Mindsets and success

Differences in people’s intellects exist. That’s a fact. We can also acknowledge that in some subject or skill areas some individuals have higher abilities than others (academics, sports, music, etc.). Does this mean that your chances of obtaining a good grade in Math, Chemistry or Philosophy are predetermined? Of course not.

Your grades are determined by multiple factors, like: ability, luck, task difficulty, assistance, and effort, among others. From these factors, effort is the only one under your immediate control. But in some instances, the amount of effort you are willing to put towards achieving a goal is influenced by your mindsets.

What are mindsets? Mindsets are beliefs; very powerful ones. When you tell yourself I’m not good at Math, I’m not a science person, I’ve always been a bad test-taker, I’m an awful writer, you are performing under what is called a fixed mindset. According to Dr. Carol Dweck, a fixed mindset assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can’t change in any meaningful way. A fixed mindset could be a sturdy barrier between yourself and success.

The opposite of fixed mindset is growth mindset, the belief that your qualities and abilities can be cultivated and expanded through effort. Does that mean that changing your mindset will help you achieve a better grade? It’s possible. While having a growth mindset can’t guarantee a specific level of performance, research suggests that people who assume a growth mindset are more likely to develop the intrinsic motivation required to achieve higher levels of performance.

If mindsets are beliefs, how can you build growth mindset? Here are some suggestions:

• Start believing that you can change, because you can.
• Change the way you talk to yourself and about yourself: instead of saying “I’m bad at Math”, rather tell yourself “Math is difficult, but with effort I can get better”.
• Don’t be afraid of failing, be more afraid of not trying.
• Seek assistance from others. Look for academic support services on campus, find a study partner, and meet with you professors during office hours.
• Focus on growth, not grades. While getting high grades is important, it’s more important to feel confident in your learning.
• Celebrate small victories. Give yourself credit for any improvement, however small. And keep believing that there’s always room for growth.

One word of caution. The market is full of paid products, services, and tools intended to help people achieve academic success. While the research on mindset is very robust, a recent study suggests that products or mindset interventions are not as effective as they claim helping students with academic achievement. Effort is the key element for a more successful learning experience.

The following video provides additional ideas on the topic of growth mindset: