Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

One of the most painful self-help books I've ever read. Arbitrary examples of 'good' and 'bad' people are given throughout the book linking their 'goodness' to the author's growth mindset idea and 'badness' to fixed mindset. Beyond the initial idea that is presented at the beginning of the book, there isn't much to it. Avoid this book if you are looking for something more advanced.

The thing is, this book made me stop and think hard about my own mindset and how I see things. I learned that in some ways, I totally have a growth mindset, but in others, I’ve got a fixed mindset. It’s really a fascinating study of the human mind.

I don't always go in for "self-help" type books, but Dr. Dweck has written one of those excellent books that provides self-help in the form of describing something about human psychology in an innovative way.

Dr. Dweck has an admittedly simplistic premise: in any given area, people tend to have one of two mindsets: the "fixed mindset" or the "growth mindset."

When someone is in the fixed mindset, they think that they and others possess innate traits that can't be changed. They also tend to apply this to situations. This leads to thinking like "I'm not good at this puzzle, so I must be dumb," or "I'm smart, so I'm not going to try this challenging thing because I might fail, thereby discovering that I'm actually dumb." People in this mindset get satisfaction out of doing things that are easy for them. They praise other people for being "smart" or having "innate talent." In relationships, they often think that another person should just "be right" for them and that it shouldn't have to take any work. Generally, the mindset leads people to have a need to constantly prove themselves.

In the growth mindset, on the other hand, people thrive on challenge. They see daunting tasks as something from which they can learn. They don't judge themselves or others based on failure. They praise other people for working hard. In relationships, they work on their problems instead of throwing in the towel. They don't feel like they need to prove themselves because life is about learning and making mistakes, not about being the smartest, the richest, the prettiest, etc.

Obviously, a person can have a fixed mindset about some things and a growth mindset about others. Dr. Dweck goes over how the mindsets work in sports, teaching, parenting, relationships, etc. and gives famous examples in different areas.

I'd really recommend this book... it's definitely going to make me think twice the next time I say to myself "I'm just not good at that" before I try, or "Wow, I really suck" when I fail.

A book that serves to self-examine and understand the "Why," even regarding one's mentality, whether it is a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. It answers the question of "How can a person change their mindset?", the benefits of having a success-oriented attitude, which is the growth mindset, and even the negative aspects of having a fixed mindset.

It generates a lot of introspection, and putting this type of "MINDSET" into practice is quite a challenge, but Carlo S. Dweck explains that with patience and recognizing weak points, a significant change can be made in all aspects of life, including work, sports, personal matters, family, etc. (Translated from Spanish)

Still relevant today as much as it was when it was first published in 2006. A must-read for teachers, parents, and any adult willing to try to reframe the way they have thought about the outcomes they can control. Our beliefs about our capacities are wired from our cultural and societal upbringings but may need a new pathway of thinking in order for us to fully realize the truth of Dr. Dweck's research. A game-changer in today's modern approach to teaching and parenting our children to approach failure with an opportunity for growth.

A realistic analysis of life's options for the average person, with very practical and learnable skills. The main accent is on developing a growth-mindset, but without blinding oneself to one's own limitations. Not everyone needs to be a multi-billionaire, but everyone can live a meaningful life without beating oneself up for not being ultra-successful in worldly terms.

I'm really torn about this book. She has a good concept about the two different mindsets (fixed and growth) and explains them well. However, the book is very repetitive and she tries to attribute nearly any successful performer (business, sports, arts, education) to having a growth mindset. While that may be true, it got pretty boring.
There is a lot of exposition and explanation of the mindsets but I was looking for more practical information such as: how do I help my employees develop a growth mindset? How can I be more aware of my mindset in different situations? What are some techniques for catching yourself if you start drifting into fixed attitudes in given situations? Yes there was some practical information toward the end of the book but it could have been much more valuable had there been more "how-to" information and less discussion of extreme examples.
It could have been a useful article. As a book it became tedious fast.

Repetitive, but not in a bad way. It's like a sermon or a motivational talk in that it's beneficial to explore core ideas through stories. That's what Mindset is. Are you more of a Fixed Mindset, or more of a Growth Mindset? Recognizing where you fall into the Fixed Mindset trap and work to transition to a Growth Mindset is the goal. Obviously, it's easier said than done, but that's it.

An excellent analysis of how our minds work, and how we can change from the fixed mindset, which discourages challenges, difficult work, and move to the growth mindset.

Very good book, Carol Dweck discusses her research on experience and comparison, between a fixed mindset (the "given talent") and a growth mindset (effort and progress); both in individuals, couples, relationships between parents and their children (here she suggests not giving positive feedback about how smart children are, but rather about the child's dedication to the task), at work, etc. Paired with sports psychology, it invites us not to focus on results, but on the enjoyable journey of tackling obstacles, that is, doing what depends on us. (Translated from Spanish)

It has helped me understand many limiting beliefs that society has instilled in me since I was very young. This book contrasts two mindsets, the growth mindset vs the fixed mindset. One leads you to learning and progress, while the other keeps you trapped in the comfort zone and prevents you from thriving. In my case, I have identified with both in different aspects and moments of my life. Becoming aware of this is a first step. (Translated from Spanish)

Excellent book, this is the second time I've read it and it's a great book that talks about growth mindset and fixed mindset but from a scientific perspective supported by data and studies. An interesting book to change our mindset towards ourselves and others when we interact with them. (Translated from Spanish)

This book was not what I expected as the word Mindset can be used in a much broader sense and cover a lot more. This book covers specifically Fixed versus Growth Mindset.

The concept to me is not new, as really to overcome life's challenges and obstacles a growth mindset is the only way to gain ground. Being open and understanding that you can grow and that it requires effort on your part is one aspect, as well as understanding that your ability is not limited and you can develop it in any area you set your mind to. Sadly many people take issue with this concept as they relate it immediately to their lives and the material/financial aspects. To me this book relates only to how you chose to view any task your undertake, from minor to major or the broader spectrum of how you approach your life. I believe changing how you think and perceive things can alter your outcome considerably. I do believe we are limitless in our capacity and it is the very essence of 'belief' that plays a part in it - meaning that you what you believe you are capable of, is what you will achieve.

This book goes in depth in many areas to explain the concept of fixed versus growth mindset. I see this book as a tool for parents, teachers and anyone managing or training people. It provides example after example to enable the reader to absorb what the author is trying to say. It can be repetitive in parts, but the author herself seems new to the concept and learning as she writes about it. Even though she has done research into it for a decade or more, she seems surprised and excited by finding that in situation after situation the growth over fixed mindset can be applied and seen in the outcome.

Personally the very basis of success or failure in life in any area is down to your mindset, but I don't confine it to just fixed or growth. Fixed, the word, means inflexible and ridge; without flexibility and being able to adapt to the ups and downs of life can result in a greater struggle.

For me this book is a reference book, easy to pick up and find an example to remind you of what you can do to help yourself, or your child or a person you feel is struggling.

Foremost, I found this book utterly dull and boring. It repeated itself way too much (I ended up skipping chapters 5 and 7 as I couldn't bear it no longer). The message was clear from the introduction, the rest was only giving examples of people with different careers and how people who had adapted the growth-attitude succeeded while the ones with fixed-attitude failed. These examples didn't give me anything and all of them were very brief and shallow - no wonder, as most examples were famous people who the author didn't personally know and thus couldn't tell more about their situations or struggles or ways of coping.

At some point the author also mentions that there are no clear distinction between people with growth- or fixed-attitude, but still she keeps dividing people into these two categories.

The book, filled with these shallow examples that function merely as praising the superiority of growth-attitude, lacked serious advice how to change your attitude. The advice of asking yourself "when, how and where" etc. given in the final chapter were very abstract and not really helpful - especially if you have already fallen into the hole where you think you are not good at anything and are so afraid of trying that you cannot even see the chances you are given - you are simply too scared to WANT anything. Also, I found it odd that the author thought the only thing preventing people with fixed-attitude from trying was that they wanted to keep their fantasy of being the best and greatest - what if some people with fixed-attitude think they are not worth anything and thus they refuse to try?

I wonder why there was no discussion on how self-esteem affects your attitude towards growth. I think for people with low self-esteem it is natural to have the fixed-attitude while for the more self-confident the growth-attitude is practically given. (The attitude of not wanting to try in fear of losing your superiority is also a sign of low self-esteem, which the author never addressed.) It would be very difficult for a person with low self-esteem to try to change the attitude without gaining some self confidence first. Imagine you have low self-esteem and then decide to try anyway (based on the advice given in this book), and then fail - what would happen to your low self-esteem? The author never even thought that some people with fixed-attitude would not try because of fear of failing and losing the rest of your self-esteem - she only thought people were afraid of losing their superiority in the eyes of others. And went on and on with this same theory. Sure there would have been some room to explore other points of view as well.

I think the book (perhaps at least the chapter 7 that I skipped, not the other dull ones) would be useful for teachers and parents so they wouldn't let children fall into the trap of thinking they are worth nothing or that they are kings and queens of everything.

Lots of good advice/information without it being about magical thinking. I think there may be a little bit too much black and white of some explanations, since I think there are nuances where growth mindset might not apply, but I'm hard pressed to come up with specific examples. I will likely read this again as I found the information worthwhile and I'm already applying some of it to my own daily interactions.

Our ability to learn is one of our greatest assets and this book is one of those books that helps teach that. As individuals, people have to learn to grow in order to achieve the things they desire. I am a personal believer that many who do not live up to their potential are thought to be lazy, dumb, or stupid however I disagree and that changing mindsets although difficult is possible. I have studied a lot about cognitive therapy and there are some real benefits to it, but one must realize that in books like this and Change your Brain, Change your Life that it is not instantaneous at that change takes time and effort. I really enjoyed this book, likely wouldn’t read it again or put it on my bookshelf as have already dedicated my life to continual personal and professional development.

Some interesting points - which I am looking forward to putting into practice! - but a bit redundant in terms of examples.
Audio version NOT recommended.

An interesting premise weakened by a poor argument. Dweck's book, short though it is, unfortunately proves that more is less; by citing example after example of people who have growth or fixed mindsets, she makes it hard to talk in depth about the qualities any one of them possesses. (It doesn't help that she often refers to celebrities that she has obviously only read about.) She also simplifies and overgeneralizes, at one point going so far as to say, "Parents and teachers who send fixed-mindset messages are like France, and parents and teachers who send growth-mindset messages are like Italy." (This claim is based on two weeks in Provence and one lunch in Italy, nowhere near long enough to form accurate impressions of one country, let alone two.) Not until the last chapter does she really address how to change one's mindset, and even that is done in rather vague terms. I'm still glad I read the book, because it's given me a lot to think about -- and happier that my job paid for it.

An explanation of growth and fixed mindset and how these mindsets create our lives.

This book came highly recommended from my cohorts in the volleyball coaching community. Their recommendations made me curious, as the book was published in 2011 and I a have had some time to look over the reviews and other materials that have been written since that time. The author, Carol Dweck, has had a TED talk released, a number of others, including Maria Popova of Brainpickings have written about the ideas contained within the book.

So it is that I approached this book with great anticipation. It did not quite meet the anticipation, but it was close enough. The book was written with a mixed audience in mind. Dweck had individual chapters dedicated to the business reader, the parent, the educator, the coach, and the lovelorn. These chapters were very well meaning, customizing her idea, and there is one salient and powerful idea, to the different possible areas of interest that may benefit from her idea. The success of those chapters however, were mixed.

The central idea is this: there are two distinct ways for people to view themselves and their place in the world, fixed and growth mindsets. The fixed mindset is basically the mindset that is result oriented, one that believes that each person has been born with a set amount of talent, intelligence, and ability, furthermore, that those initial conditions can never be improved upon. What you see if what you get.

The growth mindset people, however believe that their minds, their intelligence, their talents can be changed and improved. Indeed, they believe that their mindset can be improved. According to Dweck, this difference in perspective drives and defines the psyche and the behaviour of everyone. Even though she is very adamant about the veracity of this dichotomy, Dweck is also quite realistic in recognizing that people will take different tack with different portions of their lives, they are able to differentiate the different portions of their lives.

The first three chapters define the conversation that the author has with us. Those three chapters sets the tone for the rest of the book. She then goes into detail about the mindset difference as it manifests itself in: business, sports, relationships parenting, teaching and coaching,and finally she goes into the concluding chapter on how does no go about teaching these mindsets and more importantly, change the mindsets.

As with most psychological texts, the book is full of anecdotal stories, all selected and written with the intention of making the author's point. While these tales are interesting, and the author does a brilliant job of making her point, there was an overabundance of stories. The problem is that once the reader is quite convinced by the author's argument, some of the stories become too superficial and become an obstacle to the never level of reading. There really isn't much the author can do about that however, it just made the reading challenging.

I felt that the education angle was the most well fleshed out and thought out portion of the myriad of arguments. It is obvious that the author is well versed in the education milieu, as she is a researcher at Stanford University in the psychology department. I felt that the relationship chapter was a bit superficial, while also interesting. I felt the parenting portion was the most difficult to read because the subject is so fraught with emotions. Indeed the stories in the parental portion were by far the most gut wrenching.

I felt that sports chapter was interesting if unsatisfying. The examples that the author chose for fixed mindset and growth mindset athletes were well chosen, although I felt that McEnroe was too easy of a target. He was also kind of a counterexample in a way since he saw great successes as a tennis player. The author's choices for example in coaching was also pretty obvious, although the example of Bob Knight was intriguing, I wish that she could have delved further into the dichotomy of his coaching and his reaction to his coaching.

Finally, I thought the business chapter was the strongest out of all the chapters, even though I felt that using Jack Welch as an example of growth mindset was a mistake. Welch, and his championing of forced ranking in the GE organization exemplifies the fixed mindset, even though, as the author documented, his approach to the other parts of the organization exemplified the growth mindset. I would like to have seen the author address the forced ranking issue.

Regardless of the various peaks and valleys in the presentation of the idea, I thought this was a valuable book for myself, it certainly made me think harder about how I approached my own views.

One thing that the author did not do, which I appreciated, is to give formulaic recipe type of advice to the reader, this is in line with my own personal feeling that there are no simple ways to implement this very large very complex concept. It is far more valuable for the reader to ruminate deeply and re-read the entire book just to get the whole picture in the shape that will meet their personally need.

Certaily one of the most important books I'v read this year. Highly recommended.

You know what this is. Another leadership book. Change your mindset. To this one.

The book talks about the differences in two types of mindset - fixed and growth and shows the impact of being in either mindset.

I have read other books on similar topics, but the author Carol Dweck puts things very interesting and keeps the flow of the book.

There were two things that stood out for me.
1. People with growth mindset are better at estimating their abilities as they are more accurate information about their abilities even though unflattering.

2. Praise achievement and not talent. This one just had a "wow, that's just brilliant" effect on me. Having a child to raise, I'm always looking for such pointers. This is going to be the best take-away for me from this book.

"Beware of success; it can knock you into a fixed mindset - I won because I have talent therefore I will keep winning."

Fascinating research in regular people-speak about how having the right mindset (growth vs fixed) can actually set you up for success in every and any aspect of life: relationships, athletics, academics, arts, rocket science!

Dweck's writing style is a bit too informal for me; I would have preferred a tone that was slightly more academic. However, I get that it's pop-non-fiction.

The first 2 chapters were a bit slow-going -- lots of repeated info to set up what a "mindset" is, by her and her colleagues' definitions. However, after that it gets really interesting with real-life applications. The last chapter was my favorite as it deals with the actual aspect of change within a growth mindset. I REALLY want Dweck to write a book just on that! The change is the hardest part, IMO.

I'd give this 4.5 stars (because of the informal tone issue) but overall, it's a super useful read. It will be a very influential book for me on a personal and professional level.

In Mindset, Dweck, a psychologist specializing in achievement and success, explores her theory that people generally have either a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Those in a fixed mindset are afraid to fail and as a result, often fail to try. They believe their achievements define them, i.e. When I got an A on this paper, everyone said I was smart. If I don't get an A on my next paper, people won't think I'm smart anymore. In contrast, those in a growth mindset are more interested in stretching and growing than in success/failure. Growth mindset people are more likely to take a risk because the growth inherent in the effort is more important than the outcome. Best of all, Dweck makes it clear that we can choose to be in one mindset or the other, training our brains to think in the growth mindset. Dweck shows how the mindsets work in various aspects of life - business, sports, education, romance, parenting, and more. Mindset is an interesting read - it would be a good pick for a book club or other discussion group because everyone is bound to have an opinion about Dweck's theory.

Always wanted to read a psychology book to see if their version of the truth fits me! It totally does. Mindset has been mind-blowing with the insights that are within each page. I am reading it from the standpoint of being a teacher and trying to teach my students that they can achieve. It's a mindset. A must read for everyone!

Carol Dweck does a fine job explaining how a fixed or growth mindset is a simple idea about our brain. I found Mindset a hard to read book, but the information felt very important, so I pushed through, and I am glad I did. This book is written mostly for parents, teachers, and coaches, but I think anyone could benefit from reading it.

Very interesting read about the growth mindset and how applying it can aid in nearly all facets of life.

This book has a useful premise. It suggests that those people who think of their attributes as being inherent and or unchangeable do not attempt to work on things to improve them. It goes so far as to say that those people who feel that anything can be improved through effort and strategy are likely to succeed and enjoy their life more.

Dweck is prone to oversimplifying her points for clarity of illustration, and illustrates her theories in tragic ways. Many of the "famous people" she talks about in her vignettes are people I have never heard of, and at other times she uses characters from movies to illustrate her points. If you wanted to know the plot of the movie Groundhog Day then this is the book for you (she covers this more than once!). Although popular media can get a point across it doesn't help convince me that her theories have real life application.

It is clear that book is focused on identifying a problem way of thinking and replacing it with something else, rather than identifying two different ways thinking and inspecting their effects. As in a lot of self-help books it presumes that its ideas are new to you, that you have the problem it is trying to fix, and that you need convincing. Dweck also falls into the trap in a few places of equating "not losing" with "winning". (a=b)≠(¬a=¬b).

It's clear that Dweck focuses a lot on sports psychology. She also deals with business, teaching and parenting ideas. She advocates praising the process rather than the result. It seems that much of her experience is based on being labelled "the smart child" and developing a risk averse nature, and most of the stories in her book are to do with college kids.

Some practical hints are given for changing the attitudes of people who are stuck in self destructive patterns based on their own self image and insecurities, but it seems like a bit of a no brainer. Most of the practical words of wisdom she credits to other people.

I'd say this book could easily have been summarised in a book a quarter of its length and I didn't gain much added insight from reading fast the first 10 pages.

Absolutely eye-opening.