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LIfelong Growth: Unlocking the Power of a Growth Mindset

2025-05-17 21:05 | Commuter Picks | 1 Comment

### Introduction

Hey there, I'm Chen Zhang Yu. Today I will be helping you unpack the book "LIfelong Growth: Unlocking the Power of a Growth Mindset."

This book is all about the concept of a "growth mindset." It's a simple yet powerful idea: human abilities can be developed and strengthened over time. The differences in mindset, rather than just IQ or EQ, are what truly set people apart in life. The term "growth mindset" is nothing new to you, I'm sure. But Carol Dweck, the author of this book and a psychology professor at Stanford University, is the pioneer who first introduced this concept. Dweck has made significant contributions to the fields of motivation, personality, and developmental psychology. Her research has been widely recognized and awarded. In 2000, after conducting extensive studies on thousands of students, she published her work "Mindset," which was translated into Chinese as "The Meaning of Effort," and first introduced the concept of a "growth mindset." In 2007, "LIfelong Growth" was first published. Ten years later, the Chinese version hit the shelves. It was also in the same year that Dweck was awarded the Yidan Prize, the world's largest education prize, for her groundbreaking research on the "growth mindset."

What makes this concept so influential that it continues to be widely discussed over two decades later? This book provides the answers. Everyone knows that a "growth mindset" is better, yet we often unconsciously fall into a "fixed mindset." Why is this mindset so deeply ingrained in our brains that we are reluctant to let it go? This book can also provide the answers. Moreover, "LIfelong Growth" offers methods for transforming one's mindset. Bill Gates once praised this book, saying, "Dweck's approach shows that by gaining a deep understanding of the growth mindset, you can completely change your thoughts and life." Today, I want to use this book as a basis to discuss the "growth mindset" with you.

### Two Questions to Ponder

Before diving into the book, I'd like to ask you two questions. Imagine there are two college students. One studies very hard, staying up late every day, while the other rarely attends classes and only starts reviewing a few days before exams. In the end, their grades are similar. Which one do you think is more capable? Please remember your initial reaction.

Here's the second question: If you have children, how do you usually praise them? Do you compliment their intelligence and high IQ, or do you praise their strategies and efforts? Again, remember your first response.

Now, with these answers in mind, let's delve into the book.

### Part One: Understanding the Two Mindsets

Renowned golfer Ben Hogan had poor coordination as a child, and acclaimed photography artist Cindy Sherman failed her first photography course. Why is it that some individuals can fully realize their potential and achieve success, while others, despite being intelligent from a young age, waste their potential?

Dweck was curious about this and conducted research spanning thirty years, involving thousands of students from preschool to university, across different regions and ethnicities.

In the early stages of her research, Dweck observed that students displayed two distinct reactions to failure. Some students became helpless and started self-deprecating when faced with difficulties, claiming they lacked intelligence, weren't smart enough, or had poor memory. On the other hand, some students remained optimistic and diligent, even becoming more focused on their tasks. What caused such a stark difference in their responses? Was it a matter of innate disposition? Dweck's research revealed that this divergence stemmed from differing goals. Were they aiming to avoid failure and maintain a smart image, or were they genuinely seeking to learn? Further investigation led Dweck to discover that this difference in goals was related to one's perception of intelligence. She identified two theories about intelligence: "entity theory" and "incremental theory." Entity theory posits that intelligence is a fixed entity, while incremental theory views intelligence as a dynamic and malleable trait. These two theories later evolved into the more familiar "fixed mindset" and "growth mindset."

Brainwave imaging also confirmed the distinctions between individuals with different mindsets. Dweck invited people with both mindsets into a brainwave laboratory, presented them with difficult questions, and then informed them whether their answers were correct or incorrect, as well as where their mistakes lay. The results showed that individuals with a growth mindset were highly focused when listening to the answers. They paid close attention to information that could aid their learning. When they learned why they had answered incorrectly, their brains became highly active, rapidly analyzing their mistakes and learning from them. In contrast, individuals with a fixed mindset were more concerned with their ranking among participants and how many people they outperformed. When it came to information about why they were wrong and what the correct answers were, the instruments revealed that their brains showed minimal activity.

These two distinct mindsets may seem like mere differing viewpoints, but they shape different beliefs, behaviors, and life trajectories.

Individuals with a fixed mindset fear challenging difficulties. They worry about appearing "not smart enough" or being seen as inadequate. For them, failure is not just an action but an identity. It's not simply "I failed," but rather "I am a failure." Challenges are dangerous because they risk exposing their shortcomings and making them feel like failures. Dweck believes that the fixed mindset is deeply ingrained in our minds. On one hand, it is simple and straightforward. Our minds have a tendency toward simplicity, and fixed notions are easier to grasp than change. This is also why stereotypes are a classic manifestation of a fixed mindset. On the other hand, a fixed mindset provides comfort and security, aligning with human instincts. Trying and striving are high-risk endeavors. Individuals with a fixed mindset avoid challenges. Dweck argues that this is because they fear becoming failures and appearing incompetent. Even when they achieve success, they must continue to maintain it, which can be stressful. Being a winner comes with its own pressures. It might be simpler to be an average person who can wallow in self-pity. Whether it's about preserving a smart image or settling into a safe and comfortable mediocrity, the fixed mindset aligns with our instincts. This is why Dweck states that everyone possesses elements of a fixed mindset.

In contrast, individuals with a growth mindset do not perceive difficulties as challenges to their intelligence or as a means to stay within their comfort zones. They believe their abilities can be continuously developed, viewing challenges as opportunities for self-improvement. They do not negate themselves due to failure but instead see it as a chance to grow. They may not always be brimming with confidence, but even when they know they are not skilled at something, they can wholeheartedly engage and persist.

Compared to those who work hard, we seem to prefer being individuals who achieve effortlessly. When I initially posed the question about which student you consider more capable, you might have subconsciously favored the one who achieves good grades without much studying. Do you tend to praise your child for their efforts or for their intelligence? I suspect that most people lean toward the latter. Have you ever noticed that in your student days, there might have been classmates who studied diligently at home but would claim, "I didn't study at all after class," in order to make their good grades appear effortless? This mindset might stem from a desire to have one's achievements look effortless.

Have you ever wondered why we harbor such thoughts? Does emphasizing the value of effort and the pursuit of gifted children represent two different mindsets? We say, "Opportunity favors the prepared mind" and "The harder you work, the luckier you get," yet we aspire to be "intelligent geniuses" rather than "hardworking individuals." Ultimately, do we hold some misconceptions about ability and achievement?

### Part Two: Challenging Misconceptions

How can we shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset? The book offers insights, and the first step is to challenge our erroneous beliefs. Let's explore the misconceptions about ability and achievement that may not align with reality.

The first misconception concerns human intelligence. Is intelligence truly unchangeable? Some believe success hinges on intelligence and talent, while others argue it stems from differences in background, experiences, education, and learning methods. Interestingly, Alfred Binet, the French psychologist who invented the IQ test, was a staunch advocate of the latter view. We often assume that the IQ test was designed to assess children's stable intelligence levels. However, Binet's intention was to identify children struggling to adapt to school and provide interventions to guide them back on track. He never posited that these children had unchangeable flaws but believed their intelligence could be cultivated through proper education. He once stated that through practice and training, one can enhance attention, memory, and judgment to become smarter than before.

The second misconception revolves around talent and genius. Is talent truly of paramount importance? While it is undeniable that not all children are born with the same aptitude, the definition of "gifted children" in the book "Gifted Children" reveals that their talent is not inherent ability but an insatiable curiosity and drive to explore. These gifted children exhibit an almost obsessive interest in certain areas from a young age and pursue it with unwavering determination, ultimately achieving remarkable accomplishments.

Take the case of Muhammad Ali. Before becoming the heavyweight champion, Ali did not meet the standard physical measurements for a high-quality boxer. His fist size, arm length, chest circumference, and weight did not align with the typical criteria for a top-notch boxer. His punching technique was even deemed amateurish. However, Ali's strength lay elsewhere. He studied his opponents, learned their fighting styles, and even read all interviews with them and spoke to those around them. He meticulously analyzed the information he gathered to devise strategies to defeat his opponents. Clearly, Ali was not a "natural" boxer, but he achieved success through sheer effort.

Another example is Thomas Edison. When asked to imagine Edison, people often picture him solitary in a laboratory surrounded by instruments. In reality, Edison was not a reclusive figure. During his research on the light bulb, he had 30 assistants, including other trained scientists. The light bulb was not an instantaneous invention but a culmination of multiple innovations. Edison was not a solitary scholar but a shrewd entrepreneur who knew how to charm the media and promote himself. As a child, he was an ordinary boy. His uniqueness lay in his strong curiosity and love for tinkering. While other young men had already been working for a long time, he traveled by train from one city to another, learning telegraphy. Through continuous self-education and invention, he advanced from a telegraph operator to higher positions. His passion for self-improvement and invention never waned.

Terry Sawyer, a renowned dancer and author of "Creative Habit," believes that creativity is not a magical act of inspiration but the result of hard work and dedication. In the film "Amadeus," Mozart is depicted as rapidly composing masterpiece after masterpiece, much to the jealousy of his rival. Sawyer criticized the movie as absurd, stating, "There is no such thing as a 'natural' genius."

Many so-called geniuses were once deemed to have no future by authority figures. An educational researcher studied 120 outstanding individuals across various fields, including pianists, Olympic athletes, world-class tennis players, and mathematicians. Most of them were not exceptional in their childhood and showed no remarkable Talent before receiving serious training. It was their sustained motivation and commitment, coupled with support from others, that propelled them to the top. The notion of "genius" and the so-called "natural talent" exhibited from a young age is, in fact, non-existent. Therefore, do not use excuses like "I lack talent" or "I was born this way" to justify laziness, as this is a subconscious slip into the abyss of a fixed mindset.

### Part Three: Embracing a Growth Mindset

In the book "The Meaning of Effort," Dweck conducted extensive tests on thousands of students and offered numerous suggestions on child education, which remain highly valuable today. A person's mindset is not innate; rather, parental and educational influences during childhood significantly shape its formation. Therefore, let's discuss how to educate children.

Dweck argues that a common misconception in modern educational philosophy is the belief that one should seize every opportunity to lavish praise on children. However, her research indicates that different types of praise can lead to different mindsets in children. What seems to be the most self-esteem-boosting praise, such as "You're so smart" or "You're really good at this," can actually trap children in a fixed mindset. This makes them reluctant to engage in activities that might expose their shortcomings. As a result, when faced with difficulties, they become more helpless and may even resort to lying, such as falsifying grades, to maintain their image of intelligence. In contrast, praise directed at strategies and efforts can foster resilience in children. For instance, saying "You came up with a great approach" or "You achieved it through hard work" helps children develop a growth mindset.

Every word we speak and every action we take sends messages to children about how they should perceive themselves. These messages can either reflect a fixed mindset—implying that their abilities are static and being judged—or a growth mindset—indicating that they are constantly growing and that their development is of interest. Children are remarkably attuned to these messages. In fact, children as young as three and a half years old exhibit helpless reactions to failure, such as self-blame and inability to persist. What distinguishes vulnerable children from resilient ones is whether their positive self-perception is conditional. Most children generally feel good about themselves, but vulnerable children versus resilient children differ in whether this positive self-image is contingent upon certain conditions. If parents frequently respond to their children's behavior in an evaluative manner, the children may come to believe that parental love is conditional. Dweck conducted a longitudinal study tracking children from the age of six through to university. She found that children with a fixed mindset often believe they must meet their parents' expectations to earn their love and respect. One participant stated, "Only if I pursue the career my parents expect will they acknowledge me." A growth mindset suggests that, first and foremost, we should avoid global evaluations of children and instead focus on their efforts and strategies. When children face failure, it is essential not only to affirm their efforts but also to help them understand why their efforts were ineffective and guide them toward alternative strategies and resources. Second, we should not lead children to believe that parental love is conditional. Providing children with room to grow and make mistakes can help shape their independence.

If educating children is a form of management, then what insights can these two mindsets offer in the realm of business management?

The book introduces a term called "CEO Syndrome," which refers to the tendency of wanting to stand on a pedestal and appear flawless. CEOs face constant choices: should they confront their shortcomings or create a perfect image for themselves? Leaders with a fixed mindset believe in the hierarchy of human qualities and must continually affirm their superiority. For them, the company becomes a platform to showcase their excellence. These leaders often care more about their "personal greatness" than the well-being of the company. Under such a mindset, when an employee has a good idea or surpasses them in ability, instead of feeling pleased, they feel threatened. Over time, this can be detrimental to the company.

What distinguishes leaders with a growth mindset? Management expert Warren Bennis studied the world's most outstanding corporate leaders. These leaders reported that they did not initially aspire to be leaders. They were driven by a passion for their work and a strong motivation to pursue what they loved, which naturally led to their achievements. In managing employees, growth-minded leaders believe in a culture of development. They trust that employees can grow and progress through proper guidance and their own efforts. By adopting a growth mindset in self-requirements and employee management, a company can gain a longer lifespan.

Ultimately, whether as parents educating children or as managers leading a company, the most critical step is to transform oneself from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. To achieve this transformation, Dweck outlines four steps.

The first step is acceptance: embrace your fixed mindset. Everyone's mindset is a blend of growth and fixed elements. We all fear challenging difficulties, worry about appearing unintelligent, or indulge in the comfort of our safety zones. We should not feel ashamed of our fixed mindset, as it is part of human nature, but we must also be vigilant about the harm it can cause.

The second step is observation: identify what triggers your fixed mindset. This is the most crucial step emphasized by the author. Your fixed mindset persona may emerge when facing a significant new challenge, whispering, "Perhaps you are not capable enough"; or when you mess up, telling you, "You will never succeed"; or when reviewing an employee's report, it may start evaluating them instead of seeking ways to support their growth. Observe this fixed mindset persona to understand when it appears and raise your awareness.

The third step is naming: assign a name to your fixed mindset persona. As an example from the book, one manager said, "When we encounter difficulties, the Z in my mind emerges. Z makes me critical of everyone, becoming harsh and demanding instead of supporting my employees." You can give it a name you dislike to remind yourself that this is not the person you aspire to be.

The final step is education: instruct your fixed mindset persona. The emergence of a fixed mindset is a form of self-protection, keeping one within the comfort zone, which provides comfort but also restricts personal growth. When your persona reappears, tell it that you need time and patience, and that together you can embark on a journey toward a growth mindset.

These four steps correspond to attention, listening, processing, and change. By actively assigning a role to your fixed mindset, you can distance yourself from it and better examine your inner thoughts, which may yield unexpected benefits.

### Conclusion

That's a wrap on the essential content of "LIfelong Growth: Unlocking the Power of a Growth Mindset." Let's recap.

Carol Dweck distinguishes between fixed and growth mindsets. The concept of a "growth mindset" continues to be widely discussed to this day. Dweck discovered that people exhibit different reactions to difficulties and failures, which stem from their differing mindsets. Individuals with a fixed mindset believe intelligence is static. They worry about appearing unintelligent, focus on proving themselves, or become complacent in their comfort zones, avoiding challenges. In contrast, those with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and talent can be developed. They welcome challenges and are not afraid of failure. We all aspire to possess a growth mindset, yet in reality, everyone is a mixture of both mindsets. The fixed mindset is deeply ingrained. We may prefer to be individuals who appear effortless rather than hardworking; we recognize the value of effort but idolize genius; we assume genius comes with extraordinary Talent, but in reality, it is characterized by exceptional perseverance and curiosity. Effort may very well be more important than so-called "talent."

Drawing inspiration from these two mindsets, we've discussed how to educate children and manage employees. Use a growth mindset to nurture children by praising their strategies and efforts, and show interest in their development. Similarly, apply a growth mindset in managing a business by steering clear of "CEO Syndrome" and prioritizing employee potential and growth. Ultimately, the key is to become a person with a growth mindset. Consciously attend to, listen to, process, and change your fixed mindset. Gradually alter your beliefs and triumph over your inner "Z."

That said, the education we receive from a young age and mainstream ideals often emphasize the value of effort. The significance of effort is self-evident to us. However, the crux lies in whether we can maintain a developmental perspective and an optimistic attitude, staying the course in our efforts. This is not about endlessly motivating oneself but about never losing faith in oneself. Embracing a growth mindset means embracing the belief in one's infinite potential. When anyone delivers a definitive negative assessment of you, the voice within will remind you that they are judging you through a fixed mindset and a narrow perspective, unaware of the person you are yet to become. Possessing this mindset is a particularly precious ability.

### Summary

This article delves into the concept of a growth mindset as presented in the book "LIfelong Growth: Unlocking the Power of a Growth Mindset." It contrasts fixed and growth mindsets, highlighting how our beliefs about intelligence and ability shape our responses to challenges and failures. The author emphasizes that a growth mindset, which views abilities as malleable, fosters resilience and adaptability. The article also offers practical advice on cultivating a growth mindset in education and management, along with strategies for overcoming fixed mindset tendencies. By embracing the journey toward a growth mindset, individuals can unlock their potential and achieve greater success in various aspects of life.

### How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Dweck outlines four steps to help individuals transition from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. The first step is acceptance: acknowledging that everyone possesses elements of both mindsets and embracing the fixed aspects without shame. The second step involves observation: identifying triggers that activate one's fixed mindset. The third step is naming this fixed mindset persona to create distance from it. Finally, the fourth step is education: instructing this persona and embarking on a journey toward a growth mindset. These steps correspond to attention, listening, processing, and change, enabling individuals to better examine their thoughts and facilitate personal growth.

### The Impact of Mindset on Education and Management

Drawing from Dweck's research, the article highlights the significance of mindset in education and management. In education, praising children's efforts and strategies fosters a growth mindset, while conditional love and global evaluations can lead to a fixed mindset. In management, leaders with a growth mindset focus on employee development and create a culture of learning, whereas those with a fixed mindset may feel threatened by others' success. By adopting a growth mindset, both parents and managers can inspire growth and achieve greater success.

### The Journey Toward a Growth Mindset

The article concludes by emphasizing that embracing a growth mindset is a journey. It requires individuals to believe in their infinite potential and maintain a developmental perspective and optimistic attitude. By overcoming fixed mindset tendencies and continuously striving for growth, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success in life.

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LIfelong Growth: Unlocking the Power of a Growth Mindset

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CasualLitNook​15-Minute Masterpieces: Global Literature Made Approachable

LIfelong Growth: Unlocking the Power of a Growth Mindset

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15-Minute Masterpieces: Global Literature Made Approachable