If you are always told you're a genius, will it have any influence on your work? Will it make you work harder and face the difficulties more bravely because you know your ability, or will it make you become lazier because you know you're already ahead? In a series of studies, Dweck and her team made experiment on 400 fifth graders from different parts of the United States.
First, participants (参加者) were given a series of puzzles to test their IQ. After they finished their test, they were told their scores and praised in different ways. One group of participants were praised for their intelligence and were told -You got X number correct. That's really good score. You must be very smart at this. Another group of participants were told, "You must have worked really hard." The students were then given a choice as to what kind of test they would take next. They could either take one that's harder than the first one, or one that's just as easy. A majority of the children who were praised for their intelligence chose to take the easy test whereas, 90% of those praised for their efforts chose to do the harder puzzles.
While Dweck's series of studies centered on children, it's important to notice how having a particular mindset (心态) can influence you at any age. As someone with a fixed (固执的) mindset, you believe basic qualities—like-intelligence—are unchangeable. Since you are often praised for your intelligence, you want to continue remaining intelligent in the eyes of others so you shy away from challenges.
However, as someone with a growth mindset you believe the harder you try, the more you'll improve. You are not afraid of taking risks, even if there's a big chance that you'll all flat on your face along the way. More and more researches support the growth mindset, Dweck wrote in the journalEducational Leadership. "Basic aspects of intelligence can be strengthened through learning and adventures, and efforts and persistence in the face of challenges are key ingredients in outstanding achievements."
Dweck's studies teach us an important lesson about success. A person's intelligence can only take him or her to certain distance. The rest of the way is paved by bravery and determination.
