INSPIRATION GALLERY

We first read about Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck in the Christian Science Monitor a couple of years ago. Her research explores how our mindsets about our intelligence can influence real-life outcomes.Professor Dweck’s team surveyed New York City 7th graders, identifying whether students believed intelligence could be increased with effort (growth mindset), or thought it was predetermined and unchangeable (fixed mindset).The research team then sought to change the mindsets of a group of low-achieving middle schoolers. 91 students took a short course on brain physiology and study skills. Among these students, a test group also studied how intelligence is malleable, while a control group did not. The student’s mindsets and their grades showed the difference. Student responses to an end-of-year survey indicated that the test group had shifted towards more of a growth mindset. This change correlated to significant improvements in math grades, whereas the control showed no change in grades or mindset.

Research on mindset reminds us that what we believe about ourselves isn’t just in our heads: it impacts our actions and accomplishments – how we face challenges and reach our goals.

So next time you tackle a difficult new task, whether it’s public speaking or learning to change a tire, try adopting a growth mindset. We can’t wait to see what you achieve.