Just because some people can do something with little or no training, it doesn't mean that others can't do it (and sometimes do it even better) with training.
Carol S. DweckRead
People often confuse a growth mindset with being flexible or open-minded or with having a positive outlook - qualities they believe they've simply always had. My colleagues and I call this a false growth mindset.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A growth mindset is more than just being positive or flexible; it's a deliberate approach to learning and embracing challenges.
In this quote, Carol S. Dweck highlights the distinction between a genuine growth mindset and what she terms a 'false growth mindset.' She emphasizes that while qualities like flexibility and positivity are admirable, they do not alone equate to a true growth mindset, which involves actively engaging in learning and seeking personal development. People may mistakenly believe they possess a growth mindset simply because they have these traits, but it requires a more intentional commitment to growth and improvement.
Themes
Growth MindsetLearningDevelopmentFlexibilityPositivity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational talk about personal development, I would use this quote to emphasize the importance of true learning and growth.
More from Carol S. Dweck
All quotes →Some students start thinking of their intelligence as something fixed, as carved in stone. They worry about, 'Do I have enough? Don't I have enough?'
Carol S. DweckRead
In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you're not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn't need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.
Carol S. DweckRead
Our message to parents is to focus on the process the child engages in, such as trying hard or focusing on the task - what specific things they're doing rather than, 'You're so smart. You're so good at this.' Although it's never too late to change, what you do early matters.
Carol S. DweckRead
Picture your brain forming new connections as you meet the challenge and learn. Keep on going.
Carol S. DweckRead
I loved everything. I loved sciences and I loved humanities. But ultimately, I felt that in the humanities, you know, you're writing about things that already exist. But in the sciences, you're discovering things that no one has known before. Ultimately I chose psychology because it seemed to combine science with things that I liked to think about.
Carol S. DweckRead
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