Growth mindset
Etymology
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, whose 2006 book “Mindset” contrasted a “growth mindset” with a “fixed mindset.” “Mindset” itself dates to the early 20th century, meaning a habitual mental attitude. The idea became an education buzzword, though later replication studies found its effects smaller than first claimed.
noun phrase · /grohth MINE-set/
The belief that ability can be developed through effort and learning, rather than being fixed at birth.
What it names
The orientation toward challenge that treats failure as information and skill as trainable, not as a verdict on innate talent.
Example
Praising a child for effort rather than for being “smart” is meant to cultivate a growth mindset.
Related idea
A growth mindset concerns beliefs about whether ability can change; self-efficacy is the related but distinct confidence that you can succeed at a specific task right now.