We usually hear that intelligence and talent are the factors that determine or solidify success in our lives. But if there is something else that combines all the elements necessary for success beyond these two factors, something that not only shows us our potential but also paves the way for us to realize it in our lives?
Carol Dweck’s (2006) mindset theory presents two different mindset models, showing how people mentally position themselves in their lives. Using the concepts of Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset, Dweck discusses the strengths and weaknesses in individuals’ thought processes and how these are reflected in their behavior, ultimately affecting their success.
What is a Fixed Mindset?
According to Dweck, a fixed mindset means believing that talent and intelligence are innate and cannot be changed. Individuals with a fixed mindset tend to perceive failure as a personal inadequacy. Therefore, instead of learning from their mistakes and improving, they strive to create an artificial, risk-free zone for themselves by avoiding mistakes and failures.
They also tend to be close-minded toward those who offer feedback on their actions, ignoring any potential value they might derive from useful negative feedback. For those with a fixed mindset, others’ success is more of a threat than an inspiration. These individuals do not aim to improve themselves and to learn, but try to portray themselves as sophisticated and knowledgeable. Therefore, they do not prioritize fundamental change and do not make any effort in this regard.
What is a Growth Mindset?
Unlike a fixed mindset, a growth mindset builds talent through effort, perseverance, and learning. Individuals with this mindset learn from their mistakes, discover the requirements of situations, and their own potential. They do not shy away from taking action based on what they’ve learned or on feedback. For them, the success of others is not a threat but rather an example to draw inspiration from. They do not shy away from striving for their own development and change, and moving forward with the process.
Dweck specifically uses the word “yet” for this type of mindset. Where a fixed mindset might say “I’m not good at this,” a growth mindset might say “I’m not yet at the level I want to be at this.” Unlike the deterministic tendencies of a fixed mindset, the impact of free will and effort on an individual’s life is much more pronounced in a growth mindset.
Developing the Mindset Model
Changing and transforming a mindset is possible. It may be difficult, especially for an adult, to change the mindset they’ve been practicing for a long time. However, as a first step, being aware of the need for this change, questioning, and examining actions that have become habits can make the mindset open to development. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in particular, can help individuals develop a “not yet” perspective. This makes individuals with a fixed mindset more open to noticing their small successes alongside their failures, focusing not only on the outcome but also on the process, the effort, and the strategies involved along the way.
Factors Limiting Mindset Change
Of course, realistic lifestyles and circumstances that may make mindset change difficult or even limiting should not be overlooked. Factors such as cultural differences, environmental pressures and conditions, social pressure, and family pressure can also suppress mindset development and reduce its positive impact on an individual. For instance, a study conducted in China indicated that changing a fixed mindset helps students experience lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Still, its effects are more pronounced in students from individualistic cultures than those from collectivistic cultures (Huang et al., 2022).
Conclusion
To conclude, an important factor in success that should not be overlooked is an individual’s mindset. The more a person exhibits a growth mindset, the more comfortable they are with their mistakes, open to growth and learning, ready to overcome obstacles, and therefore more likely to be successful.
REFERENCES
Dweck, C. S., & Leggett, E. L. (1988). A social-cognitive approach to motivation and personality. Psychological Review, 95(2), 256–273. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.95.2.256
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Dweck, C. (2017). Mindset-Updated Edition: Changing the Way You Think to Fulfill Your Potential. Constable & Robinson.
Dweck, C. S., & Yeager, D. S. (2019). Mindsets: A view from two eras. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 14(3), 481–496. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691618804166
Huang, Z., Shi, Y., & Wang, Y. (2022). Does growth mindset benefit mental health in Asia? Evidence from Chinese students. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 16, 183449092211353. https://doi.org/10.1177/18344909221135358