Mindset by Carol Dweck #

Who recommended: Oleksii Tymofiyiv

My notes: #

I started reading Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck in 2018, but found it a bit repetitive and drawn out. The concept of a "fixed vs growth mindset" inspired me, but after reading about a third of the book, I put it down.

It's now been six years, and I decided to give it another shot. This time, I approached it with a new perspective and found myself resonating more deeply with its ideas.

Here’s what I learned:

Recognize your desire for growth: The first step in developing a growth mindset is recognizing that you want to improve in something. It could be anything – a skill, a trait, or a habit. But without this initial acknowledgment, it’s easy to remain stagnant.

Assess your current level objectively: One of the challenges is being honest with yourself about where you are. Whether it’s a personal or professional skill, this self-awareness gives you the starting point you need to progress.

Embrace learning and practice: This is where the growth mindset truly shines. The more you practice, the more you learn. And with time, you build confidence not from being inherently good at something, but from knowing you can improve through effort.

Find your comfortable pace: Not everyone progresses at the same rate, and that’s okay. Understanding your unique pace helps prevent burnout and keeps you motivated.

Enjoy the process: Growth isn’t always about the destination. It’s about enjoying the small victories along the way. I’ve realized that true satisfaction comes from loving the learning process, rather than just the results.

Measure your progress over time: After several years, I was amazed to see how much I had grown in areas I once thought were beyond my reach.

In high school and college, I was convinced that I was a "humanitarian" and an introvert. It felt like a label I couldn't shake off, almost like a fixed identity that dictated what I was capable of. I thought I was permanently confined to a box where my potential was already decided.

Reading Mindset helped me break free from that mental trap. The book emphasizes that abilities aren’t fixed and that the brain can develop and adapt if we’re willing to put in the effort. I realized that the “fixed mindset” had been limiting my view of what I could achieve, both personally and professionally.

Now, I no longer see labels like "introvert" or "humanitarian" as defining me or my abilities. They are just traits, not limitations. By embracing the growth mindset, I’ve learned to challenge myself, grow beyond perceived boundaries, and enjoy the journey of self-improvement.

Finishing the book this time around was more rewarding because I could see how the principles applied in my own life. It’s not just about reading inspirational content – it’s about experiencing the shift and recognizing your own growth over time.

If you’re revisiting this book or encountering it for the first time, I encourage you to apply its concepts actively in your life. You might be surprised at how much you can achieve when you embrace the idea that nothing is fixed and that we are all capable of growth.