After reading this book I’ve realized how important it is to recognize the mindset of others. Actions I once thought were retaliations against me or judgments placed on me were actually those people fighting what they felt about themselves internally. I have strengths and weaknesses and my mindset plays a dramatic role on my outlook on life. As I read the book, I placed myself in the situations Dweck wrote and I found myself always initially shocked when disappointment arose. I immediately placed myself in a fixed mindset but given time I would learn to turn my thoughts into the growth mindset. I knew that no matter how much disappointment I felt about the situation that I had to be the one to make it better. I can’t live my life digging holes of self pity and sorrow, because something bad happened. I lose my potential when I place myself in a fixed mindset, and I want to be a light for others to find hope in. I think of the growth mindset as my “second chance.” I can always improve, we can always learn to be better, and I can face adversity head on when I think more positively about unpleasant situations.
Although Mindset is very repetitive, I really related to the idea of labels put onto students and how that changes the way they think and process failure. Also the sports section related to me in a way that is too late now, but I wish I had in high school while I was on the swim team. Since I was born with a club foot and had two surgeries, my mom told me I wasn't built for swimming like my friends but I loved it. That stigma of not ever going to be as good as everyone else really affected my motivation throughout the years. Also being told how smart I am all the time and being in the "Gifted & Talented" program at school really gave me a shock to how I really do have to try in school I am not the smartest or most talented- it takes effort. Dweck's words really stuck with me because I did used to beat myself up over the failures, when I should've been celebrating them and then working harder. I will go into this year of college with more of an open mind and a growth mindset that I will try to share with everyone around me.
This book has really made me question the amount of effort I have put into my schooling and if I am really worthy of being called intelligent, or if I am one of the many fixed mindsets that have been praised all their lives. I’m truly starting to appreciate the effort that people go through in everything they do, no matter how small. It all adds up to one large story that is life and I’m wondering if I’m going about it the right way. I hope to have a open mind towards failures and really think about my successes.
Like Connie, I believe that learning the mindsets of others is very important to our own success. While it is important to have friends of all sorts, surrounding yourself with people who have a growth mindset is more likely to help you cultivate your own. On the other side, if someone wants to stick to their own fixed mindset, they would probably want to avoid hanging around people who do not share that view. Through this book, I also struggled with my own mindset. I felt that there are some situations in which I have both mindsets. While in band, I do want to practice and make myself the best that I can be, which would be a growth mindset. However, there are also days in band where I feel that I can never get better. This book made me realize that with enough hard work and effort, you can get yourself to where you want to be.
After completing this book, I feel like the part that will stick with me the most is the part about Michael Phelps and body types. I believe that anyone can accomplish anything if they work hard and try. While having a certain body or mind certainly helps, they do not limit our potential. There is no substitute for hard work and self-sacrifice. If you have a growth mindset and use your failures as fuel, you can accomplish anything, no matter what. -Tyler Macon
This book has helped me to open my mind. I have never considered that some people react and do what they do because of their mindset. I have thought of people who constantly rub their accomplishments in my face as rude and people who don't give all their effort as lazy. I have never thought that maybe their thought process was different than mine. I never thought they might think that's the best they could do. It has helped me to gain a new perspective on myself and others in this way.
Like Hannah I agree that this book was very repetitive, but I think it turned out to be for good because it really got the concept into my head. I think that the section that will stick with me the most is the section over relationships. I thing Dweck gave me a new perspective about the difference between adjusting to differences in a relationship versus trying to change yourself for another person. While change can be good, change should not be a result of another person's opinion unless it is something you also feel like you should change.
The biggest takeaway I had from “Mindset”, by Carol S. Dweck would be the section about shyness. I have always struggled with social interaction since I was in middle school so when I came across the passage over shyness, I read extensively. Dweck states that shy fixed mindsets were unwilling to take risks unlike their growth-minded counterparts. I have since been trying to take on more responsibility to grow out of my shell and it has worked (with some obstacles though). I was glad to relate to this part of the book and I feel inspired to push even more! -Chance Zernicek
Like Kassie, the thing that really stood out to me was when Dr. Dweck mentioned the fixed vs growth mindset in academics. I have always been considered "intelligent" and unfortunately have had a fixed mindset about that for years. Not in the sense of a reluctance to growth, but I typically find myself not studying as much for tests and getting flustered about a bad grade. Dr. Dweck showed me that limiting yourself and getting upset when things don't go your way is not growth-minded. I was inspired to work on my attitude about these two things. -Kaylee George
Much to my expectance, this book really tried to put a new spin on an idea that has existed for years. I commend Dr. Dweck on the new look on the two mindsets, but I still think the book doesn’t put enough emphasis on an actual and realistic approach to the examination of life’s questions. The things that I took away from the book were some hilarious realizations that I never fully committed to either of the mindsets growing up. My parents always tried to encourage me, but found themselves doing the exact opposite. I haven’t always been talented at things, I used to set goals for myself so that I could feel accomplished to some degree at most everything. It wasn’t until I found Christ that I realized that my abilities were gifts from God meant to bring glory to him. Now I see my abilities flourish because I no longer seek my own gain, but the edification of Christ.
I believe the most important part of this book is the last chapter. This is significant for me as it focuses around change. It think this point is the most important as it seems the only constant thing in life is change. More time on this Earth combined with the experiences that one constantly deals with ensures that everyone's life is always changing. Without the right mindset to embrace that change, a person will find it much more difficult to live with.
As someone who is going into block II of the teaching program here at ECU in the Fall semester, I found Dweck’s tips on teaching and the interaction between the teacher, Collins, and student, Gary, on page 200 to be inspiring for me to have an idea of how to deal with and respond to difficult and uninspired students in my future classroom. It was one fear about teaching that I’ve had, “How do I reach the students who refuse to be reached without overstepping my role and responsibilities as a teacher?” -Arian "Skye" Norman
While reading this book I realized that Dweck was a little repetitive. I felt like I read the same thing multiple times. I did relate to some of the things that she talked about. I realized that I really did have a fixed mindset when it came to my intelligence. I was in the gifted and talented program in my elementary school and I was on the academic team in middle school. I never really had to try to get good grades, but high school changed all of that. It really through me for a loop when I had to start trying in my math classes. I cried multiple times, but I realized I wasn't as smart as everyone told me. I now understand why it was so hard for me, and now I know that my mindset needed to change. I ended up getting a good grade in my math class because I realized I actually needed to learn how to work the problems out. This book made me understand that my fixed mindset does complicate how I take new information in, but it made my realize that I need to work on a growth mindset and realize it is possible to take in information differently.
The section that really had an impact on me was the chapter on relationships. I've never really had any luck with them, and the chapter gave me some insight on why things just never seem to work out. I also learned a little about myself, how my mindset affects the other person. I feel like I identified with a specific mindset, and I think that now I can identify where the other person stands, I can have more successful relationships and friendships.
After reading Mindset I came to realize how many people have fixed mindsets. It was shocking at first but, when I thought about it, it started to make a lot of sense. It is difficult to grow up and maintain a growth style mindset. It is also not always negative to have a fixed mindset; most people tend to have both anyway in different aspects of their lives. I think now that I understand how the growth mindset can have a positive effect I am going to try and apply it in my life.
I think the thing I am going to take away most from this is the fact that sometimes we just have to rethink our thinking. I agree that the book was a little repetitive, but the concept of the fixed and growth mindset are hopefully going to be stuck in my mind for a long time. I can now recognize when I am thinking in the fixed mindset and just switch my mind over to a growth mindset. I absolutely love the little chapter summary sections at the end of each chapter entitled “Grow Your Mindset.” I especially like the one at the end of Chapter 2. My favorite bullet point from this section is where Dweck writes, “Is there something in your past that you think measured you? A test score? A dishonest or callous action? Being fired from a job? Being rejected? Focus on that thing. Feel all the emotions that go with it. Now put it in a growth-mindset perspective. Look honestly at your role in it, but understand that it doesn’t define your intelligence or personality. Instead, ask: What did I (or can I) learn from that experience? How can I use it as a basis for growth? Carry that with you instead” (Dweck 53). I think this perfectly encompasses how I think the growth mindset should be implemented. You are allowed to feel the feelings that are associated with all those negative things Dweck listed. You are not allowed to wallow in it, though. I think the emotion should be used to push you in a direction of growth.
I really feel like chapter three impacted me the most and will likely be what I remember longest from this book. It helped me to change my definition of success. Particularly the part about artistic skills. While I always believed that a person could work to achieve success in academics, I still thought that people could only be born with certain creative skills. This chapter showed me that people can work hard to gain any skill. It actually inspired me to start drawing, something I have always wanted to do but have also always felt incapable of doing.
First, I think I need to read this book again as it’s hard to absorb all of the information in one sitting. Especially, since it applies to different aspects of your life at different phases in your life. I also think this should be covered in Freshmen Seminar and with all the instructors across campus. My main takeaway has been on reinforcing this with my child. I want her to have every advantage possible and having the right mindset is going to really help her throughout her life. -Heather Swan
While there were many, many parts that I am sure will stick with me, I would have to chose her expert on trusting people's opinions. I personally have a huge problem of caring about people's opinions, and letting such opinions bother me. She pointed out the fact that females buy into criticism much more easily. After reading this, I really took into account how true this is. And with a new growth minded mindset, I hope to grow from such criticism.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it took some time to work through. I did not finish it until only a few days ago, but the part of "Mindset" that impacted me the most was the section over relationships. First, I was overwhelmed with Dweck's analysis of the two mindsets, but then my mind was blown when she related to how our mindsets effect the relationships in our life. I agree with Lindsey Wallace in that I have never been good at relationships in general, whether it be with family or maintaining a healthy relationship with friends and significant others. This book helped me evaluate myself and the relationships I have with the people in my life. I have a growth mindset, so I believe that knowing that I am part of the problem will aid me in finding the road to healthier relationships. Madison McNeill
This book gave me a new outlook on perseverance and pushing past obstacles. I wish I would have read this book years ago, so that I could have been working on changing my mindset. Before reading this book I would have described myself as someone with a growth mindset, but after reading it I realized that in many aspects I lean towards the fixed mindset. With a new view of failure that may come my way the lesson of perseverance and putting in more effort that is stressed throughout the book, will help me better handle future situations.
I feel like the part of this book that will stick with me the most is the section that describes how students will try to find a way to achieve a good grade with the least amount of effort. This will stick with me because I have found myself in that very situation. I have had to stop and ask myself if I am more concerned with the grade or with learning the material. This part of the book will definitely help me to keep reminding myself that learning is the true goal.
This book has inspired me to not sit around and watch TV in my spare time. To not just overachieve but to consider overachieving as being fixed. I want to never stop working in my life so that I will always continue to grow. I want to put myself out there and stop being as shy as I am. I look forward to challenging myself every day and to not ever being content with what I have achieved. Instead of focusing on achievements, I want to always be focused on new goals for myself. -Makala Millhollon
This book has opened my eyes to a couple of different things. First, that I have lived with a fixed mindset for most of my life. Second, that it doesn’t have to stay that way. I was one who always thought if you had to put much effort into anything, that you just weren’t smart enough to participate. Joining the honors program as an older adult student has been scary. To be honest, I wanted to quit the program before I read this book… before I even tried. That isn’t an option if I want to prove to myself that I can progress to a growth mindset. The part of the book that will stick with me the longest is the part about the teachers who give their all to the students who don’t show natural ability. They are willing to go to great lengths to bring out the best in those students. The teachers who are willing to give time and effort, knowing that they too are growing while helping others are an inspiration.
After reading this book, I think that I am more aware of my mindset in everything I do. I notice when I am being more fixed minded and I am more enthusiastic towards the things I have a growth mindset about. Although I did not agree with the author all the time I see the importance of understanding the mindsets and putting good habits into use. As I go forward I hope to make a conscious effort to be growth minded and be okay with the change that follows! -Kate Draper
While many parts of the book will stick with me, I believe what I will remember the most is her discussion of having different mindsets in different areas and that mindsets are not always black and white. I often feel strong and confident in some areas and timid and clumsy in others, and therefore react differently to failure in different situations. I feel that now I may be able to take a moment, think about my mindset, and use failure to grow in every part of my life.
The basic message of the book is my greatest take away. Being conscious of the fixed and growth mindset and how each will affect me and those around me has already impacted situations in my life. I really enjoyed the last chapter, especially the mindset and willpower section. In the times I want to change something, I get disappointed when I mess up and think I am not strong enough. She made the practical suggestion to consider ways to set yourself up for better results instead. I hope to make this my practice in order to produce permanent change.
Although I have several qualities from this book I hope to carry on, the mindset that failures and flaws are opportunities to grow is one that I especially want to keep. I feel that if I apply this thinking to all situations, I will generally respond with a growth-mindset. I appreciate reading this before entering my freshman year of college, because I now realize I am capable of taking on all of the new challenges ahead!
Reading “Mindset” has definitely made me more aware of my mindset in my everyday life. The book described numerous situations and outcomes that showcased both mindsets, but I think what will stay with me is the last chapter where Dweck discusses how to put the growth mindset into practice. It has inspired me to be more intentional in making a plan, following it, and continually maintaining that change. Learning about the mindsets has given me a better understanding of myself, and it has opened my mind to take advantage of new opportunities and challenges in the future.
This book mainly reaffirmed something I have been taught all my life. When you fall, get back up, dust your knees off and keep walking. Those with a fixed mindset are ones who fall and decide that is where they are in life, but I always believe there is an opportunity for a second chance if you give it to yourself. We are our worst enemies and tend not to allow ourselves the opportunity to succeed. Those with a growth mindset tend to look at situations a little differently. They see failure as opportunity, and criticism as learning. They never take a no or a fail at face value. They take it the extra mile.
This book was a genuine eye-opener for me. It helped simplify a topic that is a little abstract. Dweck talks about some really tough subjects when it comes to motivation and perseverance and puts in into terms that is really inspiring. She makes it clear that she understands that some challenges just makes you want to sit and cry, but having the strength to keep going and not get stuck. It is great to have a word to put to what you are striving to be or have, and that is now "growth mindset"
The section about the effects of mindset on young children was very powerful. I thought the study of toddlers in a daycare setting was a creative way to expose mindsets as "contagious". It encouraged me to keep a growth mindset and hope others catch on.
Reading this book solidified what my parents have taught me growing up. My dad is a coach so he tries to motivate his athletes to have a growth mindset when they face difficulty in competition so that they will improve. He encourages them to take a step back, look at what can be changed in training to improve, and then implement these changes. He always says, “If nothing changes, nothing changes.” My mom is a counselor so she definitely tries to motivate kids to have a growth mindset in all areas of their life, not just academics. -Rachel Worth
This book has really open my eyes to a lot of things in my own life. I learned a lot about myself and how to deal with the people around me. The part that stood out to me above the rest was how fixed mindset relates to failure. How when you have a fixed mindset, if you don't try very hard at the thing you want, you can just say, "I could have been..." as a way to pass blame off of one's self. I think that the author's commentary about how people think of natural talent and hard work, a thing that has honestly always baffled me. For the longest time, I learned, I've had a fixed mindset about natural talent. Her quote on page 42, "From the point of view of the fixed mindset, effort is only for people with deficiencies." This is when this point started to open my eyes, and to be truthful, it scared me. I didn't want to be the kind of person that could handle failure. I didn't want to be stuck in an unhealthily fixed mindset. I think I will always think back to this part of the book when I fail when I didn't try very hard.
One thing I took from this book, was how to recognize the growth mindset in the world around me. I think it amazing to notice things I hadn't payed attention to before. I have started to see how some people are more successful than others, and why some people have a different attitude. I also notice myself having a fixed or growth mindset about some issues. This book has really made me conscious of the growth mindset, and I have started to try working towards having more of a growth mindset.
This book taught me a few things. One, the fixed mindset is all around us. Now that I've read the book and understand the difference between the growth and fixed mindsets, I can easily recognize the two in everyday life. Having read the book, I realize now what an advantage it is to have the growth mindset, and how the growth mindset can set you up for success no matter what the challenge is that you are facing.
The section of this book over shyness intrigued me the most. I have always been pretty shy and content with being an observer. As I read the passage over I learned a lot about myself. I discovered that I am more of a shy growth-minded person and enjoy opening up to people with time. I took away from this book the awareness about all of the different mindsets of the people around me, and I feel that now I will be more conscious of that. It is exciting to now be able to notice why people have different attitudes and actions due to their mindsets. I also took away an awareness about my own personal mindset.
Like Kate, after reading Mindset I’m more aware of my own mindset. I now work to move away from the fixed mindset and try things I previously thought I couldn’t do. My grandma has always said “believing is half the battle”. Before Mindset I simply brushed it off as “an old person thing”. Now I really take it to heart. By not believing I simply can’t do something, I will be able to push myself to do more. This is especially relevant while living with an invisible disability, and I feel empowered to no longer let it hold me back.
From this book I concluded that an unchanged mindset is not always the best outlook on how a person should view the world. Someone stuck in their ways and having a fixed mindset is a hard thing to overcome and this book has definitely opened my eyes to always challenge yourself to differing viewpoints and mindsets. Get out of my comfort zone and try to understand why and how some people feel the way they do. I believe this is one of the most important qualities of life to have.
This book really affected my outlook about my athletic team. It is crazy to me that not all "positive" feedback is positive. I realized my approach to helpfully criticize others must vary depending on the person I am approaching and their mind set. I also realize how ready I should be to accept any challenge, wether thats coach putting me in a new position, playing a tough opponent, or injuries.
After reading this book, I realized that throughout most of my life I grew up having a fixed mindset. I now wonder what could have happened if I grew up having a growth mindset. Now as I face new challenges I try to remember that if I fail, it's a learning experience and I get something out of it rather than giving up.
After reading this book I’ve realized how important it is to recognize the mindset of others. Actions I once thought were retaliations against me or judgments placed on me were actually those people fighting what they felt about themselves internally. I have strengths and weaknesses and my mindset plays a dramatic role on my outlook on life. As I read the book, I placed myself in the situations Dweck wrote and I found myself always initially shocked when disappointment arose. I immediately placed myself in a fixed mindset but given time I would learn to turn my thoughts into the growth mindset. I knew that no matter how much disappointment I felt about the situation that I had to be the one to make it better. I can’t live my life digging holes of self pity and sorrow, because something bad happened. I lose my potential when I place myself in a fixed mindset, and I want to be a light for others to find hope in. I think of the growth mindset as my “second chance.” I can always improve, we can always learn to be better, and I can face adversity head on when I think more positively about unpleasant situations.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Mindset is very repetitive, I really related to the idea of labels put onto students and how that changes the way they think and process failure. Also the sports section related to me in a way that is too late now, but I wish I had in high school while I was on the swim team. Since I was born with a club foot and had two surgeries, my mom told me I wasn't built for swimming like my friends but I loved it. That stigma of not ever going to be as good as everyone else really affected my motivation throughout the years. Also being told how smart I am all the time and being in the "Gifted & Talented" program at school really gave me a shock to how I really do have to try in school I am not the smartest or most talented- it takes effort. Dweck's words really stuck with me because I did used to beat myself up over the failures, when I should've been celebrating them and then working harder. I will go into this year of college with more of an open mind and a growth mindset that I will try to share with everyone around me.
ReplyDeleteThis book has really made me question the amount of effort I have put into my schooling and if I am really worthy of being called intelligent, or if I am one of the many fixed mindsets that have been praised all their lives. I’m truly starting to appreciate the effort that people go through in everything they do, no matter how small. It all adds up to one large story that is life and I’m wondering if I’m going about it the right way. I hope to have a open mind towards failures and really think about my successes.
ReplyDeleteLike Connie, I believe that learning the mindsets of others is very important to our own success. While it is important to have friends of all sorts, surrounding yourself with people who have a growth mindset is more likely to help you cultivate your own. On the other side, if someone wants to stick to their own fixed mindset, they would probably want to avoid hanging around people who do not share that view. Through this book, I also struggled with my own mindset. I felt that there are some situations in which I have both mindsets. While in band, I do want to practice and make myself the best that I can be, which would be a growth mindset. However, there are also days in band where I feel that I can never get better. This book made me realize that with enough hard work and effort, you can get yourself to where you want to be.
ReplyDeleteAfter completing this book, I feel like the part that will stick with me the most is the part about Michael Phelps and body types. I believe that anyone can accomplish anything if they work hard and try. While having a certain body or mind certainly helps, they do not limit our potential. There is no substitute for hard work and self-sacrifice. If you have a growth mindset and use your failures as fuel, you can accomplish anything, no matter what.
ReplyDelete-Tyler Macon
This book has helped me to open my mind. I have never considered that some people react and do what they do because of their mindset. I have thought of people who constantly rub their accomplishments in my face as rude and people who don't give all their effort as lazy. I have never thought that maybe their thought process was different than mine. I never thought they might think that's the best they could do. It has helped me to gain a new perspective on myself and others in this way.
ReplyDeleteLike Hannah I agree that this book was very repetitive, but I think it turned out to be for good because it really got the concept into my head. I think that the section that will stick with me the most is the section over relationships. I thing Dweck gave me a new perspective about the difference between adjusting to differences in a relationship versus trying to change yourself for another person. While change can be good, change should not be a result of another person's opinion unless it is something you also feel like you should change.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest takeaway I had from “Mindset”, by Carol S. Dweck would be the section about shyness. I have always struggled with social interaction since I was in middle school so when I came across the passage over shyness, I read extensively. Dweck states that shy fixed mindsets were unwilling to take risks unlike their growth-minded counterparts. I have since been trying to take on more responsibility to grow out of my shell and it has worked (with some obstacles though). I was glad to relate to this part of the book and I feel inspired to push even more!
ReplyDelete-Chance Zernicek
Like Kassie, the thing that really stood out to me was when Dr. Dweck mentioned the fixed vs growth mindset in academics. I have always been considered "intelligent" and unfortunately have had a fixed mindset about that for years. Not in the sense of a reluctance to growth, but I typically find myself not studying as much for tests and getting flustered about a bad grade. Dr. Dweck showed me that limiting yourself and getting upset when things don't go your way is not growth-minded. I was inspired to work on my attitude about these two things.
ReplyDelete-Kaylee George
Much to my expectance, this book really tried to put a new spin on an idea that has existed for years. I commend Dr. Dweck on the new look on the two mindsets, but I still think the book doesn’t put enough emphasis on an actual and realistic approach to the examination of life’s questions. The things that I took away from the book were some hilarious realizations that I never fully committed to either of the mindsets growing up. My parents always tried to encourage me, but found themselves doing the exact opposite. I haven’t always been talented at things, I used to set goals for myself so that I could feel accomplished to some degree at most everything. It wasn’t until I found Christ that I realized that my abilities were gifts from God meant to bring glory to him. Now I see my abilities flourish because I no longer seek my own gain, but the edification of Christ.
ReplyDeleteI believe the most important part of this book is the last chapter. This is significant for me as it focuses around change. It think this point is the most important as it seems the only constant thing in life is change. More time on this Earth combined with the experiences that one constantly deals with ensures that everyone's life is always changing. Without the right mindset to embrace that change, a person will find it much more difficult to live with.
ReplyDelete- Jacob Talkington
As someone who is going into block II of the teaching program here at ECU in the Fall semester, I found Dweck’s tips on teaching and the interaction between the teacher, Collins, and student, Gary, on page 200 to be inspiring for me to have an idea of how to deal with and respond to difficult and uninspired students in my future classroom. It was one fear about teaching that I’ve had, “How do I reach the students who refuse to be reached without overstepping my role and responsibilities as a teacher?”
ReplyDelete-Arian "Skye" Norman
While reading this book I realized that Dweck was a little repetitive. I felt like I read the same thing multiple times. I did relate to some of the things that she talked about. I realized that I really did have a fixed mindset when it came to my intelligence. I was in the gifted and talented program in my elementary school and I was on the academic team in middle school. I never really had to try to get good grades, but high school changed all of that. It really through me for a loop when I had to start trying in my math classes. I cried multiple times, but I realized I wasn't as smart as everyone told me. I now understand why it was so hard for me, and now I know that my mindset needed to change. I ended up getting a good grade in my math class because I realized I actually needed to learn how to work the problems out. This book made me understand that my fixed mindset does complicate how I take new information in, but it made my realize that I need to work on a growth mindset and realize it is possible to take in information differently.
ReplyDeleteThe section that really had an impact on me was the chapter on relationships. I've never really had any luck with them, and the chapter gave me some insight on why things just never seem to work out. I also learned a little about myself, how my mindset affects the other person. I feel like I identified with a specific mindset, and I think that now I can identify where the other person stands, I can have more successful relationships and friendships.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Mindset I came to realize how many people have fixed mindsets. It was shocking at first but, when I thought about it, it started to make a lot of sense. It is difficult to grow up and maintain a growth style mindset. It is also not always negative to have a fixed mindset; most people tend to have both anyway in different aspects of their lives. I think now that I understand how the growth mindset can have a positive effect I am going to try and apply it in my life.
ReplyDeleteI think the thing I am going to take away most from this is the fact that sometimes we just have to rethink our thinking. I agree that the book was a little repetitive, but the concept of the fixed and growth mindset are hopefully going to be stuck in my mind for a long time. I can now recognize when I am thinking in the fixed mindset and just switch my mind over to a growth mindset. I absolutely love the little chapter summary sections at the end of each chapter entitled “Grow Your Mindset.” I especially like the one at the end of Chapter 2. My favorite bullet point from this section is where Dweck writes, “Is there something in your past that you think measured you? A test score? A dishonest or callous action? Being fired from a job? Being rejected? Focus on that thing. Feel all the emotions that go with it. Now put it in a growth-mindset perspective. Look honestly at your role in it, but understand that it doesn’t define your intelligence or personality. Instead, ask: What did I (or can I) learn from that experience? How can I use it as a basis for growth? Carry that with you instead” (Dweck 53). I think this perfectly encompasses how I think the growth mindset should be implemented. You are allowed to feel the feelings that are associated with all those negative things Dweck listed. You are not allowed to wallow in it, though. I think the emotion should be used to push you in a direction of growth.
ReplyDeleteSide note: I am terrible at word limits ahhhhh
I really feel like chapter three impacted me the most and will likely be what I remember longest from this book. It helped me to change my definition of success. Particularly the part about artistic skills. While I always believed that a person could work to achieve success in academics, I still thought that people could only be born with certain creative skills. This chapter showed me that people can work hard to gain any skill. It actually inspired me to start drawing, something I have always wanted to do but have also always felt incapable of doing.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I think I need to read this book again as it’s hard to absorb all of the information in one sitting. Especially, since it applies to different aspects of your life at different phases in your life. I also think this should be covered in Freshmen Seminar and with all the instructors across campus. My main takeaway has been on reinforcing this with my child. I want her to have every advantage possible and having the right mindset is going to really help her throughout her life.
ReplyDelete-Heather Swan
While there were many, many parts that I am sure will stick with me, I would have to chose her expert on trusting people's opinions. I personally have a huge problem of caring about people's opinions, and letting such opinions bother me. She pointed out the fact that females buy into criticism much more easily. After reading this, I really took into account how true this is. And with a new growth minded mindset, I hope to grow from such criticism.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it took some time to work through. I did not finish it until only a few days ago, but the part of "Mindset" that impacted me the most was the section over relationships. First, I was overwhelmed with Dweck's analysis of the two mindsets, but then my mind was blown when she related to how our mindsets effect the relationships in our life. I agree with Lindsey Wallace in that I have never been good at relationships in general, whether it be with family or maintaining a healthy relationship with friends and significant others. This book helped me evaluate myself and the relationships I have with the people in my life. I have a growth mindset, so I believe that knowing that I am part of the problem will aid me in finding the road to healthier relationships.
ReplyDeleteMadison McNeill
This book gave me a new outlook on perseverance and pushing past obstacles. I wish I would have read this book years ago, so that I could have been working on changing my mindset. Before reading this book I would have described myself as someone with a growth mindset, but after reading it I realized that in many aspects I lean towards the fixed mindset. With a new view of failure that may come my way the lesson of perseverance and putting in more effort that is stressed throughout the book, will help me better handle future situations.
ReplyDeleteMiKayla Lott
I feel like the part of this book that will stick with me the most is the section that describes how students will try to find a way to achieve a good grade with the least amount of effort. This will stick with me because I have found myself in that very situation. I have had to stop and ask myself if I am more concerned with the grade or with learning the material. This part of the book will definitely help me to keep reminding myself that learning is the true goal.
ReplyDeleteThis book has inspired me to not sit around and watch TV in my spare time. To not just overachieve but to consider overachieving as being fixed. I want to never stop working in my life so that I will always continue to grow. I want to put myself out there and stop being as shy as I am. I look forward to challenging myself every day and to not ever being content with what I have achieved. Instead of focusing on achievements, I want to always be focused on new goals for myself.
ReplyDelete-Makala Millhollon
This book has opened my eyes to a couple of different things. First, that I have lived with a fixed mindset for most of my life. Second, that it doesn’t have to stay that way. I was one who always thought if you had to put much effort into anything, that you just weren’t smart enough to participate. Joining the honors program as an older adult student has been scary. To be honest, I wanted to quit the program before I read this book… before I even tried. That isn’t an option if I want to prove to myself that I can progress to a growth mindset. The part of the book that will stick with me the longest is the part about the teachers who give their all to the students who don’t show natural ability. They are willing to go to great lengths to bring out the best in those students. The teachers who are willing to give time and effort, knowing that they too are growing while helping others are an inspiration.
ReplyDelete-Brandi Trujillo
After reading this book, I think that I am more aware of my mindset in everything I do. I notice when I am being more fixed minded and I am more enthusiastic towards the things I have a growth mindset about. Although I did not agree with the author all the time I see the importance of understanding the mindsets and putting good habits into use. As I go forward I hope to make a conscious effort to be growth minded and be okay with the change that follows! -Kate Draper
ReplyDeleteWhile many parts of the book will stick with me, I believe what I will remember the most is her discussion of having different mindsets in different areas and that mindsets are not always black and white. I often feel strong and confident in some areas and timid and clumsy in others, and therefore react differently to failure in different situations. I feel that now I may be able to take a moment, think about my mindset, and use failure to grow in every part of my life.
ReplyDeleteThe basic message of the book is my greatest take away. Being conscious of the fixed and growth mindset and how each will affect me and those around me has already impacted situations in my life. I really enjoyed the last chapter, especially the mindset and willpower section. In the times I want to change something, I get disappointed when I mess up and think I am not strong enough. She made the practical suggestion to consider ways to set yourself up for better results instead. I hope to make this my practice in order to produce permanent change.
ReplyDelete-Brittany West
Although I have several qualities from this book I hope to carry on, the mindset that failures and flaws are opportunities to grow is one that I especially want to keep. I feel that if I apply this thinking to all situations, I will generally respond with a growth-mindset. I appreciate reading this before entering my freshman year of college, because I now realize I am capable of taking on all of the new challenges ahead!
ReplyDeleteReading “Mindset” has definitely made me more aware of my mindset in my everyday life. The book described numerous situations and outcomes that showcased both mindsets, but I think what will stay with me is the last chapter where Dweck discusses how to put the growth mindset into practice. It has inspired me to be more intentional in making a plan, following it, and continually maintaining that change. Learning about the mindsets has given me a better understanding of myself, and it has opened my mind to take advantage of new opportunities and challenges in the future.
ReplyDeleteThis book mainly reaffirmed something I have been taught all my life. When you fall, get back up, dust your knees off and keep walking. Those with a fixed mindset are ones who fall and decide that is where they are in life, but I always believe there is an opportunity for a second chance if you give it to yourself. We are our worst enemies and tend not to allow ourselves the opportunity to succeed. Those with a growth mindset tend to look at situations a little differently. They see failure as opportunity, and criticism as learning. They never take a no or a fail at face value. They take it the extra mile.
ReplyDeleteThis book was a genuine eye-opener for me. It helped simplify a topic that is a little abstract. Dweck talks about some really tough subjects when it comes to motivation and perseverance and puts in into terms that is really inspiring. She makes it clear that she understands that some challenges just makes you want to sit and cry, but having the strength to keep going and not get stuck. It is great to have a word to put to what you are striving to be or have, and that is now "growth mindset"
ReplyDeleteKay'Lee Maddox
The section about the effects of mindset on young children was very powerful. I thought the study of toddlers in a daycare setting was a creative way to expose mindsets as "contagious". It encouraged me to keep a growth mindset and hope others catch on.
ReplyDeleteReading this book solidified what my parents have taught me growing up. My dad is a coach so he tries to motivate his athletes to have a growth mindset when they face difficulty in competition so that they will improve. He encourages them to take a step back, look at what can be changed in training to improve, and then implement these changes. He always says, “If nothing changes, nothing changes.” My mom is a counselor so she definitely tries to motivate kids to have a growth mindset in all areas of their life, not just academics. -Rachel Worth
ReplyDeleteThis book has really open my eyes to a lot of things in my own life. I learned a lot about myself and how to deal with the people around me. The part that stood out to me above the rest was how fixed mindset relates to failure. How when you have a fixed mindset, if you don't try very hard at the thing you want, you can just say, "I could have been..." as a way to pass blame off of one's self. I think that the author's commentary about how people think of natural talent and hard work, a thing that has honestly always baffled me. For the longest time, I learned, I've had a fixed mindset about natural talent. Her quote on page 42, "From the point of view of the fixed mindset, effort is only for people with deficiencies." This is when this point started to open my eyes, and to be truthful, it scared me. I didn't want to be the kind of person that could handle failure. I didn't want to be stuck in an unhealthily fixed mindset. I think I will always think back to this part of the book when I fail when I didn't try very hard.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I took from this book, was how to recognize the growth mindset in the world around me. I think it amazing to notice things I hadn't payed attention to before. I have started to see how some people are more successful than others, and why some people have a different attitude. I also notice myself having a fixed or growth mindset about some issues. This book has really made me conscious of the growth mindset, and I have started to try working towards having more of a growth mindset.
ReplyDeleteThis book taught me a few things. One, the fixed mindset is all around us. Now that I've read the book and understand the difference between the growth and fixed mindsets, I can easily recognize the two in everyday life. Having read the book, I realize now what an advantage it is to have the growth mindset, and how the growth mindset can set you up for success no matter what the challenge is that you are facing.
ReplyDeleteThe section of this book over shyness intrigued me the most. I have always been pretty shy and content with being an observer. As I read the passage over I learned a lot about myself. I discovered that I am more of a shy growth-minded person and enjoy opening up to people with time. I took away from this book the awareness about all of the different mindsets of the people around me, and I feel that now I will be more conscious of that. It is exciting to now be able to notice why people have different attitudes and actions due to their mindsets. I also took away an awareness about my own personal mindset.
ReplyDeleteLike Kate, after reading Mindset I’m more aware of my own mindset. I now work to move away from the fixed mindset and try things I previously thought I couldn’t do. My grandma has always said “believing is half the battle”. Before Mindset I simply brushed it off as “an old person thing”. Now I really take it to heart. By not believing I simply can’t do something, I will be able to push myself to do more. This is especially relevant while living with an invisible disability, and I feel empowered to no longer let it hold me back.
ReplyDeleteFrom this book I concluded that an unchanged mindset is not always the best outlook on how a person should view the world. Someone stuck in their ways and having a fixed mindset is a hard thing to overcome and this book has definitely opened my eyes to always challenge yourself to differing viewpoints and mindsets. Get out of my comfort zone and try to understand why and how some people feel the way they do. I believe this is one of the most important qualities of life to have.
ReplyDeleteThis book really affected my outlook about my athletic team. It is crazy to me that not all "positive" feedback is positive. I realized my approach to helpfully criticize others must vary depending on the person I am approaching and their mind set. I also realize how ready I should be to accept any challenge, wether thats coach putting me in a new position, playing a tough opponent, or injuries.
ReplyDeleteTessa Neeley
After reading this book, I realized that throughout most of my life I grew up having a fixed mindset. I now wonder what could have happened if I grew up having a growth mindset. Now as I face new challenges I try to remember that if I fail, it's a learning experience and I get something out of it rather than giving up.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Martin