Mindsets are powerful sets of assumptions. Carol Dweck from Stanford University has identified two opposing mindsets that people possess regarding achievement and success.
Those with a fixed mindset believe that success is based on genetic ability. Achievement stems from our innate intelligence and talent. Our fixed abilities determine what we're capable of accomplishing.
On the other hand, those with a growth mindset believe success comes from hard work and practice. Dedication and effort lead to achievement. We start with a base level of ability and can go as far as we want to as long as we're willing to put in the effort.
As camp professionals who are committed to the positive development of young people (our campers and staff), Dweck's mindsets provides a very useful model. If we can help young people move from fixed to growth mindsets, we can help promote future achievement and success.
For more information on mindsets, their impact on achievement and how they can be changed go to Dweck's web site, mindsetonline.com.
