Why We Love It:

We used to think that some people were just naturally smarter than their peers, and certainly there are people who have demonstrably different intellects. But the majority of humans fall within a few dozen IQ points of each other, and the most knowledgeable and skilled people in any organization are not always those with the highest IQs. Indeed, the prevalence of curious, creative, and entrepreneurial college dropouts in technology and industry is an indication that the opposite may be true.

The idea that we are born with a pre-determined IQ and intellectual capacity is called a “fixed mindset,” according to Stanford University Professor Carol Dweck. But there is evidence that people who believe they can always grow and learn – those with a growth mindset – live fuller, more extraordinary lives. A person with a growth mindset believes that intellectual skills like problem-solving and creativity can be cultivated through effort. People with a growth mindset are more resilient to failure, as they consider failures and mistakes opportunities for growth. Because they are less discouraged, they are more likely to keep trying. And as a result, they are more likely to learn, grow, and succeed.

Favorite Quotes:

“True self-confidence is “the courage to be open—to welcome change and new ideas regardless of their source.” Real self-confidence is not reflected in a title, an expensive suit, a fancy car, or a series of acquisitions. It is reflected in your mindset: your readiness to grow.” – Carol S. Dweck

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

“The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset.” – Carol S. Dweck

Book Jacket Summary:

After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. 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. Mindset reveals how great parents, teachers, managers, and athletes can put this idea to use to foster outstanding accomplishment.