Growth Mindset and Failure

• How does Carr define failure? What do you think about her resituation of failure?

Carr defines failure as something that is welcomed and brings out the best writing out of all of us. She mentions how failure gives us the chance to explore new ideas and to take risks on our writing. Furthermore, it also helps build a writer’s confidence by allowing a writer to trust their ideas more. I believe that she is right. Failure is a necessary and integral part of the human experience. Since we always have something to improve on, failure helps point out the areas where we need more work, and where we don’t. It can also act as a mental reset when undergoing a challenge and allows us to sit back and analyze what went wrong, and what can we do about it.

• What is a growth mindset? Do you think you have developed more of a growth mindset or a fixed mindset?

A growth mindset is one where the person is open to new information, ideas, and challenges rather than avoiding them. A growth mindset takes failure, and fear and uses them as tools to fuel more learning and growth. For example, a fixed mindset would be one that is threatened by other’s success, and ignores feedback given by others. This prevents any sort of personal growth and, in turn, causes the person’s learning and development to plateau. Whereas growth mindsets take criticism as an opportunity to improve, and other’s success as an inspiration to their own.

• What are some connections between Carr's resituation of failure and a growth mindset?

Carr notes how failure is a necessary part of not just the writing process, but of life in general. Out of failure comes trust in one’s self, mental growth and maturity, and foresight. Failure to her, is the best option. Our greatest ideas come from constant failures and trying again Carr’s view on failure is the perfect example of the growth mindset in use. Since failing itself can be criticism to your own work, however, she sees this as a path to achievement. Carr’s mindset is one that loves the process. One that pushes for imperfection because little by little, the progress adds up to something amazing.