Carol Dweck on Mindset

[shnu]

Carol Dweck, a senior psychologist now at Stanford, wrote a book Mindset about 3 years ago. It's been mentioned here a few times (cf. {1}, {2}, and {3}). Quoting from Michael Chui's succinct characterisation in {3}:

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

Your problem isn't introversion, as noted, but what is called the "fixed mindset", by Carol Dweck. You're more interested in proving yourself, showing your own brilliance, and when you can't you close down and turn inward to avoid having to allow yourself to be seen as ignorant or uncertain.

The reverse is the growth mindset, which is based on the assumption that it is always possible to get better at anything, and as a result, it's okay to make mistakes and look stupid, because then you have opportunities to learn.

Learn how to say, "I don't understand," and "Could you explain that?" Learn how to say stuff that sounds stupid to you: it takes some impulsiveness, but it can be done. If you're dead wrong, you'll find out. If you're right, you'll look good. If neither of you have any idea, hey it's more to talk about.

There's more at a Stanford Magazine summary, The Effort Effect.

This seems like powerful stuff to me, leading to big impacts on (i) how we should handle our inner monologues, and (ii) how we should interact with children. I've decided to order the book; I'd like to hear more from what Pavlinists make of it.

[uberinquisitive]

What a helpful article.

I relate strongly to the fixed mindset. Example: the other day, someone suggested I try directing a film. Instantly, my mind said, "you're not good with electronics, and you have no logic - you won't be good at it, so don't even try."

Logically, I have now argued my way out of such a limiting belief. But emotionally, I still believe it deep down.

Question is: how does someone who has more of a fixed mindset learn to overcome it, not just logically, but also belief system wise?

[Swede]

uberinquisitive: On your question I'd say, try to remember those things you were not good at first. Maybe another language or sports or something similar.

You could ask yourself how you felt not being able to accomplish much at starters. After indulging in this feeling, move on to the feeling you had when you had overcome these difficulties. Each of us has overthrown many adversities. We need to remember and cherish these moments. And we need to understand that we could do it again.

[ScotiaCoast]

I read about Carol Dweck's mindset research briefly in a developmental psychology class earlier this year, and was pleased to find she had written a book in plain English (no scientific jargon) on the subject. It's been about two months since I've read Mindset - I really loved what she had to say, and have been trying to adopt more of a growth mindset since then, although I often fall back into my habitual fixed mindset. It's not discouraging, though, because I now realise that I'm 'learning' to use a growth mindset, and that mistakes along the way are just that - mis takes.