What is the best Mindset to learn?
- Mable Green
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
A mindset refers to a person's established way of thinking, beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives that shape how they perceive and interpret the world around them and how they respond to situations and challenges. It encompasses conscious and subconscious thought patterns and can significantly influence a person's behaviour, decisions, and outlook.
Different mindsets
Different Mindsets vary widely from individual to individual and other types. Here are some common mindset distinctions:
Fixed Mindset: This mind assumes that abilities, intelligence, and qualities are static traits and cannot be changed. People with a fixed mind might avoid challenges to avoid failure and may give up easily when facing difficulties.
Growth Mindset: In contrast, a growth mind believes a person can develop abilities and qualities through effort, learning, perseverance and challenges. There is always an opportunity to learn from your failures and become more resilient in the face of setbacks.
Positive Mindset: A positive mind emphasises optimism and looks for the good in situations. It involves a hopeful attitude and believing things will work out for the best.
Negative Mindset: A negative mind sees problems, challenges, and potential difficulties in various situations. It can lead to pessimism, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness.
Open Mindset: An open mind is a willingness to consider new ideas, perspectives, and information. It involves being receptive to change and adapting views based on new insights.
Closed Mindset: A closed mind involves resisting change, clinging to existing beliefs, and being unwilling to entertain alternative viewpoints.
Abundance Mindset: This mindset focuses on the idea that there are plenty of opportunities, resources, and possibilities available, leading to a sense of abundance and potential for growth.
Scarcity Mindset: In contrast, a scarcity mindset revolves around the belief that resources are limited, leading to feelings of competition, fear of missing out, and a reluctance to share.
A person can significantly influence their personal and professional development and overall well-being. Making positive changes and achieving personal growth requires understanding our minds.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
A Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, Dr Carol Dweck, wrote 'Mindset': The New Psychology of Success in 2006. She introduces the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets, describing that children with a fixed mindset believe they can not change the outcome of their experience in learning. How does that impact their mental Health?
In decades of research on achievement and success, World-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck has discovered a groundbreaking idea- the power of our mindset.
Dweck explains why it's not just our abilities and talent that bring us success, but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. She clarifies why praising intelligence and ability doesn't foster self-esteem and lead to accomplishment, but may jeopardise success. With the right attitude, we can motivate our kids, help them raise their grades, and reach our personal and professional goals.
Click here to find out more.
In School
There are many mindsets, as there are types of intelligence. Two types are used in school - 'fixed' and 'growth' mindsets.
Issues with a fixed mindset
Decreased self-knowledge
Reduced risk-taking
It causes unhealthy competition, being hypersensitive to lack and scarcity
Growth mindset
Intelligence, abilities and talents are achievable.
They choose to challenge themselves.
Can stick to a challenge and persevere
An infant determined to walk.
Infants of preschool age who are happy and secure in their worlds would have a growth mindset, believing they can achieve what they want. They decide they want to learn to walk. They don't give up if they fall over; they stand up and try again. People around them listen to their dreams, and they are encouraged. A child sees another child riding a bike and wants to learn. Many children know what they are interested in. With some, you can see potential musicians or sportspersons. They don't understand the concept of failure; they try again if this is a skill they want to master.
Going to school
When children start school, they must learn to fit into a system with a fixed view of expected behaviour: control, conformity, and cram. The ideas of failure and comparison are experienced as the children are tested and compared to their classmates. Actions speak louder than words, so the fixed mindset of the education system guides the children, while the teachers verbally reinforce the positives of having a growth mindset.
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