Why is the growth mindset so important?

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We have beliefs about our abilities and potential from an early age. In this sense, these beliefs are formed depending on the education parents give us and the influence of teachers. They are also part of our powerful mentality, fueling our behavior and predicting our success. Hence, mentality shapes our daily lives, helping us interpret our experiences and future possibilities. 

In this perspective, we find two mindsets: growth and fixed (Dweck, 2006). This author defines the "growth mindset as based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every way in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments, everyone can change and grow through application and experience." Also, the fixed mindset, "believing that your qualities are carved in stone, creates an urgency to provide for yourself over and over." (p.6).

Seen in this way and after analyzing both definitions, I can infer that the growth mindset is a fundamental aspect of the development of each person and goes hand in hand with resilience, defined by Luthar (2003) as the "manifestation of positive adaptation despite of significant adversities in life" (p.xxix), motivation and long-term success, together will foster a positive attitude necessary for learning and development in all aspects of life.

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