University Psychology Assignment: Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Essay

This essay explores the contrasting concepts of fixed and growth mindsets in psychology. A fixed mindset is characterized by a reluctance to accept criticism, a fear of failure, and a focus on proving oneself right. Conversely, a growth mindset embraces challenges, views failure as a learning opportunity, and is open to new perspectives. The essay highlights the importance of adopting a growth mindset for continuous learning and personal development. It discusses strategies for cultivating a growth mindset, such as viewing failure as a teacher, embracing lifelong learning, understanding the constructive nature of challenges, and drawing inspiration from others. The essay references Dweck and Vandewalle's work to support its arguments, emphasizing the benefits of a growth mindset for overcoming anxieties and opening new horizons for learning and growth throughout life.

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note:

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A fixed mindset reflects the characteristic of a person which makes him adamant about
his own thoughts and decision and criticism is never appreciated by him or her. This kind of
personalities always tries to prove themselves right and never accepts defeat easily, the person is
greatly affected by the thought that he or she is defeated by another person in logic or physical
strength (Vandewalle, 2012). Therefore, this kind of people are constantly at a risk of defeat
hence they remain worried. They feel vulnerable when there is a possibility of defeat. However,
they constantly update themselves to remain in knowledge of whatever is happening around the
globe so that they are not defeated in terms of informative opinions.
On the other hand, people with growth mindset are open about possibilities and they take
learning as more important, and they have the sportsman spirit to be defeated and accept such
defeat (Dweck, 2015). These kind of people take part in debates or discussions with an open
mind and they are open to views and opinions of other people. If they understand that the opinion
of the other person is superior to them they do not remain adamant on their point of view and
concede defeat. These personalities are eager to learn and experience new things, new concepts
and new perspectives and they stretch themselves to new thoughts. Defeat does not disturb them
and they are peaceful in their mind.
Some of the ways in which growth mindset can be achieved are as follows. Firstly, viewing
failure as a teacher. Failure is necessary to learn in life. Learning opens up possibilities and the
person becomes better in knowledge and experience. Secondly, becoming an avid learner is
important. No one knows everything about the world and there are always possibilities to learn
new things. Learning new things will pave way for new skills and perspectives. Thirdly, by
understanding challenges are constructive. The people with fixed mindset take challenge as a
threat. They are scared of defeats. Therefore, they remain worried and vulnerable. However,

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understanding the fact that challenges are constructive in making a person go through
experiences that are new will change the way life is perceived by the individual (Dweck, 2016).
Then no more the person will be scared of challenges rather will be eager to participate in
challenging situations which will pave way for new learning. Fourthly, by getting inspired by
others. There are two ways of viewing opinions from other people. One is to get threatened about
their opinion other one is to get inspired from their thought. The second one will help in
achieving growth mindset and making a person dynamic in terms of learning.
The people with fixed mindset are most of the time worried and anxious about the fact
that their opinion will not be well taken or their point of view will be defeated. This also hampers
learning. Therefore, it is important for people to achieve growth mindset and open new horizons
for learning and growing throughout life.

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References:
Dweck, C. (2015). Carol Dweck revisits the growth mindset. Education Week, 35(5), 20-24.
Dweck, C. (2016). What having a “growth mindset” actually means. Harvard Business Review
Web Article.
Vandewalle, D. (2012). A growth and fixed mindset exposition of the value of conceptual
clarity. Industrial and Organizational psychology, 5(3), 301-305.