In the Scientific American article “The Secret to Raising Smart Kids,” author Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Stanford University and leading researcher in motivation, discusses the two different “mind-sets” people typically develop during childhood, as well as how these mind-sets impact short and long-term success. In addition, Dweck provides insight into how to prime children for success by providing techniques parents can use to encourage the growth mind-set, which is the key to high achievement in school, work and life.
According to Dweck, if you want to raise the next Einstein, Michelangelo, Tesla, Da Vinci, Buffet or Darwin, you need to…
Encourage a Growth Mind-Set
The growth mind-set is the belief that success (good grades, work promotions, or even fulfilling interpersonal relationships) is the direct result of effort, rather than inborn intelligence, ability or talent. In the growth mind-set, intelligence is perceived as malleable, opportunities are viewed as challenges, and failures are seen as opportunities to improve.
Because this optimistic mind-set offers hope in the form of equal opportunity for people to achieve goals, it provides motivation. The result of this perseverance to achieve a goal, even when set-backs are encountered, tasks become increasingly difficult or success is not guaranteed, are situations in which people ultimately learn, stretch and grow their skills, knowledge and relationships. People with a growth mid-set are typically high achievers.
Conversely, believing that intelligence, talent and ability is innate (fixed) can lead to de-motivation. This is because failures are interpreted as a lack of intelligence. This fear of failure (appearing dumb) causes people with this type of mind-set to avoid challenges that create growth. Instead, they tend to focus on less difficult opportunities that guarantee success. In addition, people with this mind-set can develop “learned helplessness” after repeated failures. Ultimately, this leads an unwillingness to remedy shortcomings, and suppresses the growth people need to become high achievers.
Examples of the Growth Mind-Set
Perhaps one of the best illustrations of a growth mind-set is the experiment Dweck performed on math students. One group of students was provided with information on the brain, which described it as a muscle that can be grown. The other group received no information. The group that received the information earned significantly better grades than the control group because they believed intelligence could be developed, if they put in the time and effort to cultivate and nurture it. The determining factor was a change in the student’s attitudes toward how failure is perceived, and goals are achieved.
Techniques for Encouraging a Growth Mind-Set
To help children develop a growth mind-set, Dweck encourages parents and teachers to choose their words carefully. Because success is ultimately determined by level of effort, praise should focus on the actions they took to achieve a goal. For example, when praising your child for earning a good grade, say, “Wow, all of that studying really paid off!” instead of “Wow, you must be really smart!” As another example, when a child does poorly, it can help to say, “Maybe you didn’t study or practice enough,” instead of implying they failed. This helps children understand that it is the amount of effort, which is something they can control, that resulted in their success or failure.
In other word… To raise a smart child, DON’T tell them they are smart!
Growth Mind-Sets at Work in the Real World
Perhaps one of the most interesting personal stories of a growth mind-set is one of my close Latino friends. Despite the challenges of being a minority, some struggles early in his academic career, and even a couple of failed businesses, my friend persevered through all of the difficulties. The result was a successful company focused on the Hispanic community, which was eventually purchased by one of the major U.S. news outlets. Last week, he was honored in Los Angeles by the Hispanic Public Relations Association for his achievements in uniting the Latino PR community. As a close friend, I have witnessed first-hand not only how dedicated he is, but also how much effort, sacrifice, time and love he puts into his “work.” I also have seen how he interprets “un fracaso,” which is really just a minor mistake that can and will be improved upon next time.
Today, my friend has built a successful business as one of the only Latino daddy bloggers. As true masters of the growth-mind-set, my friend and his wife are an inspiration to all who want to succeed, but most of all, to their children. Together, the family shares their creative parenting tips and tricks online at papiblogger.com.
Remember, Your Mind-Set Is Important, Too!
Undoubtedly, we have a drastic influence on the mind-sets of our children. This is why it is so important to ensure as parents, we also have a growth mind-set and are leading by example, just like my friends. It will be interesting to watch the papiblogger children mature, to see how they are able to capitalize, and perhaps even improve upon the growth-oriented lessons provided by their parents.