Key Terms
Foundations of Academic Success
Words of Wisdom Chapter 8
Definition
The belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through effort. Abilities in any area — math, art, ath
Situation
Walked into a meeting; discovered it was a facilitated brainstorming session. Froze.
Recognition
Identified the paralysis as fixed mindset thinking. His belief in his "brainstorming inadequacy" was preventing him from
Flip
Decided the only way to improve was to try. Cleared his mind.
Result
Ideas came slower than some colleagues — but he had his best- ever brainstorming experience. More positive outcome than
Conclusion
You really can choose a growth mindset. That choice produces a greater chance of success; a greater chance of success me
Reframe
Failure is always an option in college and in life. That's not a problem; that's the material.
Practical implication
Seek out challenges that stretch your abilities. Inside the classroom; outside the classroom; both.
Fixed mindset
Belief that intelligence, talent, and character are carved in stone; cannot be significantly changed through effort.
Growth mindset
Belief that basic qualities can be cultivated through effort; abilities are developable.
Carol Dweck
Stanford psychologist; author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2006); originator of fixed/growth mindset theor
Academic probation
Status resulting from insufficient academic performance; referenced as the floor the author stayed above in his first se
Fear of failure
The core driver of fixed mindset avoidance behavior; not a conscious choice but an emotional response to identity threat