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What Is Growth Mindset? (And Why We All Need It)

September 13, 2018 By Deb Chitwood Leave a Comment

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So, what is growth mindset, anyway? I’ve been publishing lots of growth mindset posts and resource roundups lately, especially as part of my Montessori-inspired brain and growth mindset unit. I’ve given short explanations of growth mindset. But I want to put more of the growth mindset ideas and resources together here.

What Is Growth Mindset? (And Why We All Need It)

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset

Don’t feel bad if “growth mindset” is a new term to you. Carol Dweck (the psychologist who developed the growth-mindset concept), first published Mindset: The New Psychology of Success in 2006. Here’s her definition of growth mindset: “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”

She talks about the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset: “Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts).” Carol Dweck

This infographic gives a good idea of the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and why a growth mindset is needed:

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Infographic from Wabisabi

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Infographic from Wabisabi

Obviously, a growth mindset is very beneficial to children in school, sports, or any task they undertake. And that’s true for adults, too.

Growth Mindset Videos

Here are some helpful videos. The first gives a general overview and the others are lectures by Carol Dweck, giving ideas of why a growth mindset is important and how to apply growth mindset concepts.

“Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset”- John Spencer

“The Power of Believing That You Can Improve” |TED Talk by Carol Dweck

“Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck”

“Carol Dweck on Perfectionism”

Helpful Growth Mindset Articles

If you’d like to read more about growth mindset, here are some especially helpful articles:

  • “What Having a Growth Mindset Actually Means” by Carol Dweck at Harvard Business Review”‘
  • “Carol Dweck Revisits the ‘Growth Mindset'” by Carol Dweck at Education Week
  • “The Effort Effect” from Stanford Alumni
  • “Resources for Teaching Growth Mindset” from Edutopia

More Growth Mindset Resources


Free Growth Mindset Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}
You’ll find lots of inspiring- and character-building songs in my free growth mindset songs for kids post.

Best Growth Mindset Quotes for Kids and Adults

In addition to a long list of inspiring growth mindset quotes, you’ll find a number of word-art freebies (which I add to whenever I publish another one) in my best growth mindset quotes for kids and adults.

Don't Give Up {Growth Mindset Inspiration from Famous Failures}

Both kids and adults can gain a lot of growth mindset inspiration from famous failures.

The Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids

You’ll find some of my favorite growth mindset books in my post about the best growth mindset books for kids.

Big Life Journal

Big Life Journal site has lots and lots of amazing growth mindset resources for a variety of ages.

Growth Mindset Activity Kit form Big Life Journal

Big Life Journal Activity Kit is a PDF with 25 growth mindset activities for ages 4 and above. You’ll find many more great growth mindset products at Big Life Journal!




What is your favorite growth mindset resource?

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If you’re interested in inspiration and motivation, the best place for you will probably be the Bits of Positivity Facebook page. You’ll find lots of inspiration there from the Bits of Positivity blog and from around the Internet. For word art inspiration, be sure to follow me at the Bits of Positivity Facebook page and on Pinterest! And for all my posts in a reader, check out Bloglovin‘! Thanks so much!

Montessori at Home or School - How to Teach Grace and Courtesy eBookLearn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy! I’m also one of the coauthors of the book Learn with Play – 150+ Activities for Year-round Fun & Learning!

Related Posts

  • Beautiful Growth Mindset Resources from Big Life JournalBeautiful Growth Mindset Resources from Big Life Journal
  • The Ultimate List of Free Growth Mindset Printables for Kids and AdultsThe Ultimate List of Free Growth Mindset Printables for Kids and Adults
  • Best Growth Mindset Quotes for Kids and AdultsBest Growth Mindset Quotes for Kids and Adults
  • Free Growth Mindset Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}Free Growth Mindset Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}
  • Free Inspirational Songs {Character Education Resources}Free Inspirational Songs {Character Education Resources}
  • Free Courage Songs {Character Education Resources}Free Courage Songs {Character Education Resources}
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Previous article: The Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids
Next article: Free Guided Gratitude Meditations for Kids {Mindfulness Resources}

Filed Under: Character, Character Education, Growth Mindset, Inspiration, Motivation, Parents' Role Tagged With: character, character education, growth mindset, growth mindset resources, Inspiration, motivation, parenting, teaching resources, what is growth mindset

Previous Post: « The Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids
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