Glossary of
Growth Mindset Terms

Adaptability:
The ability to adjust to new challenges or changes, a key characteristic of a growth mindset.

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Ample Effort:
The belief that putting in sustained effort is necessary to grow and improve, rather than relying solely on innate talent.

Belief Systems:
The underlying convictions that shape how individuals perceive their abilities, such as a growth or fixed mindset.

Challenges:
Difficult tasks or situations that push one's abilities; those with a growth mindset embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.

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Continuous Improvement:
The practice of always seeking ways to grow, evolve, and improve in skills or understanding.

Effort:
The act of trying hard, which is highly valued in a growth mindset as the main factor behind learning and success.

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Embrace of Mistakes:
The idea that mistakes are part of the learning process, encouraging reflection and adaptation rather than discouragement.

Feedback:
Constructive information provided to help someone improve; individuals with a growth mindset view feedback as helpful, not as criticism.

 

Fixed Mindset:
The belief that abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable, opposite of a growth mindset.

Grit:
The combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals, closely linked to persistence and a growth mindset.

 

Growth Mindset:
The belief that abilities, intelligence, and skills can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.

Intrinsic Motivation:
Motivation that comes from personal satisfaction or the desire to learn and grow, rather than external rewards.

Learning Orientation:
A focus on gaining new skills, knowledge, or understanding, rather than merely demonstrating existing abilities.

Mastery Goals:
Goals centered on the desire to master a skill or subject, as opposed to performance goals, which focus on external validation.

Neuroplasticity:
The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, providing the biological basis for the concept that abilities can be developed.

Persistence:
Continuing to work toward a goal despite obstacles or challenges, a key behavior of someone with a growth mindset.

 

Positive Self-Talk:
Encouraging internal dialogue that reinforces the belief in one’s capacity to grow and overcome challenges.

Resilience:
The ability to recover from setbacks and keep moving forward, supported by the belief that failure is part of growth.

Self-Efficacy:
The belief in one's own ability to succeed in specific situations, which can reinforce a growth mindset.

 

Self-Reflection:
The practice of thinking about one's actions and experiences to learn from them, helping guide future improvements.

Talent Development:
The belief that talent can be nurtured and developed over time, rather than being something fixed from birth.