Two ways to see ability

Dweck, a psychologist, describes two beliefs about human qualities. In the fixed mindset, intelligence, talent and personality are set and cannot really change. In the growth mindset, they can be developed through effort, good strategies and help from others.

The belief you hold shapes how you live. If abilities are fixed, every test becomes a verdict on your worth, and you feel a constant need to prove yourself. If they can grow, a test is a chance to learn.

Dweck stresses that nobody is purely one or the other. Most of us are a mixture, and our mindset can differ from one area of life to another.