Fixed Mindset Analysis

Many times, especially as adults we seem to have a fixed mindset, which is “the belief that intelligence is an entity, set and birth and unchangeable” (Passarelli 2014). Meaning that you are intelligent because you were born into a family of well- educated people that passed the “smart” gene to you or you don’t have it because you were not born into a family who maybe went to college or finished high school. I have to say, I don’t agree with this theory of a fixed mindset because I know many people, including myself who have parents that did not finish high school or that didn’t go to college that still wish to grow in their intelligence. You are responsible for your own intelligence, you have a choice whether you want to grow in your intelligence or whether you don’t. Although many people do agree with the theory of a “fixed-mindset” which can greatly hinder those from learning and living up to their potential. It is important for everyone, especially us as adults and college students to obtain a “growth mindset” which is “the belief that intelligence can grow and that we can increase it by working harder and trying new strategies” (Passarelli 2014).
Speaking as a college student, it is a struggle sometimes to get up and be thrilled about learning new things. Often times we believe we know everything we need to know, but we should strive to continue to grow in our intelligence because we have nothing to lose when learning new things, only new knowledge to gain and obtain. The way we view growth mindsets and fixed mindsets have a huge impact on how we experience learning and have a huge impact on our success in our future endeavors. This is why it is important for us to have a positive mindset when it comes to having a growth mindset. It can have a positive impact on our future careers when we keep an open mind about continuing to learn and grow in our