Growth Mindset Glossary
Adaptability
The ability to adjust to new challenges or changes, a key characteristic of a growth mindset.
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Ample Effort
The belief that putting in sustained effort is necessary to grow and improve, rather than relying solely on innate talent.
Belief Systems
The underlying convictions that shape how individuals perceive their abilities, such as a growth or fixed mindset.
Challenges
Difficult tasks or situations that push one's abilities; those with a growth mindset embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.
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Continuous Improvement
The practice of always seeking ways to grow, evolve, and improve in skills or understanding.
Effort
The act of trying hard, which is highly valued in a growth mindset as the main factor behind learning and success.
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Embrace of Mistakes
The idea that mistakes are part of the learning process, encouraging reflection and adaptation rather than discouragement.
Feedback
Constructive information provided to help someone improve; individuals with a growth mindset view feedback as helpful, not as criticism.
Fixed Mindset
The belief that abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable, opposite of a growth mindset.
Grit
The combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals, closely linked to persistence and a growth mindset.
Growth Mindset
The belief that abilities, intelligence, and skills can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.
Intrinsic Motivation
Motivation that comes from personal satisfaction or the desire to learn and grow, rather than external rewards.
Learning Orientation
A focus on gaining new skills, knowledge, or understanding, rather than merely demonstrating existing abilities.
Mastery Goals
Goals centered on the desire to master a skill or subject, as opposed to performance goals, which focus on external validation.
Neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, providing the biological basis for the concept that abilities can be developed.
Persistence
Continuing to work toward a goal despite obstacles or challenges, a key behavior of someone with a growth mindset.
Positive Self-Talk
Encouraging internal dialogue that reinforces the belief in one’s capacity to grow and overcome challenges.
Resilience
The ability to recover from setbacks and keep moving forward, supported by the belief that failure is part of growth.
Self-Efficacy
The belief in one's own ability to succeed in specific situations, which can reinforce a growth mindset.
Self-Reflection
The practice of thinking about one's actions and experiences to learn from them, helping guide future improvements.
Talent Development
The belief that talent can be nurtured and developed over time, rather than being something fixed from birth.