Carol Dweck, author of “Mindset” describes two different ways of viewing the success and achievement.  A fixed mindset is the belief that we are born with certain qualities and they are carved in stone.  There is no improving or changing.  A growth mindset is the belief that with effort, persistence, hard work and grit, we can achieve.  A growth mindset person understands to succeed in anything you may have to try new strategies, problem-solve, practice, etc.  A person with a growth mindset embraces challenges, is persistent in the face of setbacks, sees effort as a path to mastery, is reflective and learns from criticism and finds lessons and inspiration in the success of others.  A person with a fixed mindset often must look smart.  They avoid challenges, get defensive or give up easily, see effort as pointless, ignores useful, negative feedback and is often threatened by the success of others.   Interested?  Read more in the book “Mindset: the New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck.