Book Review: Mindset – The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, psychologist Carol Dweck presents a transformative idea that has reshaped how educators, parents, and leaders understand motivation and achievement. At its core, the book argues that our mindset—the way we view our own abilities—fundamentally determines how we approach challenges, learning, and growth.
Dweck distinguishes between two primary mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence, talent, and abilities are innate and unchangeable. They strive to prove themselves and often avoid challenges for fear of failure, which they see as a reflection of their limitations. In contrast, those with a growth mindset see abilities as qualities that can be cultivated through effort, perseverance, and learning. They embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, and view failure as an opportunity to improve.
The book’s power lies in its simplicity and universality. Dweck illustrates her theory with compelling examples from schools, sports, business, and personal relationships. From students who transform their academic performance through adopting a growth mindset to world-class athletes like Michael Jordan who thrive on learning from failure, Dweck shows that success is less about raw talent and more about our beliefs about talent.
One of her most memorable ideas is the power of the word “yet”—as in “I can’t do this… yet.” This small shift turns a feeling of defeat into one of possibility. Dweck also cautions against “false growth mindsets,” where people pay lip service to the idea of effort but fail to value learning and self-reflection.
Ultimately, Mindset is both a psychological study and a practical guide. It teaches that adopting a growth mindset can change not only how we learn and work but also how we live. By believing that we can grow, we unlock the motivation and resilience needed for lifelong success.
Muslim Family Adventures brings the growth mindset to life through meaningful outdoor experiences that challenge, inspire, and unite families. Every hike, climb, and expedition invites participants to step beyond their comfort zones, discover new strengths, and grow through effort and perseverance. Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, families learn to approach them as opportunities for learning and connection. By fostering curiosity, resilience, and teamwork in nature’s classroom, Muslim Family Adventures helps parents and children build the confidence and mindset needed to keep growing—together.
