how to train the growth mindset

Train a growth mindset by treating effort, mistakes, stress, and frustration as part of learning, then repeatedly practice responding to them in ways that help you improve.

1. Focus on effort and errors: Direct attention to what you did, what led to a mistake, and what you can learn from it—not fixed labels about your ability. Seek help or feedback to understand what to change. 1 2
2. Reframe stress and frustration: Difficulty, confusion, and frustration during learning can signal that you are stretching your current understanding, not that you have reached your limit. Treat stress in safe, worthwhile challenges as your body mobilizing resources to focus and learn. 3 4
3. Write a letter: Write to someone learning the skill you are working on. Explain that abilities can develop through effort, what growth mindset means, and how stress can enhance performance. 5
4. Use scaffolding: Get temporary support that helps you solve a problem, then gradually remove that support so you can solve similar problems independently. 6
5. Shape your environment: Adjust your learning or work context so it supports your strengths and growth. For example, identify tasks to emphasize, reduce, or exchange so you can use strengths that your current setup may not be drawing on. 7