Currently, most experts have accepted that neither nature nor nurture alone can be used to completely explain why people differ. Although genetic makeup can most certainly be used to explain why individuals differ to varying, unspecified degrees, recent scientific research has indicated that humans have an enormous capacity for learning and brain development throughout the human lifespan. These discoveries run contrary to the consensus shared by many researchers as well as much of the public. Dweck detailed the fixed and growth mindsets to explain how individuals could tap into an increased potential for lifelong brain development and learning. Dweck noted that her previous research endeavors on the mindsets have validated that the mindsets of individuals have a profound effect upon one’s life. More specifically, the mindset that individuals choose to adopt can radically increase or reduce the likelihood of individuals reaching their full potential. Dweck argued that a growth mindset enabled individuals to positively cope and adapt to adversity, which elevated the chances of them reaching their full …show more content…
By reflecting upon adversity as a learning opportunity, growth minded individuals can apply effort and grow from failure and challenges. Conversely, those with a fixed mindset cope with adversity much differently, according to Dweck. Since the fixed mindset views human qualities as being innate, these individuals often let their failures define them. For example, one might say, “I dropped out of college because I’m stupid. I got A’s throughout high school, but got two D’s during my freshman year at college. This clearly indicated that college was not for a person like me.” Considering this, those with fixed mindsets frequently avoid challenges because failures represent major threats to their self-concepts. Those with a fixed mindset typically internalize their failures and let such shortcomings define who they are as a person. Those with fixed mindsets often set goals that do not require great effort since they fail to value the importance of effort. These individuals set goals that allow for them to validate their static personal abilities and traits that they believe have been prescribed from birth. In contrast with this, growth minded individuals do not let failures define them because this mindset allows for them to learn from