# Growth Mindset Growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. [[Carol Dweck]]'s research contrasts this with fixed mindset—believing abilities are innate and unchangeable. People with growth mindsets embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and see effort as the path to mastery. The practical implication: how we respond to failure matters more than initial ability. Praising effort ("you worked hard") produces better outcomes than praising intelligence ("you're smart"). Growth mindset has been widely adopted in education, though effect sizes in replications are smaller than original studies. It connects to [[Grit]], [[Deliberate Practice]], and [[Self-Improvement]]. ## Growth vs Fixed | Growth Mindset | Fixed Mindset | |----------------|---------------| | Abilities develop | Abilities innate | | Effort is path to mastery | Effort means low ability | | Failure is learning | Failure is identity | | Seeks challenges | Avoids challenges | ## References - Dweck, Carol. *Mindset* (2006) ## Related - [[Carol Dweck]] - [[Grit]] - [[Deliberate Practice]] - [[Self-Improvement]]