Mindset

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

by Carol Dweck, Ph.D.

A really good book to help one re-think their approach to life in Mindset by Carol Dweck.  The book outlines how a person should adopt a psychology for success.  Dweck draws upon the work of leadership guru Warren Bennis, a long-time researcher on leaders in industry.  One will either live with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset – which will you choose?  Dweck provides the “how-to” in growing that ‘growth’ approach by suggesting the following: embrace challenges (don’t avoid them); persist in the face of setbacks (don’t give up); see effort as the path to mastery (don’t view it as fruitless); learn from criticism (don’t ignore it); and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others (don’t feel threatened by the success of others).  Learn from the lessons of those who think they are ‘better’ than others, especially from athletes, business leaders, and even teachers.  Look for those who are sincere with their feedback, who provide honest appraisal and want you to be the best you can be.  Too many people who impact youth can do harm with relentless criticism or praise that is not deserved.  This is a required reading in some of NYU’s courses in the psychology department.  I couldn’t recommend this one more.  We all need to take a real and detailed look at our effort to do the best we can in all that we do.  Dweck’s research is well-received and focuses mainly on children in elementary and high school, where the real impact can be made for building a brain that pushes one to be their best.