Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Assessment
Discover your mindset and unlock your potential for growth
Self-Reflection Tool Based on Research
This assessment is based on psychologist Carol Dweck's research on growth and fixed mindsets. It's designed for self-reflection and awareness, not as a diagnostic test. Your mindset can change and develop over time with awareness and practice. Use these results as a starting point for personal growth, not as a permanent label.
Mindset Assessment
1. I'm capable of anything I put my mind to.
2. With practice and effort, I can improve my skills.
3. You're either born with talent or you're not.
4. I see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
5. I'm just naturally bad at some things, and that can't change.
6. I like to learn new things.
7. I hate getting out of my comfort zone.
8. I think I have a lot of potential.
9. I think it's possible to improve my level of intelligence.
10. I have lots of potential and there are endless possibilities for my future.
11. I don't mind receiving constructive criticism because it's a chance to learn and improve.
12. You have to be born with talent to be successful in life.
13. If I work hard at something, I'll get better at it.
14. I am capable of great change.
Growth vs. Fixed Mindset
- • Abilities can be developed
- • Embraces challenges
- • Persists through obstacles
- • Sees effort as path to mastery
- • Learns from criticism
- • Inspired by others' success
- • Abilities are static
- • Avoids challenges
- • Gives up easily
- • Sees effort as fruitless
- • Ignores criticism
- • Threatened by others' success
Develop Growth Mindset
with "I can't... yet"
as opportunities to grow
not just the outcome
and constructive criticism
and progress, not just results
Understanding Growth and Fixed Mindsets
What is a Fixed Mindset?
Someone with a fixed mindset believes that they were born with a certain set of skills and abilities that can't really change over time. This can be limiting because it doesn't leave much room for growth or improvement. According to this mindset, you're either born with a specific ability or talent, or you're not, and there's not much you can do about it.
For example: "I know I'm going to fail this math class. I've never been good at math. My brain just doesn't work that way."
What is a Growth Mindset?
Someone with a growth mindset believes that their skills and abilities are always evolving, which means they have the potential to grow and improve. This mindset tends to be more productive because it allows people to see mistakes and setbacks as opportunities to grow. It's also more conducive to success because it leaves people more open-minded about their ability to acquire new skills.
For example: "I've had a hard time with math in the past, but each new class is different. I know I can work hard and practice until I'm comfortable with the material."
The Research Behind It
The concept of growth and fixed mindsets was developed by psychologist Carol Dweck through decades of research on achievement and success. Her studies show that people's beliefs about their abilities significantly impact their actual performance, resilience, and willingness to take on challenges. The good news: mindset itself is not fixed and can be developed through awareness and practice.
Tips to Develop a Growth Mindset
- →View challenges as opportunities: When faced with obstacles, remind yourself that challenges help you learn and grow stronger.
- →Embrace the process: Celebrate effort and progress along the way, not just end results.
- →Get out of your comfort zone: Actively seek new experiences to prove to yourself that your potential is unlimited.
- →Surround yourself with growth-minded people: Their attitudes and encouragement can be contagious and inspiring.
Remember:
- •Your mindset is not permanent—it can change and evolve
- •Everyone has a mix of both mindsets in different areas of life
- •Awareness of your mindset is the first step toward growth
- •Effort and persistence are more important than natural talent
- •Failure is a learning opportunity, not a reflection of your worth
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between growth and fixed mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence are static—you either have certain talents or you don't. A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication, hard work, and learning. People with growth mindsets embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in others' success.
Who developed the concept of growth mindset?
Psychologist Carol Dweck developed the concept through decades of research on achievement and success. Her groundbreaking work shows that people's beliefs about their abilities significantly impact their actual performance, resilience, and willingness to take on challenges. Her book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" popularized these concepts.
Can I change from a fixed to growth mindset?
Absolutely! The great news is that mindset itself is not fixed. Research shows that people can develop a growth mindset through awareness, practice, and intentional effort. Start by becoming aware of your fixed mindset thoughts and challenging them. Replace "I can't do this" with "I can't do this yet." Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes. With practice, your mindset can shift significantly.
Is growth mindset scientifically proven?
Yes, Carol Dweck's research on mindset is based on extensive scientific studies conducted over several decades. Numerous peer-reviewed studies support the concept, showing that mindset affects academic performance, athletic achievement, career success, and overall well-being. However, like any psychological concept, it should be applied thoughtfully and not as a cure-all solution.
What are signs of a fixed mindset?
Common signs include: avoiding challenges to prevent failure, giving up easily when facing obstacles, seeing effort as pointless if you're not naturally talented, ignoring or becoming defensive about constructive criticism, feeling threatened by others' success, and believing that abilities are innate and can't be significantly changed. If you recognize these patterns, awareness is the first step toward developing a growth mindset.
How can I develop a growth mindset?
Start by recognizing and challenging fixed mindset thoughts. Use the word "yet" when you face difficulty (e.g., "I don't understand this... yet"). View challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats. Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes. Learn from criticism and feedback. Step outside your comfort zone regularly. Surround yourself with growth-minded people. Remember that your brain is like a muscle—it grows stronger with use.
Can someone have both mindsets?
Yes! Most people have a mix of both mindsets in different areas of their lives. You might have a growth mindset about your career but a fixed mindset about your artistic abilities. Or you might feel growth-oriented about learning new skills but fixed about your physical abilities. This is completely normal. The goal is to recognize where fixed mindset thinking limits you and work to develop more growth-oriented beliefs in those areas.
How does growth mindset relate to success?
Research shows that people with growth mindsets tend to achieve more than those with fixed mindsets because they worry less about looking smart and put more energy into learning. They're more resilient when facing setbacks, more willing to take on challenges, and more likely to persist when things get difficult. This doesn't guarantee success, but it creates conditions that make achievement more likely through sustained effort and learning.
Is this assessment accurate?
This assessment is designed as a self-reflection tool based on Carol Dweck's research, not as a clinical diagnostic instrument. It can give you valuable insights into your current mindset tendencies, but it's not a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Use the results as a starting point for reflection and growth, not as a definitive label. Your mindset can vary across different situations and can change over time.
What should I do with my results?
Use your results as a starting point for self-awareness and growth. If you have a strong growth mindset, continue nurturing it and share it with others. If you have more of a fixed mindset, don't be discouraged—awareness is the first step! Start small by challenging fixed mindset thoughts when they arise and intentionally reframing them. Celebrate effort and progress. Take on manageable challenges to build confidence in your ability to grow and learn.