Fixed vs Growth Mindset

 I just read a great book entitled Mindset by Carol Dweck, who does an excellent job of describing the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth one. She explains that it isnt merely about our abilities and talent that bring us success on how we can learn to fulfill our potential, but more in the attitude and mindset. There is both a business and personal relevance to this (ie with kids why praising their intelligence and ability doesnt necessarily develop self-esteem and lead to accomplishment, but could endanger being successful). 

The premise is based on intelligence where it is static with a fixed mindset and it is always being developed in a growth one. The highlights are that a fixed mentality leads to a desire to look smart and therefore a tendency to:

--avoid challenges

--get defensive or give up easily

--see effort as fruitless or worse

--ignore useful negative feedback

--feel threatened by the success of others

So as a result one may plateau early and achieve less then their full potential, while a growth mindset leads to a desire to learn and therefore a tendency to:

--embrace challenges

--persist in the face of setbacks

--see effort at the path to mastery

--learn from criticism

--find lessons and inspiration in the success of others

So as a result, one can reach ever-higher levels of achievement.

Check it out. I know this is one, ill try to read every year and many Memphians could benefit from too!