Adopt a Growth Mindset to Expand Possibility

In the 1960s, scholar Carol Dweck noticed a split in her classroom: some students backed away from tough problems, fearing they’d expose a lack of ability. Others saw those same puzzles as invitations—to learn, to grow, to master. She coined this difference “mindset.” Decades of research confirm that a fixed mindset—believing your abilities are carved in stone—undermines confidence and resilience. By contrast, a growth mindset, the belief that effort and feedback expand your capacity, fuels perseverance and, ultimately, success.

In one famous study, children praised solely for being “smart” avoided challenges, playing it safe to preserve their reputation. But kids praised for their effort freely tackled harder puzzles and bounced back from failure with curiosity. This shift—valuing the process over a label—turns the fear of failure into a stepping-stone. Our genes and early experiences set a foundation, but praise that centers on effort rewires how we approach obstacles.

Educational psychologists have found this approach works into adulthood, too. High-achieving women in STEM fields who embrace effort over innate talent report higher confidence and a willingness to navigate a male-dominated landscape. They begin to see challenges not as threats, but as necessary trials on the path to mastery.

So next time you hear “You’re talented,” remember the science. The most transformative words are “You worked really hard.” Your brain literally responds to effort-praise with more resilience circuits in the prefrontal cortex. It’s not just pep talk—it’s neuroplasticity in action.

When you catch yourself or someone else praising innate traits, pause and restate the achievement by highlighting the deliberate choices, the late-night rehearsals, the persistence through setbacks. The next time you hear “You’re incredible at this,” add, “I saw how much you practiced,” or “You stuck with it through every hurdle.” Over time, you’ll train your brain—and others’—to find confidence in the process, transforming every struggle into fuel for growth. Try this shift in tone today.