Key to Achieving Goals: Growth Mindset

Introduction

• Common attributes suggested for success: hard work, focus, persistence.
• These attributes are by-products of something more critical: growth mindset.
• Example: Josh Waitzkin - International chess master and martial arts champion.

Josh Waitzkin's Journey

• Chess achievements: Multiple national championships.
• Transitioned to martial arts at 21 years old, mastering tai chi chuan and winning two world championships.
• Currently pursuing jiu-jitsu.
• Key insight: Losing his first national chess championship was the best thing that happened to him.

Mindsets Explained

• Fixed Mindset: Intelligence and abilities are seen as static.
• Growth Mindset: Intelligence and abilities can be developed.
• Carol Dweck's research: Mindsets impact behaviors and results.

Research Findings

• Study with 7th graders: Growth mindset students improved grades over time; fixed mindset students did not.
• Other studies show similar effects in problem-solving, sports, management, etc.

Growth Mindset's Importance

• Creates effort, focus, resilience.
• Change in mindset leads to improved performance and achievement over time.
• Harder challenges and failures are seen as growth opportunities rather than setbacks.

Physiological Manifestations

• Fixed mindset: Brain most active when receiving performance feedback (grades/scores).
• Growth mindset: Brain most active during feedback on improvement.
• Fixed mindset views effort negatively; growth mindset views effort as a growth mechanism.

Praises and Feedback

• Fixed Mindset Praise: Praising intelligence or inherent talent ("You're smart").
• Growth Mindset Praise: Praising effort and process ("You tried hard").
• Impact: Growth mindset praise leads to choosing challenging tasks and better performance.

Change in Mindsets

• Mindsets can be changed through education and workshops.
• Example: Dweck and Blackwell's workshop improved students' grades and interest in learning.
• Growth mindset narrows achievement gaps, helps minority and stereotyped groups.

Applications of Growth Mindset

• Workplaces: Growth mindset managers and employees perform better and welcome feedback.
• Social Issues: Exposure to the idea that groups can change improves attitudes and willingness to compromise.
• Relationships, Sports, Health: Growth mindset positively impacts various life areas.

Call to Action

• Need schools to develop growth mindset alongside critical thinking and learning facts.
• Three action points to instill a growth mindset:
  1. Recognize its benefits and scientific support.
  2. Learn and teach deliberate practice and effective effort.
  3. Counter fixed mindset thoughts with growth mindset affirmations.
• Share knowledge about the growth mindset to help others fulfill their potential.

Conclusion

• Growth mindset is essential for personal and societal growth.
• Encourages addressing challenges positively and embracing opportunities for development.

Thank You.