Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

In Mindset, Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck presents decades of research showing that the way we think about our own abilities has a profound impact on every aspect of our lives. Dweck identifies two fundamental mindsets — fixed and growth — and demonstrates how each one leads to entirely different levels of success, happiness, and resilience.

People with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence, talent, and personality are static qualities that cannot be changed. They tend to avoid challenges, give up easily in the face of obstacles, see effort as fruitless, ignore constructive feedback, and feel threatened by the success of others. People with a growth mindset believe that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. They embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in others’ success.

Dweck applies these mindset principles to sports, business, education, relationships, and parenting, showing how the same dynamic plays out across every domain of human endeavor. She examines how coaches, teachers, and managers can foster a growth mindset culture that unlocks potential in the people they lead.

Critically, Dweck explains that mindsets can be changed. By becoming aware of your fixed mindset voice and learning to respond to it with a growth mindset perspective, you can transform the way you approach challenges and ultimately achieve outcomes that once seemed impossible.