If only I wasn't afraid of making mistakes...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/24/business/24shortcuts.html

Excerpt from:

The Many Errors in Thinking About Mistakes 

..... excerpt...
“Studies with children and adults show that a large percentage cannot tolerate mistakes or setbacks,” she said. In particular, those who believe that intelligence is fixed and cannot change tend to avoid taking chances that may lead to errors.

Often parents and teachers unwittingly encourage this mind-set by praising children for being smart rather than for trying hard or struggling with the process.

For example, in a study that Professor Dweck and her researchers did with 400 fifth graders, half were randomly praised as being “really smart” for doing well on a test; the others were praised for their effort.

Then they were given two tasks to choose from: an easy one that they would learn little from but do well, or a more challenging one that might be more interesting but induce more mistakes.

The majority of those praised for being smart chose the simple task, while 90 percent of those commended for trying hard selected the more difficult one.

The difference was surprising, Professor Dweck said, especially because it came from one sentence of praise.

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O_O The former one sounds like me. Seriously. I already realize that I always do that, but to have it spelled out so plainly before me....



DO READ THE ARTICLE!! IT'S VERY INTERESTING & I'm sure that it's applicable to many of us. Here;s the link again:
 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/24/business/24shortcuts.html

Other interesting links:
www.pbs.org/saf/1101/segments/1101-2.htm
(Research on how intelligence changes as people study and learn)


Psychology research showing that when students view intelligence is malleable, they have more confidence and their performance improves:
http://chronicle.com/article/Carol-Dwecks-Attitude/65405/