Psychology
What is A growth mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, practice, and learning — rather than being fixed traits you're born with. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, it shapes how people face challenges and setbacks.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains a growth mindset.
Key things to understand
- 1It's the belief that skills grow with effort and practice.
- 2Its opposite, a 'fixed mindset', sees ability as unchangeable.
- 3People with it treat mistakes as chances to learn.
- 4It's linked to greater resilience and long-term achievement.
Frequently asked questions
- Who came up with the growth mindset?
- Psychologist Carol Dweck popularized it through her research on motivation and achievement.
- What's the difference between a growth and fixed mindset?
- A growth mindset sees ability as improvable; a fixed mindset sees it as set and unchangeable.
- How can I build a growth mindset?
- Embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, value effort, and treat 'I can't' as 'I can't yet'.