Carol Dweck’s

Growth Mindset Theory

A Summary

“No matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that
ability and turns it into accomplishments.”

-Carol Dweck

-Group 3-
 This summery discusses what Dweck means by mindset, how having a
"growth mindset" can help you achieve your goals, and how having a "fixed
mindset" might hold you back.

According to Carol Dweck, successful people don't stand out due to their
intelligence, skill, or education but rather their mindset.

People, according to Dweck, have either a fixed or growth mindset, and the one
you opt for can effect every part of your life.

Fixed mindset- The belief that your intelligence, skills, and other
attributes are unchangeable. You think you're born with a certain set of
abilities and that you can't change them.

 Individuals with a fixed mindset

think that one is either naturally
gifted in a certain area or not. As a
result, they put in less effort, give up
more quickly, and disregard helpful
criticism.

Example: If, after two unsuccessful tries at cooking, you declare that "I
can't cook" and never give it another go, you have a fixed mindset.
Growth Mindset- the belief that one's capacities, talents, and
skills can be developed over time.

 People that have a growth

minds e t are always
learning and improving.
They embrace hurdles,
learn from failure, value
constructive criticism, and
learn from the success of
others.

 Students with a growth

mindset are more
motivated in school,
perform better on academic tests, and achieve greater
academic success.

Example: Thomas Edison, a known scientist, has a high level of

intelligence and talent, but he didn't create the light bulb by
himself or even in a single day. He made multiple failed at-
tempts in the process. It required a protracted, gradual process
of curiosity, commitment, and hard work.
Photo From: https://positivepsychology.com/growth-mindset-vs-
fixed-mindset/#examples-growth-mindset
Photo From: https://positivepsychology.com/growth-mindset-vs-
fixed-mindset/#examples-growth-mindset
Sources:
Woodsum, C. Mindset Book Summary (PDF) by Carol
Dweck. Personal DevelopmentPsychology. 2021. https://
twominutebooks.com/mindset/

Dweck, C. Mindset: The new psychology of success. 2020.

New York, NY: Ballantine Books.

Mind Tools Content Team.. Dweck's Fixed and Growth

Mindsets. 2023. https://www.mindtools.com/asbakxx/
dwecks-fixed-and-growth-mindsets