback and Criticism: Individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to seek and apply constructive feedback, using it to improve themselves.
- Success in Education: Teachers and parents can foster a growth mindset in children, leading to higher achievement and a greater love for learning.
- Mindset in Relationships: A growth mindset can positively influence our relationships, enabling us to work through conflicts and nurture stronger connections.
- Mindset in Business and Sports: A growth mindset can help individuals excel in their careers and athletic pursuits. They believe in their potential to improve and overcome obstacles.
- Changing Your Mindset: Developing a growth mindset is possible through self-awareness, intentional practice, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Final Words
When you enter a mindset, you enter a new world in one world of fixed traits. Successes are proving you’re smart or talented. The world of changing qualities is about stretching yourself to learn something new and developing yourself.
You need to be learning from all of your experiences. All the times that you’re not successful at anything. That’s the actual win. The way that you can do this, you can try this. Think of it, the last time you failed at something and did a post-mortem. Write an autopsy on your thoughts at that point. What were you thinking?
Don’t fail and resolve to try. Try again. That’s self-punishment. Again, it’s a fixed mindset. Even if you’re willing to try again and again, you’re almost putting it up to luck. I will succeed one of these times, but instead, you want to make your failures worth something by looking at them objectively.
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