21A – Reading Reflection No. 2

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

Dweck introduces the various types of mindsets: our personal mindset, the mindset of people around us, and the mindset relationships. She goes on to explain the differences of a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. The theme of these two mindsets make the difference of our experiences with relationships, groups, and other aspects of life.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

Being an entrepreneur is all about your mindset. We've learned in class that many people have good ideas, but they need to be marketable ideas and the creators must have the drive to make it happen. People need to put in the time, effort, and energy, and they certainly cannot give up at the first sight of challenges.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

I think the exercise would have to be an introspective writing assignment. Students should name an instance where they have had the growth mindset; when have they persevered in a challenging time or when have they learned from their mistakes to grow as an individual?

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

One part of the reading that really got me thinking was the part about children solving puzzles and seeing obstacles and difficulties as learning opportunities rather than failures. It made me think about what changes as people grow older. My thought is that our deeply flawed education system focuses on getting questions right on a test rather than actually learning and processing information.