Enviable individuals acquire skills and knowledge effortlessly; others are more orderly and achievement-focused than their peers, and still others exhibit unusual talents. While such positive traits are not evenly distributed, they are not necessarily out of reach for those who are not "natural" high achievers. A growth mindset , as conceived by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck and colleagues, is
What Is Growth Mindset? (Plain Language Explanation)
Growth Mindset refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Growth Mindset
- Symptoms: The specific ways growth mindset shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen growth mindset
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When growth mindset occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Growth Mindset
- Growth Mindset is far more common than most people realize
- Growth Mindset is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with growth mindset see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about growth mindset is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing growth mindset, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.