“It’s not always the people who start out the smartest who end up the smartest.” ~ Carol Dweck

Are you as smart as you’ll ever be? Is your success determined by how smart you are? Can you build on your accumulated knowledge to become even more successful?

Previously, I wrote about “crystallized intelligence” — the ability to use our accumulated knowledge to advance in our careers. It’s the “second curve,” as opposed to our first curve of fluid intelligence — the ability to solve abstract problems.

In her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (Amazon Kindle link), Carol S. Dweck speaks to how success in almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. And the view we adopt affects the way we lead our lives.

The Two Mindsets

Dr. Dweck identifies two mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. 

People with a fixed mindset believe that our qualities are carved in stone. These folks believe that we have only a finite amount of intelligence, a particular personality, and a certain moral character, and these qualities never change. Moreover, folks with fixed mindsets feel an urgency to repeatedly prove themselves. They can’t feel that they’re losing ground.

They believe that one’s qualities are very basic that really don’t change over time. For example, while we can learn new things, we can’t really change how intelligent we are. Similarly, with regard to our personality and character — dependability, cooperativeness, caring, and social skills. Fixed mindset people believe that they have certain qualities that can’t be changed. 

People with a growth mindset believe that their basic qualities  can be cultivated through their efforts, strategies, and with help from others. Although people differ in their initial talents, aptitudes, interests, or temperaments, those with growth mindsets believe everyone can change and grow. They believe that their potential is unknown and that’s it not possible to determine what can be accomplished over time with passion, work, and training. 

The growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be cultivated. However, it doesn’t indicate the extent of change or how long change will take. Moreover, it doesn’t mean that everything can be changed, like preferences or values. 

People with a fixed mindset — those who believe that abilities are fixed — are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset — those who believe that abilities can be developed. Folks with a growth mindset flourish when they’re stretching themselves. Fixed mindset folks thrive when things are safely within their grasp. They lose interest when they’re not feeling smart or talented. 

So, which mindset to you have? Do you believe that you have certain qualities (intelligence, talent, skills, etc.) and there is not much that can be done to change them?

Or do you feel that regardless of your qualities, you can always change substantially? 

We all have elements of both mindsets. 

Dweck’s key message is that you can change your mindset. They are only beliefs after all. 

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