Insights from ‘Mindset’ by Carol Dweck Flashcards
What is a fixed mindset?
A belief that intelligence and abilities are static and cannot change.
What is the evidence that the brain can physically grow?
London taxi drivers showed an increase in the hippocampus, the brain region associated with spatial awareness and memory, due to the mental demands of navigating the city.
How does a person with a fixed mindset view challenges?
They see challenges as threats and avoid them for fear of failure.
How does a person with a growth mindset approach challenges?
They see challenges as opportunities to grow and learn.
What is a growth mindset?
A belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and learning.
What shift occurs when moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?
The belief changes from “I am who I am” to “I am a constant learner, and my abilities are growing.”
What question does a growth mindset person ask when faced with a challenge?
“How might I learn and grow from this?”
What is myelination, and how does it impact brain function?
Myelination is the process of forming white sheaths around brain circuits, which speeds up signal transmission by up to 10 times.
What question does a fixed mindset person ask when faced with a challenge?
“Will I look smart or stupid doing this?”
What is Carol Dweck’s advice on how to evaluate effort?
Instead of asking, “Did I win or lose?” ask, “Did I make my best effort?”
How does a brain circuit change when myelinated?
It transmits information faster, much like insulated copper wires improve the efficiency of electrical circuits.
How does practicing a skill, such as playing the guitar, rewire the brain?
It activates more regions of the brain over time, expanding from specific areas (e.g., fingers) to larger areas (e.g., fingers and palm).
What mindset phrase captures the belief in future improvement?
“I’m not smart enough to do this, YET.”
How can you start shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?
By realizing that the brain can change and cognitive abilities can be developed through effort and learning.
What is the first step to developing a growth mindset?
Understanding that challenges are opportunities to grow your mental and physical abilities.
