Must Read Book of the Week…
27 Aug
Close your eyes and think about the most successful people you know. Got em? Now, estimate how many books they read per week. Chances are it’s at least 2- and that doesn’t include the many articles and blogs they are reading regularly. So time to start reading! Each week, we’ll be reporting back on a new book or article we’ve read.
A book came in for my boss yesterday afternoon called “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck. I snuck it home last night and read it until the wee hours of the morning, and can say with conviction that my life won’t be the same after reading it. It’s a quick read (about 250 pages), and discusses the “growth mindset” vs the “fixed mindset.” Basically I realized that I had been living my life in the fixed mindset. I was brought up thinking that your intelligence is fixed- you either have it or you don’t. I’d say things like, “I just wasn’t born with the art gene” or “I’m not very athletic.” People with the growth mindset, look at themselves more as clay that can be molded and change shape. If they can’t do something, it’s not because they “just aren’t intelligent enough” but because they haven’t developed the necessary skills yet or put enough effort into learning.
To illustrate this further, Imagine playing a game on your phone with different levels. Do you prefer to stay at the same level you are good at so you feel great about yourself? Or do you like to challenge yourself and take it to the next level even if you might not pass it? Growth Mindsets will do the latter- they thrive on challenges and learn from their mistakes so that they can constantly grow.
I won’t give away too much of the book, but this really is a great book to read as it discusses something that applies to every aspect of your life- relationships, work, parenting- pretty much everything.
Even today I saw my mindset change. When given a difficult task by my boss, instead of thinking ” I don’t know how to do this, I’m going to need to ask for help.” I looked at it and said, “Awesome, this is a challenge that I will learn from!”
You can buy this book here on amazon.
Tags: book, career, change, help, learn, life, millennial, mindset, mold, psychology, relationships, success
Very enlightening! I think I need to check some of these books out. I know I typical stay in the average just to be comfortable and confident. Thanks for the ideas!
It sounds like a great read, I will add this on my list to read.
I do believe that our mind set is the most important part of us. A healthy mind set open doors for us, and un healthy mind set will held us back.
Thanks for sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
How in the world do you make time to read two books a week!? I barely can get through one not counting my blogroll, newspaper and industry magazines. I guess what I’m saying is, you’re a super hero. Kudos. -Thom
I would love this book