We need to transform the meaning of effort and difficulty and the rewards of improving our performance. This applies to daily life as well as to the craft of writing. We have the right to live in places filled with ‘yet’.

 Carol Dweck researches “growth mindset” — the idea that we can grow our brain’s capacity to learn and to solve problems. In this talk, she describes two ways to think about a problem that’s slightly too hard for you to solve. Are you not smart enough to solve it … or have you just not solved it yet? A great introduction to this influential field.

‘Fixed mindsets’ predispose us to fail because we see not being successful as a sign that something is instrisicly wrong with us. Developing a ‘growth mindset’ by luxuriating in learning that not being ready is perfectly all right. We have to learn to dream big dreams so we can keep striving without being constantly validated by hearing ‘good job’ or getting an award for just showing up.

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