Book Review – Mindset

Writing & Publishing

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Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck, a Stanford Professor, is a book on an interesting concept called Mindset, which she divides into two parts called Fixed mindset and Growth Mindset. This book has been a great success, especially in the corporate circle. But before we dive into the book’s pros and cons let me first explain the concept of a mindset.

Mindset - A mindset is basically a set of attitudes held by someone or the way they think and behave. It’s broadly divided into two parts called Fixed and Growth mindset.

Fixed Mindset - In a fixed mindset, people believe their qualities and strengths are fixed traits and cannot change. They believe that talent alone leads to success, and effort is not required. People with a fixed mindset think intelligence is static and that means you are smart or you aren’t. They believe that their basic abilities, intelligence, and talents are fixed traits. They think that they are born with a certain amount and that's all they have. So, there is no point in working to develop and improve them.

Also people with a fixed mindset are always careful to main their intelligence reputation and hence have a fear of looking stupid, which they believe will cause permanent damage to their reputation. So, they don’t take big risks or try new things, and always stick to known areas where they are sure of success or guarantees. For example, a fixed mindset may hold you back from making positive changes. If you have a trait that you believe cannot be changed, such as your intelligence, your weight, or your bad habits, then you will avoid situations that make you uncomfortable or that you think are useless.