#036: A Growth Mindset And Learned Optimism

Beyond The Box

In this episode, your favorite coaches discuss The Growth Mindset and Learned Optimism, and why these concepts are important to you. The Growth Mindset is a book and concept created by psychologist Carol Dweck. And Learned Optimism is a book and concept created by psychologist, Martin Seligman. Both of these concepts are connected and important, because they illustrate for us that you can change and grow and become anything you want, and that you aren't limited by your current circumstances or "inherent" traits.

“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment,” writes Dweck. Students who embrace growth mindsets—the belief that they can learn more or become smarter if they work hard and persevere—may learn more, learn it more quickly, and view challenges and failures as opportunities to improve their learning and skills.

Learned optimism is an idea proposed by psychologist Martin Seligman which states that optimism, or a talent for positivity, can be taught and learned by consciously changing negative self-talk into positive self-talk. Another way to think about it is that you can teach yourself to be joyful, grateful and happy. Much research and experience supports the idea that optimism can in fact be learned and practiced.