Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Carol S. Dweck · first published 2006 · ISBN 9781400062751
Dweck describes two orientations toward ability: a fixed mindset (believing talent is innate and unchangeable) and a growth mindset (believing abilities develop through effort). She traces how these mindsets shape motivation, resilience, learning, and achievement across education, sports, business, and relationships.
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Growth mindset research bridges developmental, educational, and social psychology while offering practical tools that show up in clinical and coaching work. Grad programs in educational psychology especially emphasize this framework, and understanding its empirical foundations and controversies prepares you for those debates.