Because they believe that they can increase their potential, they seek out new opportunities to challenge themselves–even if that means risking some small failures along the way. In fact, those with a growth mindset often don’t see failure as anything other than another problem to be solved: “...it doesn’t define you. It’s a problem to be faced, dealt with, and learned from.” As an example of how the different mindsets encounter challenge, Dweck gives the following anecdote from her early research in this TED Talk : I wanted to see how children coped with challenge and difficulty, so I gave 10-year-olds problems that were slightly too hard for them. Some of them reacted in a shockingly positive way. They said things like, “I love a challenge,” or, “You know, I was hoping this would be informative.” They understood that their abilities could be developed. They had what I call a growth mindset. But other students felt it was tragic, catastrophic. From their more fixed mindset perspective, their intelligence had been up for judgment and they failed. The students with the growth mindset saw the challenge as an opportunity. So how do you foster this growth mindset in yourself and others? You can actually do so through small shifts in your mindset. Find the opportunity in the obstacle. Embrace challenges with a learning mindset. Be mindful of your self-talk around setbacks and constructive criticism. In other words, find small ways to foster your growth mindset!
Motivational Quote: The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that
allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives. – Carol Dweck , from Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
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