Reading Reflection No.2

1)      What is the general theme of the book?

I pick to read Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by: Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. The general theme of her book was to show how important one’s mindset truly is and how big an impact it has on one’s success and outlook on life.  Carol discusses the differences of a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset believes a person is who they are and there is no way to change themselves. Someone with a fixed mindset is praised on their achievements and “natural” talents rather than their effort. One example is a kid who is deemed brilliant and praised for his ability to effortlessly ace tests. If this kid develops a fixed mindset he will think he is naturally smart and that he has to live up to it or else, he will be considered a failure. And so this kid stays away from challenges that might disprove his intelligence. Someone with a fixed mindset does not want to be wrong so they will play it safe and live life with unnecessary pressure.

Now, a person with a growth mindset is up for a challenge. They feel they have the ability to learn and more importantly learn from failures. They may be labeled as a less than average student by people with a fixed mindset, but they will not let others define them. Mindset can be taught and learned. Someone with a fixed mindset can develop a growth mindset and vice versa. Much of our thinking comes from our parents, teachers, and coaches and how the differences of mindset cast different outcomes.

2)       How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

Mindset is a must read regardless of your profession and whether you want to be an entrepreneur or not. I will admit to having a fixed mindset from early stages in life, because I did not think I was smart enough or I could not play a sport or instrument, because I was not able to pick it up right away. But over time I developed a growth mindset and I feel is the reason why I play hockey, play drums, and am at the University of Florida now. I am developing the growth mindset for my social life and is why I was able to conduct interviews with strangers. I have to believe I can become a social butterfly and that any limiting belief serves no purpose in my life.

3)      3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

If I could design an exercise for this class based on Mindset by Carol S. Dweck I would write out a list of responses and to situations and have the class pick out which ones were inspired from the fixed mindset or the growth mindset. But if you read the book at the end of every chapter Carol provides the reader with exercises too.

4)      4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

I feel the biggest surprise or ‘aha’ moment came during the section on shyness. Carol points out that the shy person with the fixed mindset will have awkward mannerisms, not talk much, and continue to feel uncomfortable throughout the entire encounter. While a shy person with a growth mindset will start off as quiet and uncomfortable, but will begin to feel more social and act as if they were never really shy to begin with. This resonated with me, because I am a relatively shy person, but once I am out in the environment and communicating with others I begin to feel more relaxed and social. I especially saw this when I was conducting my interviews as well.

Coach John Wooden of the dynasty that was UCLA basketball in the sixties would say “Did I make my best effort?” If so then “You may be outscored, but you will never lose” (Carol S. Dweck, 2006)

Chicago educator Marva Collins said “If you don’t give anything, don’t expect anything. Success is not coming to you, you must come to it” (Carol S. Dweck, 2006)

Works Cited

Carol S. Dweck, P. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Ballantine Books.