Mindset
After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset—those who believe that abilities are fixed—are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset—those who believe that abilities can be developed. Mindset reveals how great parents, teachers, managers, and athletes can put this idea to use to foster outstanding accomplishment.
In this edition, Dweck offers new insights into her now famous and broadly embraced concept. She introduces a phenomenon she calls false growth mindset and guides people toward adopting a deeper, truer growth mindset. She also expands the mindset concept beyond the individual, applying it to the cultures of groups and organizations. With the right mindset, you can motivate those you lead, teach, and love—to transform their lives and your own.
Detailed Review
Can you Relate?
Do you and your partner find yourselves having the same fights over and over and over? Has your partner become the object of your frustrations? Do you find yourself constantly trying to prove that you are right while your partner is wrong? Do you look at other couples and assume they “got it” and you and your partner don't? Are you hopeless about anything changing?
Framework Alignment
Mindset aligns with the Growth Mindset area of focus of the Evimero Couples Framework. It provides a foundational understanding of the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, which is the backbone of everything we do here at Evimero Couples.
Tools for Growth
Moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is no easy task. It is one of those blindspots in our life that often takes someone external to help us see the need for change. Reading the book Mindset will bring that awareness to your life. It will open your eyes to understanding the difference between both mindsets and the benefits of moving to a growth mindset.
At the end of each chapter are questions guiding you in this shift. We recommend you take the time to reflect on these questions. This is a great journaling opportunity. And we recommend you don’t speed through this exercise. Take time to reflect on each chapter’s questions and give yourself time to practice the concepts in your daily life. Moving to a growth mindset is something you accomplish throughout a lifetime, not something you whip out in a few weeks. This shift needs constant fine-tuning.
There is a chapter in Mindset dedicated to relationships. It directly addresses how a fixed mindset can ruin your relationship. How that mindset breeds contempt as you are constantly looking at yourself and your partner as “fixed.” You don’t see the opportunity for growth and change, which can lead to hopelessness. We recommend this book because we believe it is one of the best resources available for developing a growth mindset. However, we also believe it lacks substance and application when it comes to relationships. This is common among personal growth resources, and the reason we started Evimero Couples - to help couples embrace and apply a growth mindset in their relationship to fulfill their life’s purpose together. Therefore, after you’ve read this book we encourage you to explore the Evimero Couples Framework to begin to learn how to apply a growth mindset in your relationship.
Worth your Time?
If the idea of a fixed vs. growth mindset is new to you, this book is a great start. We cannot stress enough how important this book is to the health of your relationship. We often see three scenarios with couples:
- You and your partner are aligned with a growth mindset - congratulations! You may not need this book. Instead, begin diving into the areas of the framework above the growth mindset foundation - core, connection, context, and purpose.
- One partner has a growth mindset and the other does not - this can be extremely challenging. But don’t lose hope. Embrace your growth journey and demonstrate to your partner how that creates a more fulfilling life for you. When they are ready, offer this book as a recommendation.
- Neither you nor your partner have a growth mindset - welcome! You are here for a reason. Work through this book together, embrace its content, and begin to see what is possible as your mindset shifts.
About the Expert(s)
Carol S. Dweck
