Strengths and Mindset

In terms of human development, I have gravitated toward the strengths-based approach over the last few years. Based in positive psychology, the strengths-based approach channels our energy and efforts through our natural ways of thinking, feeling, and doing (our "talents"). In short, the strengths-based approach is about authenticity: be who you are. I have found such an approach to be effective in developing potential, ours and our students. 

But there is a certain dark side to the strengths-based approach, which I have come to better conceptualize through the excellent book Mindset by Carol Dweck. Dweck proposes a simple but effective model of human development. On the one hand, we may develop through the fixed mindset. The fixed mindset focuses on natural ability and talent; these fixed capacities by in large determine outcomes. On the other hand, we may develop through the growth mindset. The growth mindset focuses on learning and evolution; these growth-oriented activities by in large determine outcomes. 

According to Dweck, the fixed mindset approaches intelligence as static and "leads to a desire to look smart and therefore a tendency to avoid challenges, get defensive or give up easily when facing obstacles, see effort as fruitless or worthless [since ability is inherent], ignore useful negative feedback, and feel threatened by the success of others” (245).

In contrast, the growth-mindset approaches intelligence as developmental and "leads to a desire to learn and therefore a tendency to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others" (245). 

In my conception, the strengths-based approach must be integrated with the growth-mindset in order to maximize both strategies. The dark side of the strengths-based approach is a fixed mindset that validates our worth and potential by compartmentalizing our strengths versus our weaknesses. In this scenario, the strengths-based approach will lead to limited human development, constrained by a fear of failure and an incessant need for affirmation of natural strengths and talents. In contrast, a strengths-based approach grounded in an active mindset sees our strengths as tools for growth, as opposed to natural abilities. In this alternative scenario, we become who we are through constant growth, challenge, and a positive response to failure and criticism. In my view, this paradigmatic shift creates a huge difference in the development of human potential.

Success or failure: which is the enemy? How we conceptualize our response to this question goes a long way in determing whether our development is fixed or growing. 

Further Reading
Dweck, C. (2008). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Ballantine Books.
Clifton, D., Anderson, E., & Schreiner, L. (2006). Strengthsquest. New York: Gallup Press.

Which is the Enemy: Success or Failure?

What is the opposite of success? Failure, some say. 

According to Carol Dweck, author of Mindset, the idea that failure is the opposite of success comes squarely out of the fixed mindset. In the fixed mindset, either you are good at something, or you are not. Either you have the ability to succeed in college, or you do not. Either you are born as a natural athlete, or you are not. Either you succeed, or you fail.

The problem with the fixed mindset is that it leads to fear of failure and the constant need for external validation. Since the fixed mindset asserts that your talents and abilities are primarily fixed - not suceptible to development or evolution - any circumstance or critique that challenges your ability is perceived as an existential threat. Thus, you constantly need awards or recognition or praise or - even worse - to make others look bad or to blame someone else in order to combat your own insecurities. Moreover, you avoid stretching yourself with new challenges because if you do not succeed at the new endeavor, what does that show about you as a person? Either you succeed, or you fail. 

As Dweck writes, "In the fixed mindset, everything is about the outcome. If you fail – or if you’re not the best – it’s all been wasted." 

Alternatively, the growth mindset sees infinite potential in your ability to learn and develop through challenging experiences. In the growth mindset, failure is not the opposite of success; rather, it is part of the process of success. A failure is a learning opportunity. "The growth mindset allows people to value what they’re doing regardless of the outcome,” asserts Dweck. If anything, success that comes without failure is the most dangerous potion of all because it breeds arrogance and complacency, two enemies of the growth mindset that will limit your success in the long run. 

To utilize a growth mindset: 

- See mistakes on quizzes and bad grades on essays as opportunities to learn from failure. Use these mistakes as learning opportunities and motivation to learn and make changes. 

- See through empty praise of outcomes, even if it is directed at you. If you did well without even trying, did you really do much to earn praise? Instead, ask for feedback on how to do even better next time. - Never assume that you cannot do something just because you do not have the talent or ability. People who succeed work hard and long in order to learn the skills and abilities that lead to success. 

- When mentoring or coaching others, focus your praise on effort, not outcomes. Praising outcomes (fixed mindset): "You did great on this test! You are so smart!" Praising effort (growth mindset): "You did great on this test! All the hours you logged in the tutoring lab are paying off!"