Hint: Don’t tell your kids that they are [smart]. More than three decades of research shows that a focus on effort—not on intelligence or ability—is key to success in school and in life.
Carol Dweck is one of my favorite researchers on intelligence.
Her basic thesis is as follows: we all fall roughly into one of two perspectives on the nature of intelligence. Some of us believe that intelligence is a fixed, predetermined trait. Others believe that intelligence is like a muscle—if you work it out, it grows.
How we think about our intelligence defines how we deal with tough problems. Those of us that believe that our intelligence is malleable dig our heels in when confronted with a challenged.
Others, those who believe that intelligence is a fixed trait, give up when they can’t figure something out.
Over time, those who relish intellectual challenges surpass those who give up.
Carol has two books (that I know of) out. The first is technical and the second is more for a general audience. That said, I prefer the first.
See also: Malcolm Gladwell’s article, “The Talent Myth”.
