The fixed mindset

Throughout life, people have probably commented on your abilities — a parent saying you're smart, a teacher recognizing you were good at math, a boss calling you a hard worker.

Over time, these messages can "fix" how you see yourself. People call you smart, so you must be. Eventually, this view of yourself will slam into life's inevitable failures or criticisms. What happens then?

The fixed mind interprets common setbacks and mistakes as a personal shortcoming or lack of ability. This results in:

• Negative emotions
• Self-doubt
• Blaming of others
• Quickness to give up
• Avoidance of challenges in the future

Fortunately, your mindset doesn't have to be fixed for life.