The term “thinking” might evoke memories of certain self-help literature that lacks scientific basis. Yet, emerging studies indicate that our cognitive patterns can significantly shape our lives through their effects on our thoughts, motivation, and behaviors.

“We perceive thinking as a belief system regarding how the world operates, which includes our thoughts about ourselves and our surroundings,” states David Jager from the University of Texas at Austin.

Initially popularized by Carol Dweck at Stanford University, this concept emerged from her interest in how beliefs about intelligence affect academic performance.

Some individuals strongly agree with statements in psychological surveys, such as “Your intelligence is fundamentally fixed and does not change significantly.” Such individuals are characterized as having a “fixed mindset.” Conversely, those who resonate more with statements like, “Your intelligence can change significantly throughout your life,” are viewed as having a “growth mindset.”

Dweck’s research demonstrated that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere after setbacks and embrace challenges beyond their comfort zones.

Crucially, Dweck and her team found that mindset is flexible. For instance, educating individuals about the brain’s inherent plasticity can foster a growth mindset, as shown in this research. Although some replication attempts showed mixed results, the overall effect seems to hold up under varying contexts.

“Interventions are typically more effective when educators cultivate a growth mindset within a nurturing school culture,” Jager explains. I have led several studies in this area.

Building on Dweck’s groundwork, psychologists are uncovering various concepts that could positively influence our well-being and success. At Stanford, Aria Crum has been researching “mindsets regarding stress.” Those who perceive stress as energizing are often better equipped to handle life’s demands compared to those who view stress as debilitating.

Crum likens our mindset to a “lens” that influences our worldview; recent studies indicate that these lenses may have long-term health implications. For instance, research on first responders has shown that individuals who interpret stress as beneficial possess a lower risk of heart disease, regardless of their overall stress levels.

Integrating growth and stress-affirming mindsets can amplify the benefits of both. In a series of studies released in 2022, Yeager revealed that teaching students a “synergistic mindset” improved both mental health and academic achievement. “These two perspectives complement each other,” Jager notes. “They shape your beliefs.”

However, it’s crucial to understand that mindset research is sometimes misinterpreted. The researchers do not advocate the notion that positive thinking can yield miraculous outcomes. “To clarify, the growth mindset does not suggest that someone with the right mindset and education can become an Einstein or Beethoven,” Dweck writes in her book, Thinking: The New Psychology of Success, “rather, it implies that an individual’s true potential is unknown and not fixed.”

Fostering a growth mindset shouldn’t merely be about offering constant praise for every effort. It often requires establishing high expectations. “This may involve difficult conversations, but it’s also about guiding someone to meet those standards,” asserts Jager. “It can be challenging.”

Thus, unlike self-help advocates, a positive mindset won’t promise instant wealth. However, it prepares us to exert the effort needed to reach our aspirations and navigate the emotional hurdles along the journey.