Mindset: The New Psychology Of Success Book Summary

⚡Quick Summary

Carol S. Dweck’s insightful book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” explores the concept of ‘mindset’ and how our beliefs about our abilities can impact our lives. The book separates these mindsets into two categories: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

📕Pages 320 | 🖨️Publisher Ballantine Books | 📅 Publication date
Dec 26 2007 | ⭐Ratings 4.5 stars

🪶Extended Summary

“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” is a pioneering book written by psychologist Carol S. Dweck based on her extensive research in the field of achievement and success. The core idea of the book is the contrast between two types of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

A person with a fixed mindset believes that their abilities and talents are static and unchangeable. They think that success is a direct result of this inherent talent, and they fear failure as they believe it reflects on their abilities and worth. This mindset often leads to a desire to look smart, avoid challenges, give up easily, see effort as pointless, ignore useful criticism, and feel threatened by others’ success.

On the other hand, someone with a growth mindset believes that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. They perceive failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a springboard for growth and stretching existing abilities. This mindset creates a passion for learning rather than a hunger for approval. It leads to embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, seeing effort as a pathway to mastery, learning from criticism, and finding lessons and inspiration in the success of others.

The book explores these two mindsets in various contexts such as business, sports, relationships, parenting, and education, providing real-life examples for each. Dweck offers insights into how mindsets are formed and how they can be changed, thereby empowering readers to fulfill their potential by changing the way they think about themselves and their abilities.

➕/➖Positive And Negative

The book’s strength lies in its compelling argument backed by robust scientific research, relatable anecdotes, and practical advice. However, some critics have noted that the book is repetitive at times, reiterating the same concepts.

📕Who Should Read?

This book is ideal for anyone looking for personal or professional growth, educators, parents, coaches, or leaders who want to motivate and inspire others.

📃What Will You Learn?

Readers will learn the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset, how mindsets are formed, the impact of mindsets on various aspects of life, and practical strategies to cultivate a growth mindset.

🔑Key Points In The Book

• The concept of fixed and growth mindsets
• How do these mindsets shape our behavior and predict our success
• The importance of embracing challenges and learning from criticism
• Real-life examples of the mindsets at work in relationships, business, sports, and education

🗝️Highlights Of Key Chapters

• Chapter 1: “The Mindsets” — Introduces the concept of fixed and growth mindsets
• Chapter 2: “Inside the Mindsets” — Examines how mindsets are developed
• Chapter 3: “The Truth About Ability and Accomplishment” — Explores the role of mindset in achievement
• Chapter 7: “Parents, Teachers, and Coaches: Where Do Mindsets Come From?” — Provides insights into how educators and parents can foster a growth mindset

👤About The Author

Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., is a leading researcher in the field of motivation and is the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. Her work has been highlighted in various popular media and she has received numerous awards for her research on mindsets, motivation, and self-regulation.

🎊Celebrity Recommendations

The book has been recommended by celebrities and influencers like Bill Gates and Eduardo Briceño, co-founder of Mindset Works.

Famous Quotes From The Book

“In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.” (p. 39)

“Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better?” (p. 45)