Review of "Mindset"

I am currently reading a fascinating book called Mindset. It was written by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D, a leading researcher in the fields of social and developmental psychology. The book’s main thesis is that a person’s “mindset” (the way he or she views him or herself) plays a deep, fundamental role in how that person approaches life and its inherent challenges. People with “fixed” mindsets view their abilities as innate and immutable, and their successes (or failures) as derivatives thereof. They tend to focus on areas of strength, and avoid areas in which they are not already strong. This makes sense, as successes reassure them that they are good and capable, while falling short makes them feel as failures. On the other hand, people with “growth” mindsets believe that their skills and abilities can be improved through their own efforts. These people actively seek out challenges, thrive upon them, and expand their abilities. To them, failures are not permanent – they are chances to grow. It should come as no surprise that people with growth mindsets are far more successful in almost every aspect of life. The wonderful thing is that fixed mindset people, in the right environment and with the right encouragement, can change their mindset and reap the benefits.

Dr. Dweck’s findings confirm what we as educators have believed for many years: That effort is the key to success. Although we are all born with unique talents and abilities, our progress as human beings is far more dependent on hard work, perseverance, and inner resiliency in the face of challenges. In fact, as parents, focusing on and praising our children over their achievements can actually be damaging to them – for what happens when our children can’t achieve to the level of our hopes or expectations? They become fragile and anxious as the work gets harder, and come to see each assignment as a referendum on their worth. Fixed mindset children avoid seeking out challenges and confronting their weaknesses, with the predictable result that their growth and development are stunted. It is far healthier and more productive to praise over the effort that your child puts into his or her work, because that is an area over which they have control. The positive long-term personality traits of optimism, determination, self-efficacy, and earned self-esteem are the results.

I welcome your thoughts and reactions to this book and its review!