MINDSET
The Importance of Mindset
Why is it that some people seem to shine in any sphere in which they choose to exert themselves, and others cannot manage even a glimmer despite obvious talent?
Research shows that it’s the way that they think about their ability that really counts.
Most of those who have achieved greatness, to use Shakespeare’s phrase, have worked extremely hard to get there. Many
were told that they would never amount to anything. But they believed that they could achieve, and worked hard to do so.
Fixed or Growth Mindset?
There are two ways to view intelligence or ability:
Ability it is fixed or ingrained – in other words, we are born with a certain level of ability and we cannot change that. This is called a fixed mindset.
We can develop our ability through hard work and effort.
This is called a growth mindset.
These two different beliefs lead to different behaviour, and also to different results. For example, students with a growth mindset were shown to increase their grades over time. Those who believed that their intelligence was ingrained did not; in fact, their grades got worse.
Mindset in Practice
In people with a fixed mindset, the brain is most active when they are being given information about how well they have done, for example, test results or grades.
In people with a growth mindset, the brain is
most active when they are being told what they could do to improve.
It’s a very different approach: from ‘How did I do?’ to ‘What can I do better next time?’
BOOKS TO READ
As a Man Thinketh - James Allen
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
The Magic of Thinking Big - David J. Schwartz
The Power of Positive Thinking - Norman Vincent Peale
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living - Dale Carnegie
Acres of Diamonds - Russell H. Conwell
Psycho-Cybernetics - Maxwell Maltz
The Master-Key to Riches - Napoleon Hill
The Four Agreements - Miguel Ruiz
Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude - Napoleon Hill
The Master Key System - Charles F. Haanel
Illusions - Richard Bach
You Can Heal Your Life - Louise L. Hay
The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch
The Success Principles - Jack Canfield
Awaken the Giant Within - Anthony Robbins
