Activity (Growth Mindset)
Growth Mindset
Growth mindset is the belief that with practice, perseverance, and effort, people have limitless potential to learn and grow. A fixed mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that we are born with a fixed amount of intelligence and ability.
In Other Words – Phrases for Growth Mindset by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley
Fixed Mindset |
Growth Mindset |
| Belief that ability and talent are fixed or limited; that one will likely not significantly improve in an area if one does not demonstrate natural talent in that area. | Belief that success is a direct result of effort put forth, rather than one’s natural ability or talent. |
| Tendency to avoid challenges in order to avoid failure or appearing incompetent. | Tendency to approach challenges without fear of failure. |
| Tendency to give up after encountering an obstacle. | Willingness to try a new strategy when hitting an obstacle. |
| Tendency to blame others or underlying circumstances for failure. | Tendency to view failures and mistakes as stepping stones to more successful outcomes. |
| Rarely identifies lack of effort as the cause of failure. | Ability to readily identify the link between effort and achievement. |
| Tendency to shut down in the face of mistakes. | Tendency to be energized by failure as an opportunity to grow and overcome a problem. |
| Views mistakes as an embarrassment, not a learning opportunity. | Demonstrates understanding that mistakes are a part of the learning process. |
| Tendency to view feedback as criticism and/or a personal attack. | Tendency to seek feedback as a necessary ingredient for growth. |
In Other Words – Phrases for Growth Mindset by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley