The Little Things
July 18, 2016

I first heard about the book Mindset from a friend who told me that I needed to read it asap. Unfortunately, it took a few months to get it from the library, but a few weeks ago I finally listened to it via audiobook. I loved it, and part way through I knew that I needed to share about it to all of you.

Mindset is written by a Standford University psychologist (Dweck), and shares a wealth of wisdom on how to develop a growth mindset (compared to maintaining a fixed mindset). Amazon says the following: “A fixed mindset is one in which you view your talents and abilities as… well, fixed. In other words, you are who you are, your intelligence and talents are fixed, and your fate is to go through life avoiding challenge and failure. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is one in which you see yourself as fluid, a work in progress. Your fate is one of growth and opportunity. Which mindset do you possess? Dweck provides a checklist to assess yourself and shows how a particular mindset can affect all areas of your life, from business to sports and love. The good news, says Dweck, is that mindsets are not set: at any time, you can learn to use a growth mindset to achieve success and happiness. This is a serious, practical book. Dweck’s overall assertion that rigid thinking benefits no one, least of all yourself, and that a change of mind is always possible, is welcome.” And I agree. The author shares practical advice on how to develop a growth mindset, which leads to a greater success in work, relationships, and life. That’s what we want…. right?

mindset pic

While listening to Mindset there were so many moments I wished I owned my own copy so I could mark it up. Here are a few great bits of wisdom from the book:

“Picture your brain forming new connections as you meet the challenge and learn. Keep on going.”

“Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better? Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them? Why look for friends or partners who will just shore up your self-esteem instead of ones who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek out the tried and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you? 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.”
 
“the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.”
I really enjoyed reading Mindset, and loved all the practical (and scientifically backed!) advice throughout. I’d definitely encourage you to not only read the book, but also consider how you can continue to develop a growth mindset!
Now it’s your turn to share! What do you think causes you to remain in a fixed mindset, instead of “risking it” for the growth mindset? 

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