27 A

Reading Reflection No. 3



Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck



What was the general theme or argument of the book?

· This book describes Carol Dweck’s research on brain influence with regard to personal success. With an open mind, the brain is able to learn and grow in a variety of situations.

· The book describes two different types of mindsets, fixed and growth.

Fixed – people who believe their traits and work ethics are ingrained in them.

Growth – people who believe their traits and work ethics can change based on their situation. These people are more willing to change.

· She speaks about how powerful the brain is and how having a positive mindset can help with business and personal decisions encountered in life. The author also discusses the potential adverse impact of having a negative mindset.



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

· This book relates very well to the maters covered in this course.

· In the class, we touched on the concept that failure is connected to a lack of belief in oneself.

· Often in this class, when I first read an assignment, I wondered how I was going to be able to complete it. Just as the book spoke about a fixed mindset; in this class if a person had a fixed mindset, they probably would not have been successful.

· I have learned to have a growth mindset, challenge myself, learn from m setbacks, and keep persevering.



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

· I would have every student maintain a diary of their semester and see how they progressed in this class.

· I would also want to interview business people and ask them about their failures, how they overcame them, and what their most challenging part of starting a business was.

· I would have students initially write what they anticipate learning in this class. Upon the conclusion of the semester, I would have students write what they actually learned and then compare the two letters. This way a student can visualize how much they have grown and learned in the class.



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?

· My biggest “aha” moment was realizing there were two different types of mindsets and depending on which one you maintain it will impact ever aspect of your life including how you deal with stress, professional interactions, and personal relationships.

· I have always known that entrepreneurs have a certain internal drive. What I have realized is that much success of an entrepreneur comes from internal confidence and the unwavering will to succeed.