Carol Dweck: Mindset
In the category of Life-changing Books, I introduce you to the books that have inspired me the most and had a real impact on my life. In other words, I didn't just read them, I was able to integrate the authors' suggestions and ideas into my everyday life. Not all books manage that by a long way, who hasn't experienced it: you read something, think: "Wow, that's brilliant, why am I not already doing that?" And three days later you've forgotten all about it because it somehow doesn't suit you. All my posts in this serial a structured the same way, you'll find:
- the key message
- what it changed for me
- what I exactly implemented
- what books match the topic or feel of the book.
The first book I want to present is "Mindset" by Carol Dweck.
Key message: People have either a "fixed" or a "growing" self-image. The growing self-image supports the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed through effort and a willingness to learn.
What it has changed for me: I realized that I grew up believing that my intelligence was innate, that if I was bad at some things, it was "God-given." If you're not good, you have no talent and then you can forget it. Even though I realized early on that you can make up for a lot with practice (for example, if you always do your math homework and pay attention in class, then you understand it better). Nevertheless, I believed that if I needed practice for something, I was too untalented to ever be good at it. The realization that the exact opposite is the case has changed my self-image. I can learn to play the guitar, I can be athletic, I just have to practice it. I have to WANT to do it. It also helps if it's fun. If I don't really want to do something, then I won't do it. But it's not because I can't do it. Or that I'm too old to learn it. Absolutely mindblowing. I can learn anything for the rest of my life if I just want to and commit to it
What I have implemented: I dissolved my mental boundary, worked on my mindset. I started learning the guitar. And then realized that I didn't enjoy it and didn't really want to. Believing in myself that I can learn anything has given me the self-confidence to set high goals and to work on achieving them, to practise. No one is permanently good without practice.
Who I recommend the book to: Anyone who believes they can't do something because they are not talented or intelligent. Dissolve your belief system and become what you WANT to be.
How to know what you want is then something for the next post.
Books that match: "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert, "Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod