Growth Mindset

I finally finished Mindset by Carol S Dweck Ph.D. I read it because I’ve heard a lot about the “growth mindset” in company cultures, job descriptions, etc. without really knowing what it was. Also, it was recommended by the Sales Impact Academy (really good sales training btw).  

Before I read it, I thought I had more of a growth mindset over a fixed mindset because I like to learn and read, I'm open to new ideas, etc.   

Well, let’s just say I was wrong about what a growth mindset is. One of the most convicting lines was, “Nothing is harder to say, than ‘I gave it my all and it wasn’t good enough.’” Gut punch...who else can relate?  

As Dr. Dweck states, “A growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies and help from others.”  

Knowing is half the battle. What’s next? 

A few takeaways for me and maybe they will help you as well. Also, I look forward to hearing from others regarding what they do to try to keep a growth mindset.  

• It’s not a short term diet, but a lifestyle. She gives the diet example in the book. If working on a growth mindset is treated like a diet, the fixed mindset will rebound stronger. There will be lapses, but stay the course!
• With my kids, encourage their effort, not their natural ability. Dr. Dweck goes into a much better explanation about this. The short story is if you tell a kid over and over again, they are smart, athletic, etc. and something challenges that (i.e. new math concept or competing against somebody “better” than them) they tend to quit and/or get really discouraged.  Greatness isn’t talent only; it is effort and a growth mindset.  Praise the effort over the natural ability. Sadly, as the book notes, our society – for the most part – praises natural ability over effort.  
• Value what you’re doing regardless of the outcome. For fixed mindset, the destination is the most important thing; not the journey. Even in “failure” a growth mindset will find value in the process and see it as a way to improve.  

There is more to take away from the book and I encourage everyone to read it. One last truth – all people are capable of growth and change and we (I) need to make sure we treat each other that way in word and action.