I've been reading a brilliant book for the second time this year, about Fixed and Growth Mindsets. One of the most fascinating things about it is how it explains the reasoning behind how children can actually be hindered by too much praise or being labelled as talented.
Professor Carol Dwecks book is highly recommended as a source for assisting you to take a fresh look at how we approach difficult tasks or learning new skills. She provides some great insights into how we can often drop something we loved to do, because we've encountered a mindeset that prevents us from moving forward. What is great about all this is that the Fixed thinking can be altered, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to do so. One particularly helpful aspect of the book is the research done on famous people considered to have natural talent. Michael Jordan is one such example provided, and we learn that his abilities evolved through continued effort, growth and learning. He wasn't naturally talented, he applied himself to the game and when he failed he observed, learned and moved on. His growth mindset provided him with the ability to continue doing this until his success became evident. Others don't seem to see the bigger picture in this instance, choosing to believe that he was a natural talent and born with the skills.
Overall, the study is amazing reading, and what sticks out most is that the focus is on giving a clear and positive message to people that they can change their approach to their thinking. More often than not, people will class someone as naturally talented in some aspect, be it sports, art or another ability. The problem is that when a person who believes this labelling, encounters failure or set backs, they can fall apart. This set back can be viewed as a direct negative reflection on them and draw out fears of exposure at being not good enough.
There are too many great examples to mention, but the blog http://keenkidsathome.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/growing-a-growth-mindset/ gives a great insight as to how parents can use this great bit of valuable information to encourage positive growth in their children.
The link to 'brainology' is also worth checking out!
