Two Mindsets For Attitude - Carol Dweck and Carol Anderson

In different areas of life, different mindsets may be necessary in order for progress to be made. People who are new to a region will likely have a different mindset than those who have been there for a long time. Likewise, those who are traveling to a new area will have a different mindset than those who are settled in their place. The mindsets that we have in place are determined by the circumstances that we are living in at any given time.


In broad terms, a mindset is simply a set of fixed traits, rules, or ideas held by a single individual or group of individuals. Sometimes, these mindsets can be referred to as prevailing wisdom or culture. The common thread tying all mindsets is the belief that there is only one world, and that our world is the one in which we live. However, this belief is not consistent across the board, with some people believing that there are multiple worlds, each with their own laws and rules.

In broad terms, you can think of your mindset as operating as a filter, with the "decisions" being determined by your thoughts and feelings, rather than your logic or reasoning. In some ways, your mindset is like a reflex action, with your thoughts acting on you without your control. In this way, some people believe that their mindsets are like reflexes. However, the truth is that your mindset is your guide and your instructions to make choices. Therefore, as part of any solution finding one that works best for you, it is important to examine the following perspectives:

Where do you stand in your current mindset? If you haven't changed, chances are that you are stuck in a pattern of thinking. Consequently, there are certain "automatic responses" that are operating in your mind. For example, if you are afraid of speaking in public, you may begin to hold your head up and speak lower-class sounding words. Similarly, if you are afraid of failure, you may be inclined to over strategize and minimize the risk of making a mistake.

In addition, your thoughts have created patterns in your mind that you continue to act in, regardless of the situation. Consequently, if you want to overcome fear and find growth mindset creates new habits. To change these mindsets, you must go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate your beliefs, behaviors and reactions. In this way, you will be able to identify areas that need attention and work toward changing them.

Another fact about growth mindsets is that they do not create accurate predictions about future outcomes, but rather an educated guess. As a result, these educated guesswork typically leads to making poor decisions. However, by using growth mindset, you can learn to trust your judgments, trust your gut, and increase your confidence. Consequently, your decisions and behavioral patterns become more in alignment with your goals and your desires.

Growth mindset and change are related because they are both necessary for a successful career, a happy family life and a successful business enterprise. In fact, Carol Dweck and Carol Anderson write, "If you want to change what's in your mind you have to change the mindsets that interpret those beliefs." Accordingly, the goal of this book is to help you understand the relationship between your beliefs about yourself and your behavior. In addition, the book will help you understand the importance of two mindsets: a positive one (intellectually based) and a negative one (of habitual beliefs).


Therefore, the next time you read a publication like this one, let your mind wonder about the connection between the knowledge contained herein and your ability to change your attitude, which in turn will have a profound impact on your behavior. You just might be stunned by the revelation that changing your attitude will improve not only your life but also your relationships and career. So what are you waiting for?