Growth Mindset

he research of Dr. Carol Dweck shows that people's mindset can have a major effect on their success in life. People with a growth mindset believe that their basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This belief often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. On the other hand, a fixed mindset can limit learning and personal growth.

Those with a growth mindset see failure as a challenge and criticism as an opportunity to learn. In contrast, people with a fixed mindset view failure as a disaster and criticism as a personal attack.

People with a growth mindset show grit and keep going when faced with setbacks. But those with a fixed mindset often take early difficulties as proof that their dreams are not achievable.

A growth mindset leads people to view others’ success as a source of inspiration, while a fixed mindset may lead to jealousy or envy.

Those with a fixed mindset often feel the need to prove themselves—to show that they are one of the few with true talent. In comparison, people with a growth mindset believe that success is simply a matter of time and effort.

So, ask yourself: Do you believe you’re stuck with the hand you were dealt, or do you believe that talent, intelligence, and ability can grow through hard work? Changing your mindset might be the first step toward improving your life.

Articles

• Growth mindset for coaches and managers
• 6 Tips to Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset in the Classroom
• Fixed vs. Growth: Two Basic Mindsets That Shape Our Lives
• Improve your coaching skills with a growth mindset
  

Videos

• Video explaining fixed mindset vs growth mindset
• The Growth Mindset Video | Carol Dweck | Talks at Google
• The power of believing that you can improve | Carol Dweck

Books

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck ( Summary Video + Book )

Grit by Angela Duckworth ( Summary Video + Book )

Related Posts

• Positive Deviance
  
• Double Loop Learning
  
• Deliberate Practice
  
• Goal Setting

Goal Setting

t is that time of year where people make New Year's resolutions. 

These resolutions are easy to make, but much harder to keep.

So how can you build habits that actually last?

There has been quite a bit of research on this topic in recent years. I’ve found three methods particularly helpful: MCII, Hope Theory, and Atomic Habits. These approaches all share common themes—optimism, planning, and breaking goals down into smaller steps. They don’t contradict each other; in fact, they complement one another. The authors even refer to each other’s work, showing that they are aware of the connections between their ideas.

Below, I’ll go over each method in turn:

Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions

MCII  also known as WOOP , is a practical technique for changing habits and behaviour. It involves four steps:

1. Wish – Choose a goal you want to achieve.

2. Outcome – Visualise how it will feel to achieve that goal.

3. Obstacle – Identify the internal or external obstacles that might get in the way.

4. Plan – Make if-then plans. For example: If I face obstacle A, then I will do behavior B.

Videos

• Video explanation of MCII aka WOOP.

Books

Rethinking Positive Thinking by G.Oettingen ( Summary Video + Book )

Hope Theory

Prof. Snyder breaks his advice into three components.

1. Goals – Set goals that are specific, measurable and with a clear deadline.
2. Pathways – Plan multiple ways to reach your goal. If one path doesn’t work, use double loop learning to adapt.  
3. Agency – Build confidence and maintain motivation through optimism and agrowth mindset. This helps develop grit  and persistence, which are essential for success. 

Videos

• Hope Theory Session with Dr. Christian Wandeler

Books

Psychology of Hope  by C.R. Snyder ( Summary Video + Book )

Handbook of Hope by C.R. Snyder ( Book )

Atomic Habits

James Clear outlines his method through what he calls The Four Laws of Behavior Change. According to him, a habit should be:

1. Obvious – Link the habit to a specific time, place, or situation so it can be triggered easily.

2. Easy – Break the habit down into small, manageable steps.

3. Attractive – Connect the habit with a reward to make it appealing.

4. Satisfying – Track your progress. Turn the habit into a game to keep it fun and motivating.

These three approaches offer useful strategies for creating lasting habits. By combining them, you can improve your chances of sticking to your resolutions and making meaningful changes.

Book

Atomic Habits by James Clear ( Summary Video + Book )

Related Posts

• Growth Mindset
  
• Positive Deviance
  
• Double Loop Learning
  
• Deliberate Practice