Mindset:
The New Psychology of Success explores two different mindsets (a
fixed and a growing mindset) in the context of specific situations. A fixed
mindset is one that is more closed off, while a growth mindset is much more open minded to change and to receive
criticism individually and in relationships. In the book, it emphasizes that
there are steps that one can do in order to change into having a growth
mindset; this includes education, cognitive therapy, and self-awareness— all of
which help transform judgement into opportunity in order to improve.
Throughout
the book, I felt as if the fixed mindset was describing who I was in the past.
This fixed mindset of constantly feeling as if my traits can’t be changed is
something I have been trying to improve as I grow. As an entrepreneur, being able to
learn and grow, I believe, is one of the most important qualities to succeed. Adaptation
is everything, so naturally having a growth mindset is extremely important. I
wish to change more and more into this mindset over time.
This
was an interesting question to think about. If I had to design an exercise for
this class, it would ask each student: do you have a fixed mindset or a growth
mindset? Are you content with this mindset? If you believe to have both or you
wish to change, which one would you rather have and how do you plan to do so?
My biggest “aha” moment was the portion about aptitude
tests, which is explained to be when a person with a fixed mindset fails a
test, they view this failure for the rest of their lives.This was a realization
of many deep rooted problems that have come to light. One way that I can relate
to this is, I always had science teachers that made me feel as if I didn’t
learn concepts fast enough. If I had a growth mindset, I would’ve thought of this
as an opportunity to learn and understand the concepts. But instead, I decided
that I want nothing to do with science and chose not to learn it. All in all, I
enjoyed reading this book immensely. As someone going through a spiritual journey,
it is interesting to see a different, yet similar psychological view on changing
my own thoughts to become more positive.
Hey Ariel,
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool concept to read about. It must have been helpful to gain insight on a growth mindset so you can further develop yours. I like that you were able to recognize your past fixed mindset - that in itself demonstrates growth. I really enjoyed your last paragraph! Explaining that a person with a fixed mindset sees a failed test as a failure forever, as opposed to someone with a growth mindset who sees it as an opportunity to learn.