Fixed mindset

A fixed mindset is the belief that a person's abilities are innate and largely unchangeable. Carol Dweck developed this concept in her book Mindset. A person with this belief reads difficulties as the limit of their ability, avoids mistakes, and experiences failure as a judgment on their identity. The feeling "either I can or I cannot" prevents trying and developing. Coaching helps the client notice this fixed frame and see that ability can widen through effort.