Fixed Mindset People with a fixed mindset believe that their traits are just givens. They have a certain amount of brains and talent and nothing can change that. If they have a lot, theyre all set, but if they dont... So people in this mindset worry about their traits and how adequate they are. They have something to prove to themselves and others. Growth Mindset People with a growth mindsetsee their qualities as things that can be developed through their dedication and effort. Sure theyre happy if theyre brainy or talented, but thats just the starting point. They understand that no one has ever accomplished great thingsnot Mozart, Darwin, or Michael Jordanwithout years of passionate practice and learning. Brain photo by _DJ_ CC BY-SA 2.0 Control GroupExperimental Group Middle School Mindset Study Blackwell, Lisa S., Kali H. Trzesniewski, and Carol Sorich Dweck. "Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention." Child development 78.1 (2007): Praise Fixed Mindset Praise Youre so brilliant, you got an A without even studying! But turn it around: If I cant get an A without studying, then Im not brilliant.. From (Dweck, 2006) Growth Mindset Praise I like the way you tried all kinds of strategies on that math problem until you got it. You thought of a lot of different ways to do it and found the one that worked! From (Dweck, 2006) Consider: Overall, in your life, would you say that youve been given: Praise that mostly has a growth mindset framing (e.g. improving skills) Praise that mostly has a fixed mindset framing (e.g. being smart) Both types of praise, about the same amount My teachers and families tried not to praise people at all