Mindset Mondays: Carol Dweck — Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

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Why do some athletes keep improving, while others stay stuck?

Carol Dweck explains it through two types of mindset: fixed and growth.

A fixed mindset believes:

  • “I am what I am.”

  • Talent is set.

  • If I struggle, it means I’m not good enough.

A growth mindset believes:

  • “I can get better.”

  • Ability can be developed.

  • Struggle is part of improvement.

Dweck puts it simply: “Becoming is better than being.”

People with a fixed mindset are focused on proving themselves, and people with growth mindsets are focused on improving themselves.

Think about how this shows up:

  • Miss a shot: “I’m just not a shooter” (fixed)

  • Miss a shot: “What can I adjust?” (growth)

  • Get feedback: “Coach doesn’t believe in me” (fixed)

  • Get feedback: “This will help me get better” (growth)

The difference isn’t talent. It’s how you interpret what happens to you. Your mindset shapes your response — and your response shapes your results.

The best athletes aren’t the ones who never struggle. They’re the ones who use struggle as feedback. They stay coachable, curious, and keep working.

Reflection Question

When things don’t go your way, how can you have a growth mindset, not a fixed one?

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