The Growth Mindset: Transforming Your Inner Dialogue

Mindset by Carol Dweck

Many adults were praised for being “smart” as kids. While this praise may have felt encouraging at the time, it can lead to a perfectionist mindset and a fear of failure. You might hesitate to try new things, feel anxious about making mistakes, or believe your worth is tied to being “right” or “talented.”

Carol Dweck, a psychologist at Stanford University, introduced the concept of the fixed mindset versus the growth mindset. A fixed mindset suggests that your intelligence and abilities are set in stone. In contrast, a growth mindset views them as skills that can be developed over time.

If you’ve ever felt stuck because you were labeled “smart,” her work can help you rewrite that story — starting with your self-talk.

Start by Noticing Your Inner Dialogue

The voice in your head might say things like:

• “If I mess this up, I’ll look incompetent.”

• “I should already know how to do this.”

• “If it doesn’t come easily, I’m not good at it.”

  
  

These thoughts stem from a fixed mindset. To shift your perspective, start using language that reflects growth:

• “I’m learning how to do this.”

• “It’s okay to not be perfect. Progress matters.”

• “Mistakes mean I’m stretching and improving.”

  
  

This kind of self-talk rewires your brain for resilience and confidence. Dweck refers to this as “the power of yet” — as in, “I haven’t mastered it yet.”

Watch and Listen to Carol Dweck’s Best Resources for Adults

If you’re ready to change your mindset and self-talk, these talks and podcasts are excellent places to start:

1. TED Talk: The Power of Believing That You Can Improve (10 minutes)

Dweck explains the basics of fixed and growth mindsets and how the word yet can shift your thinking.

2. Google Talk: Developing a Growth Mindset (40 minutes)

In this in-depth presentation, Dweck speaks directly to adults about how mindset shapes performance, learning, and leadership.

3. Podcast: Hidden Brain – The Mind of the Village

This episode explores how early beliefs about intelligence continue to shape us as adults. Listen here: https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-mind-of-the-village/

4. Podcast: The Knowledge Project, Episode 66 with Carol Dweck

A thoughtful interview where Dweck discusses how professionals, parents, and leaders can get stuck in the “smart identity” and how to break free. Listen here: https://fs.blog/carol-dweck/

Read: Mindset by Carol Dweck

Especially relevant chapters include:

• Chapter 1: The Mindsets

• Chapter 7: Parents, Teachers, and Coaches

• Chapter 8: Changing Mindsets

  
  

The Impact of a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset can significantly impact various aspects of your life. It can enhance your learning, improve your relationships, and boost your overall well-being.

Learning and Development

When you embrace a growth mindset, you open yourself up to new learning opportunities. You become more willing to take risks and try new things. This willingness can lead to personal and professional growth.

Relationships

A growth mindset can also improve your relationships. When you view challenges as opportunities for growth, you become more empathetic and understanding towards others. You learn to appreciate their struggles and support them in their journey.

Overall Well-Being

Finally, adopting a growth mindset can enhance your overall well-being. It encourages resilience, optimism, and a positive outlook on life. You become more adaptable to change and better equipped to handle life's challenges.

Takeaway

Being told you were smart isn’t the problem. The issue arises when that label prevents you from growing, taking risks, or feeling okay with imperfection. The good news? You can change the way you talk to yourself, and that can transform how you learn, work, and relate to others. Embrace the growth mindset and watch your life change for the better.