The Power of a Growth Mindset

In a talk given at Stanford University, Professor Carol Dweck tells a story about an experiment that she once conducted in which she gave some math problems to a group of ten-year-olds—problems that were too difficult for their current level. She paid attention to the various responses. Some of the kids were excited to try something that would stretch them. But others were completely defeated and simply gave up. About these kids, she memorably says, “Instead of the power of ‘yet’, they were gripped by the ‘tyranny of now’.” 

And it is this same cruel tyrant that holds so many people back from realizing their full potential. Many people cannot fathom what it would be like to have real success—they gave up on those dreams and aspirations long ago. Perhaps they look to those who have had successful lives and careers and believe that some people are just talented (or lucky) enough to enjoy such good results. 

This ‘tyranny of now’ can even take control over people who are taking positive steps towards making something constructive. They might push past their indecision and begin to make progress. But the moment they encounter real obstacles or significant setbacks, they either plateau or, even worse, simply stop trying. 

But this is not how it has to be. There is a third way that, if we take it, can yield powerful results. This third way is what Carol Dweck calls the ‘growth mindset’. 

The Power of ‘Yet’

When we encounter challenges and realize that we are not succeeding at surmounting an obstacle, we have two choices. By choosing to give up, we succumb to the ‘tyranny of now’. But by learning from our mistakes and failures and remaining determined to succeed in whatever sphere of life, we are choosing to lean into the ‘yet’. Perhaps we have not yet achieved what we’re aiming at. But choosing to cling to that ‘yet’ is embracing the fact that one day we will overcome the challenges at hand. This, in a nutshell, is the growth mindset. 

At first, this concept seems absurdly simple. We have heard all our lives that we are supposed to learn from our mistakes. But simple does not mean easy; and if it were easy, then there would not be ink spilled to write articles like this one. The unfortunate truth is that while many people can intellectually understand the concept of a growth mindset, there are very few people who are able to consistently put it into practice. 

Embracing Challenge

The fact is that pursuing a long-term, lucrative career is immensely challenging. Though it is certainly rewarding to work hard at something fulfilling, it is also very demanding. Building a lasting career will require your time, energy, and creativity. And in the midst of it all, you will deal with many uncertainties. Not everyone who sets out on this journey succeeds, and it is important to reconcile yourself with this fact if you are going to beat the odds. 

This might discourage you and cause you to want to give up. But if you can learn to embrace the challenge, this growth mindset will give you the fuel needed to persevere. 

Dweck points out that when educating children, it is very important to spend more time praising them for hard work and effective strategies than for sheer talent. While there is nothing wrong with talent, it is also not something that deserves commendation. Far better than mere talent is the willingness, regardless of initial skill level, to work with dedication and perseverance towards achieving your goals. 

So embrace the challenge, knowing that the obstacle you face is the very thing that will help you to grow. Choose the power of yet over the tyranny of now.