Benefits of Changing from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset
Many people do not understand the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Most people believe that intelligence is innate and fixed. Believing that intelligence is natural and can neither be increased nor reduced is defined as a fixed mindset. On the other hand, some people believe that intelligence can be acquired through learning. People who believe that intelligence has the potential to be acquired and increased through learning have a growth mindset. People with a growth mindset do not fear challenges because they see challenges as an opportunity to know the unknown. On the other hand, people with a fixed mindset fear challenges because they pose a threat to their intelligence. Changing one’s perception from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is beneficial because of the changes that occur in all areas of life. People with a growth mindset have more confidence, and they have an optimistic perception of life and, they sharpen their problem-solving tactics.
A growth mindset boosts confidence. As stated earlier, people with a fixed mindset fear challenges because they pose a threat to their intelligence. According to Dweck, a fixed mindset makes challenges threatening for students because they believe that their fixed ability may not be up to the task (2). Therefore, when such students are faced with a problem exceeding their intelligence, they develop poor self-esteem. For instance, when a child is used to being praised for their mastery of math when such a child encounters a problem they cannot handle, they start doubting their intelligence. As a result, such a child develops poor self-esteem because they believe that their intelligence is inefficient. On the other hand, people with a growth mindset perceive challenges as an opportunity to learn. When one develops a growth mindset, they fixate of enriching their intelligence by learning. A challenge is not a threat, rather, an opportunity to increase intelligence. “Challenges are energizing rather than intimidating; they offer opportunities to learn” (Dweck, 4). For instance, a child encounters a hard math equation; however, instead of giving up, the child tries several formulas until they solve the equation. Solving a hard math equation boosts the confidence of such a child. Therefore, developing a growth mindset builds the determination of a person as they continue tackling more challenges. Such confidence can also be translated into real-life situations where a person develops problem-solving skills applicable to real-life problems.
A growth mindset leads to a positive attitude towards life. Most behavioral patterns get established at an early stage. Therefore, most people develop their perception of life in their childhood. When a child develops a fixed mindset, they believe that their intelligence is fixed, and therefore when a challenge exceeds their intelligence, they feel like failures. According to Dweck, mistakes and failures demoralize students with fixed mindsets because they believe that setbacks reflect poorly on their level of fixed intelligence (2). When a child develops a fear of failure, they form a negative attitude towards life as well. Such a person begins to doubt their ability and lose interest in most activities. However, when a child develops a growth mindset, they perceive life positively because they understand that there is always space for improvement. As Dweck states, when a student with a growth mindset gets confronted by setbacks such as disappointing school grades, they study harder using a different strategy to overcome the setback (5). Such a person develops an optimistic attitude and is always looking forward to overcoming challenges. Ideally, people with growth mindsets rarely develop depression because they believe in facing and overcoming challenges.
A growth mindset sharpens problem-solving skills. As “The secret to raising smart kids” begins, Dweck gives an example of Jonathan, a brilliant student who got praised for his brilliance. Due to constant praises, Jonathan developed a fixed mindset where he believed that intelligence was innate and could not be nourished or expanded. Consequently, Jonathan gradually lost interest in school work because some school work required too much effort. People with a fixed mindset believe that effort proves limited intelligence. Therefore, such people do not see the need to exert effort or learn new ways of tackling problems. As a result, people with fixed mindsets lose confidence when the work is not easy, dismissing the chances of becoming better. People with growth minds, however, sharpen their problem-solving skills with every challenge they tackle. When a person with a growth mindset gets a challenge, they retrace their steps to find where a mistake occurred and solve the problem again. Dweck gives an example of a fifth-grade student who advised himself to slow down and figure out the problem (4). Such people learn new tactics that can be employed in a predicament. With every challenge they face, people with a growth mindset sharpen their problem-solving skills.
In conclusion, a growth mindset is more beneficial than a fixed mindset. People with growth mindsets do not fixate on their failures as they are continually looking for ways to overcome challenges. People with fixed mindsets, on the other hand, feel like failures when they face challenges. Intelligence is not innate, and although some people appear more intelligent than others, putting more effort and seeking knowledge can enhance intelligence. Children should be encouraged to face challenges and nourish their intelligence and confidence.
Works Cited
Dweck, Carol S. “Brainology: Transforming students’ motivation to learn.” Independent School 67.2 (2008): 110-119.
Dweck, Carol S. “The secret to raising smart kids.” Scientific American Mind 18.6 (2007): 36-43.