Podcast Summary:
In today’s episode, we delve deep into the nuances of the “growth mindset”, a concept pioneered by Stanford University psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck.
Those who embrace a growth mindset firmly believe that intelligence and skills can evolve with effort and determination. They view challenges as learning opportunities and failures as mere hurdles to be overcome, not the end of the journey. An emblematic example of this mindset is Thomas Edison, who, after numerous unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb, proclaimed that he had merely discovered multiple ways that didn’t work.
Contrastingly, individuals with a “fixed mindset” view their abilities as unchangeable. For them, failure is a reflection of inherent limitations rather than a result of insufficient effort or approach. Picture two students: one perceives a poor test score as proof of their inadequacy, while the other sees it as motivation to work harder – the former represents a fixed mindset and the latter a growth one.
But another crucial ingredient in the recipe for a winning mindset is “grit.” Coined by Dr. Angela Duckworth, grit is defined as a blend of passion and relentless persistence. A shining illustration of grit is J.K. Rowling, who endured countless rejections and personal hardships before the “Harry Potter” series’ global acclaim but never wavered in her pursuit.
Fortunately, both the growth mindset and grit aren’t innate; they can be cultivated. A simple yet powerful linguistic shift to integrate is the inclusion of the word “yet”, a term that reorients our perspective from current constraints to future potentials.
In conclusion, self-awareness is key. Evaluate whether you lean towards a growth or fixed mindset and introspect on your grit quotient.
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Stay tuned for more insights in the September Reset Series.