Published in 2006, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success*,  central message is ‘ the view you adopt of yourself profoundly affects the way you lead you life’.

The writer, Carol Dweck, dedicated many years to research the hypothesis that success is not so much predetermined by talent, intelligence or inherent aptitude, but rather depends on the extent to which a person believes that he is capable of learning. This mindset enhances one’s self-esteem, self-awareness, resilience and creativity.

Dweck differentiates two mindsets: fixed and growth.

Fixed mindset

Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that characteristics such as creativity and intelligence are fixed traits. Therefore there’s no way to improve. 

Growth mindset

Individuals with a growth mindset believe that such characteristics can be cultivated through effort. Everyone can improve and grow through experience and application.

In one of Dwecks studies:

We offered four-year-old children a choice: They could redo an easy jigsaw puzzle or they could try a harder one. Even at this tender age, children with the fixed mindset – the ones who believe in fixed traits – stuck with the safe one.

The fixed mindset stands in the way of development and change. The growth mindset is a starting point for change, but people need to decide for themselves whether their efforts toward change will be worthwhile.

At Total Soccer

At Total Soccer we believe that actions and words from parents and coaches send messages to children. We encourage parents to praise effort. We believe that all children are capable of learning at their own pace. During games and when training we set challenging goals and maintain high standards but we take the players’ abilities in consideration. We ask for effort and commitment.

In the context of training and games, try not to compare your child with others and help your child to find motivation in setbacks.

Source:

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol S. Dweck (2006)