Carol Dweck: Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset, what the science says

There's a lot of talk these days about growth, growth, and hypergrowth. In the business world, even more so than anywhere else. Personal development is now touching on business reality. The importance and impact of the mindset of the founder, the leader, and the CEO is a key element in the health and growth of businesses.

So, faced with a word that is becoming a portmanteau, growth mindset, what does science tell us about this phenomenon? Marketing or neurological reality?

Here is a summary of the study conducted by Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist from Stanford University , on the growth mindset and its different real or fictitious forms with a more fixed mindset.

Part 1: The seminal works of Carol Dweck

The theory of growth mindset and fixed mindset has its roots in the groundbreaking work of Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist from Stanford University. Dr. Dweck dedicated her career to understanding why some people succeed while others fail, and how our perception of our own abilities influences our performance.

In her seminal work, " Mindset: The New Psychology of Success ," Dr. Dweck presents the results of decades of research on motivation, personality, and development. She defines two distinct mindsets that shape our approach to learning and personal growth:

1. The fixed mindset : Considers intelligence and talent to be fixed traits, leading to a desire to “prove” one’s abilities rather than “develop” them.
2. The growth mindset : Believes that any skill can be developed through hard work, effective strategy, and constructive feedback. Each challenge therefore becomes an opportunity to grow and learn.

“My work bridges the gap between developmental psychology, social psychology, and personality psychology, and examines the self-conceptions (or mindsets) that people use to structure the self and guide their behavior.”

Dweck, CS (2007). Mindset: The New Psychology of Suckingcès. Random House.

Part 2: Fundamental differences between the two mindsets

The differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset manifest themselves in many aspects of our lives and behavior. Here are some of the most significant distinctions:

Perception of intelligence and talent

People with a fixed mindset view intelligence and talent as innate and immutable traits. They believe these qualities are determined at birth and cannot be significantly altered. This is a form of intellectual determinism.

In contrast, those with a growth mindset see intelligence and talents as qualities that can be developed and improved through effort, learning, and perseverance.

Relationship to effort and challenges

For someone with a fixed mindset, effort is often perceived as a sign of weakness or incapacity. Because what requires effort is inherently unachievable. Someone who lacks the skill or talent for an action will necessarily struggle to accomplish it.

Conversely, people with a growth mindset see effort as the path to mastery. They embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

Take Michael Jordan, for example. Considered one of the best basketball players of all time, Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Instead of becoming discouraged, he used this failure as motivation to improve. Today, he is a sports legend.

Error and failure handling

When faced with failure, a person with a fixed mindset will tend to become discouraged quickly, seeing it as proof of their incompetence. Their ego will immediately take over.

In contrast, someone with a growth mindset will view failure as a learning opportunity, a necessary step on the path to success. Far from seeing failure as an end in itself, they will see it as a starting point, an opportunity . Failure sparks renewed interest in a new and unexpected situation. Ego then plays a less significant role, or at least none at all.

Thomas Edison's famous quote perfectly illustrates this mindset. When asked how he managed to invent the light bulb after thousands of failed attempts, Edison replied, "I haven't failed. I've simply found 10 ways that don't work."

Similarly, a growth mindset applies to entrepreneurial dynamics and a company's growth potential. We explored this further by analyzing the impact of a growth mindset on the company.

Reaction to the success of others

Individuals with a fixed mindset may feel threatened by the success of others, perceiving it as evidence of their own inadequacy. The individual compares themselves to others, and it hurts!

Those with a growth mindset, on the other hand, will feel inspired by the success of others and see it as proof that progress is possible. Like a trip around the world, considered impossible until someone accomplished it and paved the way for others. This is the birth of all innovation.

As Dweck points out:

“Why hide your shortcomings instead of overcoming them? Why seek friends or partners who will simply boost your self-esteem instead of those who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek the ready-made instead of experiences that will make you grow?”

Dweck, CS (2007). Mindset: The New Psychology of Suckingcès. Random House.

To continue innovating in your business growth strategy, analyze the different types of digital marketing strategy in 2025.

Part 3: Neuroscientific Analysis of Mindsets

Studies using brain imaging have revealed significant differences in brain activity between people with a growth mindset and those with a fixed mindset.

Carol Dweck's preliminary study marked the beginning of a more in-depth analysis of these two phenomena. One particularly revealing study used neuroimaging to examine participants' brain activity as they reviewed their mistakes on a test.

Researchers found that in people with a growth mindset, the brain was particularly active when given information on how to improve . In contrast, in people with a fixed mindset, the brain was more active when given information about their performance.

More specifically, the researchers identified two key brain regions that are particularly active in people with a growth mindset:

1. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) : This region is involved in learning and control.
2. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) : This area plays a crucial role in error monitoring and behavioral adaptation.

Source: https://www.mindsethealth.com/matter/growth-vs-fixed-mindset

These findings suggest that people with a growth mindset are more likely to actively address mistakes and use that information to improve. They are more focused on the learning process than the immediate result . This truly embodies the expression "enjoy the journey rather than the destination."

Discover how to assess your company's growth.

Part 4: Some methods for developing a growth mindset

Developing a growth mindset is an ongoing process that requires practice and perseverance. Here are some effective strategies for cultivating this mindset:

1. Accept that change is possible : The first step is to recognize that your abilities and intelligence can evolve. Remember that the brain is like a muscle: the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
2. Embrace the challenges : Instead of avoiding difficult situations, see them as opportunities for growth. Every challenge is a chance to learn something new.
3. Persevere in the face of obstacles : When you encounter difficulties, don't give up. See these moments as opportunities to strengthen your resilience and determination.
4. Value the effort and the process : Focus on the journey taken rather than the end result. Celebrate your efforts and progress, not just your successes.
5. Learn from your mistakes : Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, view them as valuable learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and use that information to improve.
6. Cultivate a positive inner voice : Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Replace negative or limiting thoughts with positive and encouraging affirmations.
7. Embrace the “not yet” : When you face failure or difficulty, add the word "yet" to your thinking. For example, instead of thinking, "I don't know how to do that," say to yourself, "I don't know how to do that yet."
8. Look for constructive feedback : Welcome constructive criticism as a tool for your personal growth. Actively ask for feedback and use it to improve.

Now that you have a more nuanced understanding of the growth mindset, you can compare growth marketing and growth hacking , the two other major concepts that utilize this concept of growth.

In conclusion, growth mindset vs fixed mindset, the ball is in your court

The notion of growth mindset vs. fixed mindset is therefore inaccurate. It is impossible to truly oppose them because it goes against the very essence of the growth mindset. The latter does not compete with, nor can it be compared to, the fixed mindset. It competes with itself in a process of constant improvement.

Becoming is better than being

TED talk, Carol Dweck

Why does this question interest us at ELLEVATE?
Quite simply because this difference in mindset and attitude toward challenges is reflected in the management and development of sustainable and solid businesses. Would you like to benefit from this mindset on demand? Build your complete marketing plan with an ELLEVATE marketing consultant.