Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

"This reads like a traditional American self help book, with all the irritation and amusement that brings (I skipped the chapter on American sporting stars because as a European I'm unfamiliar with them; and I doubt how vignettes about very successful people help an ordinary person). But underlying it is a very important concept about how we think about ourselves and how that affects what we do and our performance. The implications for parents, teachers, managers and anyone concerned to maximise their potential are significant. It's not a fancy way of talking about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - in fact the author shows it limitations. I'd like to know more about how mindsets come about and link to other psychological theories of personal development and personality. I shall read the author's more academic books now."
~ Written on 2008-07-02

"The basic premise is indeed simple, yet is one of the most important I have come across. It provides a great help into understanding other people motivations and their reactions to challenges, and learning how to help yourself and others (friends, family, coworkers) fullfil your potential. A MUST READ for all parents, employees, managers, or ..., that seek self improvement.

If you care about the research that led to this less-scientific-and-more-practical-oriented-book pick up the author earlier title [Self-theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development (Essays in Social Psychology)]. "
~ Written on 2006-12-22

"That the way we look upon phenomena can have drastic consequences has been known for a long time. It has now been demonstrated that the same goes for intelligence.

This book by Carol Dweck demonstrates, on the basis of good research, that what people think about their own intelligence has far-reaching consequences. Dweck shows that people with a so-called FIXED MINDSET, who see intelligence as unchangeable, develop a tendency to focus on proving that they have that characteristic instead of focusing on the process of learning. They tend to avoid difficult challenges because failing on these could cause them to lose their intelligent appearance. This disregard of challenge and learning hinders them in the development of their learning and in their performance. So it actually hinders them in developing their knowledge, skills and abilities.

However, when people view intelligence as a potential that can be developed, this is called the GROWTH MINDSET, this leads to the tendency to put effort into learning and performing and into developing strategies that enhance learning and long term accomplishments. An implication is that it pays off to help children and students invest in a view of intelligence as something that can be developed. Carol Dweck does not deny that people differ in their natural abilities but she stresses that it is continued effort which makes abilities blossom. Children who have learned to develop a growth mindset know that effort is the main key to creating knowledge and skills.

Fortunately the growth mindset can be taught to people. People who were trapped in a fixed mindset can be freed from it and start building their intelligence. If you are a teacher or a parent you would be wise to take good notice of this message and maybe buy this book. the book contains some good examples of how to help children learn how important it is to work and learn. But really anyone could learn from it. "
~ Written on 2006-10-07

"This book has a simple premise: The world is divided between people who are open to learning and those who are closed to it, and this trait affects everything from your worldview to your interpersonal relationships. Author and psychology professor Carol S. Dweck has scoured research papers and news clippings to extract anecdotes about the pros and cons of both mindsets. Thus, stories about Michael Jordan, Lee Iacocca, John McEnroe, Wilma Rudolph and Babe Ruth, among others, find a place in this book. Dweck addresses the ways that mindsets have an impact on people. She explains that you can have a closed mindset in regard to some traits and an open mindset in regard to others. The thought-provoking insight comes from learning when you need to adjust your mindset to move ahead. The author extends her basic point by viewing all areas of human relationships through the prism of mindset. That is interesting, but we believe that this material would still be useful and illuminating even if it applied only to leadership and management. "
~ Written on 2006-07-19