Mindset Basics
What is a fixed mindset?
Believing abilities are set and can’t change.
“I’m just bad at math. I’ll never get it.”
Growth or fixed?
Fixed
You bomb a quiz. What’s the growth mindset response?
Study differently, ask for help, practice, learn from mistakes.
You miss an easy shot in basketball. What’s a growth mindset reaction?
Practice more, figure out what went wrong.
Growth mindset people usually see challenges as…
Opportunities to grow.
What is a growth mindset?
Believing abilities can grow with effort, strategies, and support.
“I don’t get this yet, but I’ll figure it out.”
Growth or fixed?
Growth
You’re stuck on a homework problem. What fixed mindset thought might pop up?
“I can’t do this,” “I’m not smart enough,” etc.
“She’s naturally better than me at art.” Fixed or growth?
Fixed mindset.
Fixed mindset people often give up when…
Something is hard or they fail once.
True or false: The brain forms new connections when you learn.
True
“If I fail, people will think I’m dumb.”
Fixed mindset.
Your friend says they’re “just not a science person.” How could you reply with a growth mindset?
“Everyone can improve with practice,” “You just haven’t learned it yet,” etc.
You try guitar for the first time and it’s awful. Growth mindset response?
Keep practicing; everyone starts as a beginner.
What word is a major clue someone is in a growth mindset?
“Yet.”
Name one benefit of having a growth mindset.
Better resilience, more motivation, improved learning, less fear of failure, etc.
“Mistakes show me what to work on.”
Growth mindset.
You’re offered extra practice that could help… but it feels embarrassing. How would a growth mindset handle it?
Take the help because improvement is the goal.
A coach tells you to adjust your technique. Fixed mindset response?
Feeling attacked or thinking you’re just not good.
Why might someone with a fixed mindset avoid trying new things?
Fear of failure or looking “not smart.”
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to change and grow as you practice or learn new things.
“Other people are naturally better than me, so why try?”
Fixed mindset.
Your teacher gives hard feedback that stings. Growth mindset interpretation?
Feedback is information that helps you get better.
Your team loses a game badly. What’s a growth mindset team message?
We learned what to work on—let’s train and improve.”
What’s one strategy to shift from fixed to growth mindset?
Reframe thoughts, use “yet,” seek feedback, practice more, focus on effort, etc.