Who identified the growth mindset?
Psychologist Carol Dweck of Stanford University first identified the concept of mindset in her studies on motivation and success.
In one study, high school students were given puzzles of increasing difficulty. Some students welcomed the challenge and viewed mistakes as opportunities – what Dweck later called a “growth mindset.”
Her research also showed that praising effort and strategy, rather than innate ability, leads to greater persistence and achievement. Later studies refined this insight: while effort matters, effective strategy and reflection are just as important. Effort should be directed, not endless.
So, when fostering a growth mindset, continue telling yourself "great effort" after finishing a task, but also look for ways to improve next time so you feel good in the short and long term.
What are the benefits of a growth mindset?
Studies by Dweck and others show that a growth mindset improves motivation, learning, and academic performance.
For example:
Undergraduate students taught about neuroplasticity showed more enjoyment and persistence in science courses.
Junior high students encouraged to adopt a growth mindset improved performance in maths and science.
Growth-minded students consistently achieved higher grades and GPA than those with a fixed mindset.
Beyond education, research now links a growth mindset to lower burnout, reduced anxiety, and better coping with chronic stress. It also appears relevant to physical health: learning to view symptoms and habits as adaptable rather than fixed supports positive change – something seen in gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive retraining for IBS.
The neuroscience of a growth mindset
Using neuroimaging, researchers have found a link between a growth mindset and activation in two brain regions:
A growth mindset is associated with higher motivation and improved error correction. Brains with a growth mindset show stronger responses to information about how to improve. Meanwhile, in those with a fixed mindset, the brain is active when a person is being given information about their performance – for example, the results of a test. This suggests that people with a growth mindset are more focused on the process, rather than the result.
These findings align with what we know about the brain-gut connection: learning-focused attention and reduced threat perception can retrain neural circuits linked to stress and digestive function.
Can a person’s mindset change?
Absolutely! Just as we can learn new skills, we can also rewire our thought patterns. Neuroscience confirms that the brain remains plastic throughout adulthood – capable of forming and strengthening new connections through repetition and experience.
This means a person with a fixed mindset can develop a growth mindset over time. It also means people can learn to approach their health differently – by seeing symptoms, setbacks, and habits as part of a changeable system, not a permanent limitation.
How to develop a growth mindset
Researchers have shown it’s possible to promote a growth mindset by teaching people how the brain changes with effort.
Six practical ways to foster it:
1. Realise that scientifically, you can improve
The brain and body are designed to adapt. Every time you learn, new neural pathways form – strengthening your ability to grow.
2. Remove the ‘fixed mindset’ inner voice
Replace negative inner thoughts like “I can’t do this” with “I can learn this with practice.”
3. Reward the process
Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes. Praise the steps you took to improve.
4. Get feedback
Use constructive feedback as information, not judgement.
5. Get out of your comfort zone
Growth happens when you stretch beyond what's easy or familiar.
6. Accept failure as part of the process
Mistakes are data for learning. Each setback teaches something about what works next time.
FAQs about growth mindsets
What is the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed with effort and learning. A fixed mindset assumes intelligence and skill are static.
Can adults change their mindset?
Yes! Neuroplasticity continues throughout life, allowing adults to reshape thought patterns and develop growth-focused habits.
Can a growth mindset improve health?
Evidence suggests it can. A growth mindset reduces stress and increases persistence with behavioural change, supporting both mental and physical health – including brain-gut regulation in IBS.
How can I start developing a growth mindset?
Begin by recognising self-limiting thoughts, reframing them as learning opportunities, and focusing on effort, strategy, and progress rather than perfection.
The Wrap Up
The growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and ability can be nurtured through learning and effort. Growth-minded people see setbacks as a necessary part of the learning process and bounce back from ‘failure’ by increasing effort. This mindset has positive effects on motivation and academic performance in students.The limited evidence from neuroscience suggests the brains of people with a growth mindset are more active than those with a fixed mindset–particularly in areas associated with error-correction and learning.
References
Dweck, C., 2015. Carol Dweck revisits the growth mindset. Education Week, 35(5), pp.20-24. https://portal.cornerstonesd.ca/group/yyd5jtk/Documents/Carol%20Dweck%20Growth%20Mindsets.pdf
Dweck, C., 2016. What having a “growth mindset” actually means. Harvard Business Review, 13, pp.213-226. https://leadlocal.global/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Dweck-What-Having-a-%E2%80%9CGrowth-Mindset%E2%80%9D-Actually-Means-HBR.pdf
Dweck, C.S., 2009. Mindsets: Developing talent through a growth mindset. Olympic Coach, 21(1), pp.4-7. https://openeclass.panteion.gr/modules/document/file.php/TMD244/%CE%95%CE%B2%CE%B4%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%AC%CE%B4%CE%B1%2012%3A%20%CE%A3%CF%8D%CE%B3%CF%87%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%82%20%CE%A0%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B3%CE%B3%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82%20%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9%20%CE%91%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%84%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%B5%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AE%20%CE%9C%CE%AC%CE%B8%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B7/Mindsets.pdf
Hochanadel, A. and Finamore, D., 2015. Fixed and growth mindset in education and how grit helps students persist in the face of adversity. Journal of International Education Research (JIER), 11(1), pp.47-50. https://www.clutejournals.com/index.php/JIER/article/view/9099
Dweck, C.S., 2008. Mindset: The new psychology of success
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