The soft summer light filtered through the pine canopy, casting a serene glow on the forest path. Selene, a brilliant economics undergraduate, had a pressing question for his father, a professor of psychology, about growth versus fixed mindsets. They had rarely shared these quiet moments, and his father, feeling the weight of time, cherished this unexpected opportunity.
The gentle crunch of leaves underfoot accompanied their steps, while the distant hum of birds provided a peaceful soundtrack to their stroll.
“Father, my professor assigned me an essay on Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: What are the Effects of Investing? Can we talk about it?”
The professor, amused but intrigued, glanced at his son. “Ah, the age-old question of mindsets. It’s more than just academics or investing—it’s about life. Let me tell you a story.”
Mindsets Change The Meaning of Failure
He began with a tale about the Jonathans—loving parents of a bright, creative boy named Bill. At the tender age of three, Bill was deemed a failure because he hadn’t gotten into the number one preschool in New York. Their attitude shifted, and suddenly, little Bill wasn’t their pride and joy anymore.
“You see, Selene, in the fixed mindset, failure transforms from an action to an identity. It’s no longer, ‘I failed,’ but ‘I am a failure.’ A preschool hadn’t just rejected poor Bill; in his parent’s eyes, he was now defined by that rejection.”
Selene nodded, absorbing the lesson.
“Back when I was your age,” the professor continued with a chuckle, “I used to fear failure too. I refused to enter a sixth-grade spelling competition because I didn’t want to risk going from the ‘smart kid’ to the ‘loser.’ Even Ernie Els, the great golfer, once worried about this. When he went through a five-year dry spell, he thought losing just one more game might change him from a champion to a nobody.”
The breeze carried the scent of pine needles, and for a moment, the two walked in silence, the gravity of the story sinking in.
As they walked, the soft rustle of pine needles swayed gently in the breeze while the rhythmic pattern of their footsteps blended with the distant song of cicadas. The earthy smell of moss and damp soil filled the air, grounding them in the present moment.
“But, Father,” Selene asked, “is failure always that devastating?”
As Selene and his father continued their walk through the sun-dappled forest, the topic of failure began to take center stage.
“Father,” Selene asked, “how can someone truly learn from failure? Isn’t it easier just to avoid it, like the Jonathans did with little Bill?”
His father smiled, hinting at a story forming in his mind. “Ah, Selene, it’s a bit like the myth of Icarus. Have you heard it?”
Selene nodded. “He flew too close to the sun, ignoring the warnings, and fell to his death.”
“Exactly,” the professor replied. “But how do we view Icarus? The fixed mindset would focus only on his downfall—his tragic end. People would say, ‘He should have never dared to fly that high. His failure defines him. How foolish!’ It’s a story we often hear in life, isn’t it? Avoid risk, or you might fall.”
Selene considered this. “So, Icarus’s failure is seen as proof of his limitations?”
“Precisely. However, the growth mindset looks at the same myth differently. It sees Icarus’s ambition, his willingness to reach for the heavens, as a lesson. He failed, but what if we focus on what he learned? His attempt to break boundaries is where growth happens. The important question isn’t whether he fell but what we can learn from his ambition. What if future dreamers could soar even higher without melting their wings?”
The professor explained that the story of Icarus wasn’t just about failure—it was about daring to try. The fixed mindset chains people to fear, making them afraid of reaching too high. Conversely, the growth mindset views ambition as the path to innovation, even if failure comes along the way.
“Now,” his father continued, “consider Thomas Edison, the great inventor. He famously said, ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Selene chuckled. “I’ve heard that one. But wasn’t he discouraged by all those failures?”
“Not at all. That’s where the growth mindset comes in. Most people would look at 10,000 failures and give up, believing they aren’t smart or capable enough. But Edison saw each failure as a step closer to success. He didn’t define himself by those failed attempts—he saw them as experiments that helped him perfect his invention. Had he been stuck in a fixed mindset, convinced that every failure meant he was a failure, we might not have the lightbulb today.”
Selene paused—the weight of the stories settling in. “So it’s not the failure that matters,” he said slowly. “It’s what you do with it.”
“Exactly,” his father said with a smile. “In the fixed mindset, failure is final. It’s a dead end. But in the growth mindset, failure is just a detour—a chance to learn and improve. Like Icarus reaching for the sun or Edison striving to light up the world, it’s not about avoiding failure. It’s about using it to grow.”
Defining Moments
His father smiled. “Not necessarily, my boy. Take Jim Marshall, for instance, who was one of the best football players of his time. He picked up a football during a game and ran the wrong way in front of a roaring crowd, scoring for the other team! Can you imagine the shame?”
Selene laughed, “That’s tough.”
“Yet, Marshall didn’t let that mistake define him. During halftime, he had a choice—wallow in his embarrassment or rise above it. Marshall chose the latter. He played one of the best halves of football in his life and helped his team win the game. Failure didn’t define him; it refined him.”
The professor’s face grew more serious. “In the fixed mindset, however, such mistakes can haunt you forever. Do you remember hearing about Bernard Loiseau, the famous French chef? Despite being a pioneer, a culinary genius, he couldn’t bear the thought of losing his stars. When the pressure became too much, he tragically ended his own life.”
The two men stood still, allowing the story’s gravity to sink in.
The light grew softer as they continued their walk, casting long shadows across the path. A light rustling in the nearby bushes hinted at small creatures stirring as the day began to cool.
“It’s incredible, isn’t it?” his father continued. “What counts as failure in the fixed mindset—it’s as if your entire existence is threatened by one misstep.”
Selene thought momentarily and then asked, “But how does that mindset affect relationships, Dad?”
As the afternoon light began to soften, casting long shadows along their path, Selene and his father discussed the critical moments that shape a person’s life.
“Father, how do people handle moments when they make a mistake like Jim Marshall running the wrong way? How can you move forward from something like that?” Selene asked, recalling the football player’s famous error.
His father smiled. “That’s where we find the difference between being defined by failure and rising above it. Take Abraham Lincoln, for example. Today, we know him as one of the greatest U.S. presidents, but his road to success was paved with setbacks. He faced defeat after defeat—failing in business, losing elections, and even struggling with personal tragedies. Yet, none of these failures defined him.”
“How could he keep going despite all that?” Selene asked, intrigued.
“Lincoln’s story is the essence of a growth mindset. Where many would have given up, he kept learning and trying, eventually leading the country through one of its most turbulent times. Every failure was a defining moment, but instead of letting those moments stop him, he saw them as opportunities to grow. It wasn’t about avoiding failure but how he responded to it. Lincoln’s resilience became his strength.”
The wind rustled through the trees as the professor continued. “It’s the same with Jim Marshall. He could have let that mistake—running the wrong way on national television—define him. Instead, he transformed the experience, pulling himself together and playing some of his best football in the second half. Like Lincoln, Marshall understood that failure is only temporary if you keep moving forward.”
Selene nodded, reflecting on how powerful these defining moments were. But his father wasn’t finished.
“It’s not just historical figures who teach us this. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher, believed that setbacks were an inevitable part of life. He wrote in his Meditations that the obstacles we face are the path itself. He and the Stoics taught that instead of avoiding hardships, we should embrace them as opportunities to develop inner strength.”
“So, they saw challenges as a chance to grow?” Selene asked how Jim Marshall and Abraham Lincoln had used their challenges to better themselves.
“Exactly,” his father said, his voice calm but filled with wisdom. “The Stoics believed you couldn’t control what happened to you—only how you responded to it. Setbacks, failures, even tragedies—they were all part of life. What mattered was your perspective. They believed in using every hardship to become more resilient and focused on what mattered. Marcus Aurelius said, ‘The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.'”
“That sounds a lot like the growth mindset,” Selene said.
“Indeed. Lincoln and Aurelius remind us that setbacks are not the end of the road—they are simply part of the journey. And whether we view those setbacks as defining failures or moments is entirely up to us.”
As they walked, Selene felt the stories of Lincoln and the Stoics resonate deeply. Each failure, each challenge, wasn’t something to fear—it was a chance to become stronger, wiser, and more determined. In that realization, he saw the essence of the growth mindset: the belief that even in our darkest moments, we can rise, we can learn, and we can transform.
My Success Is Your Failure
“Ah,” the professor said with a grin, “here’s a funny one for you. Last summer, Marie and her husband, Ralph, took a fly fishing lesson. Marie caught a rainbow trout, and Ralph couldn’t have been prouder. But when they went to dinner that night, two men approached Ralph, expecting him to feel diminished by his wife’s success. Isn’t it absurd?”
Selene laughed. “Yeah, I can’t believe they’d think he’d be jealous!”
“Well,” his father explained, “in some people’s minds, one person’s success is another person’s failure. Instead of feeling inspired or happy for others, people trapped in the fixed mindset often feel threatened.”
As the two strolled further along the forest path, Selene thought about how people’s reactions to others’ success often revealed more about their mindset than the achievement itself.
“Dad,” Selene began, “I’ve noticed something strange. Sometimes, when someone succeeds, others seem almost angry about it. Why is that?”
His father nodded, already prepared with a story. “Ah, that reminds me of the Greek myth of Arachne. Have you heard it?” Like Ralph’s encounter with envy, the myth of Arachne also shows how pride and comparison can lead to destruction.
“Only bits and pieces,” Selene replied. “Didn’t she challenge the goddess Athena?”
“Yes,” his father said, a smile tugging at his lips. “Arachne was a gifted weaver, but her skill came with arrogance. She boasted that she could out-weave Athena, the goddess of wisdom and craftsmanship. When the two finally had their contest, Arachne’s tapestry was remarkable, but her pride and defiance offended Athena. In anger, Athena turned Arachne into a spider, doomed to weave for eternity.”
Selene winced at the thought. “So, her success turned into her downfall?”
“Exactly. Arachne’s story reminds us that when we view other people’s talents as threats, we become consumed by envy. In Arachne’s case, her arrogance led her to challenge a goddess, and in the end, her success became her curse. Instead of celebrating her gift, she allowed envy and arrogance to turn her victory into tragedy.”
His father paused, letting the lesson settle in.
“This idea of feeling diminished by someone else’s success,” he continued, “isn’t just ancient myth. Look at Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’. Iago is driven by envy—envious of Othello’s success, love, and position. He believed that Othello’s rise somehow took away from his worth.”
“That envy so consumed Iago,” Selene said, “that he destroyed not only Othello but also himself.”
“Exactly. Iago’s mindset was fixed—he saw Othello’s success as an assault on his identity. In his mind, for Othello to succeed, he had to fail. Instead of being inspired or finding his path, Iago brings Othello down. And, as you said, in the process, he destroyed himself.”
Selene reflected on these stories, seeing how often people responded to others’ achievements with resentment instead of admiration.
“It’s like those two men at the dinner who approached Marie’s husband,” he said thoughtfully. “They assumed he’d feel threatened by her success with the fish as if her achievement made him less.”
“Exactly,” his father agreed. “It’s the same idea in real life—people with a fixed mindset see success as a limited resource. If someone else succeeds, it feels like there’s less left for them. Others’ achievements threaten their identity, and envy creeps in, just like it did with Arachne and Iago.”
“But in the growth mindset,” Selene continued, “other people’s success isn’t a threat. It’s a chance to learn, to be inspired.”
His father beamed with pride. “That’s right. When you adopt a growth mindset, you understand that one person’s success doesn’t take anything away from you. It adds to the collective success we can all share. Someone else’s accomplishments do not diminish you—you’re empowered to reach your potential.”
Selene smiled, feeling the clarity of the lesson. The myth of Arachne and the tragedy of Iago painted a vivid picture of how dangerous envy could be—and how liberating it was to celebrate others’ successes as opportunities for growth rather than threats.
Shirk, Cheat, Blame: Not a Recipe for Success
“But the fixed mindset goes deeper, Son. It’s not just about envy. It’s about how people react to setbacks. In one study, seventh graders were asked how they’d handle a bad grade. The ones with a fixed mindset said they’d study less and might even cheat on the next test. Instead of improving, they’d rather look for ways to escape the discomfort.”
Selene frowned. “That’s not very helpful.”
“Exactly. Look at John McEnroe, the famous tennis player. Whenever he lost a match, he had a different excuse—his back, the weather, even the tabloids. He never took responsibility. Contrast that with Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric. He apologized to top executives when his company made a bad business decision. Welch didn’t blame anyone but himself. And that’s the key to a growth mindset—taking responsibility and learning from mistakes.”
As the conversation deepened, Selene and his father arrived at the troubling pattern of avoiding responsibility when faced with failure.
“Dad, I’ve noticed that some people, when they fail, don’t own up to it. They shirk responsibility or look for someone else to blame.”
His father sighed, knowing all too well the destructive nature of this behavior. “Yes, it’s a common trap of the fixed mindset. When failure is seen as a reflection of your worth, admitting it becomes almost unbearable. Instead of accepting the failure and learning from it, people deflect, cheat, or make excuses.”
Selene was curious. “But how do we break out of that?”
“Well,” his father replied, “let’s look at Alexander the Great. He’s hailed as one of the most brilliant military commanders in history. His conquests are legendary, but his leadership was far from perfect. After a crushing defeat in India, rather than taking responsibility, Alexander blamed his generals for their poor strategy. Despite his brilliance, he often deflected blame when things went wrong, unable to reconcile his self-image of perfection with the reality of failure.”
Selene raised an eyebrow. “But that’s Alexander the Great. Shouldn’t someone like him be able to take responsibility for his failures?”
“You’d think so,” his father said with a grin. “But the fixed mindset even traps the best of us. Alexander believed his greatness was inherent, so failure had to be someone else’s fault. By refusing to take ownership of his mistakes, he missed out on the growth that comes from failure. And, in the long run, it affected his relationships with his men, leading to unrest within his army.”
“So, what’s the alternative?” Selene asked, eager to learn.
“Contrast that with Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric,” his father continued. “In the 1980s, GE bought an investment banking firm, Kidder Peabody, which was soon embroiled in an insider trading scandal. Instead of pointing fingers or blaming others, Welch immediately called his top executives and took responsibility for the failure. He acknowledged that the acquisition was his mistake and clarified that he would learn from it.”
“That must have been tough,” Selene said, admiring Welch’s approach.
“It was,” his father agreed, “but that’s the difference between shifting blame and taking ownership. Welch understood that failure is an opportunity to improve. He didn’t hide behind excuses or look for scapegoats. Instead, he learned from the setback and improved future decisions. That’s the growth mindset at work.”
Selene thought about the stark difference between Alexander the Great and Jack Welch. One used his brilliance to conquer nations but couldn’t face his own mistakes. The other took full responsibility, using failure as a stepping stone to future success.
“Nietzsche had something to say about this, too,” his father added, his voice more philosophical now. “He spoke of eternal recurrence—the idea that how you handle failure is how you’ll handle it over and over throughout your life.”
“Wait,” Selene interrupted, “eternal recurrence? That sounds pretty intense.”
“It is,” his father said with a chuckle. “Nietzsche was intense. He suggested that life is a series of repeated moments, and how we respond to challenges defines who we are. If you blame others or cheat your way through failure, you’ll likely keep repeating those behaviors, never growing, never improving. It’s as if—you’re stuck in a loop of your own making.”
“But if you take responsibility,” Selene said, catching on, “you can break the cycle and learn each time?”
“Exactly,” his father confirmed. “Nietzsche’s concept aligns perfectly with the growth mindset. Every failure is a chance to change how you respond. Instead of deflecting, you can embrace the lesson and improve. It’s about taking ownership, just like Welch did, so you don’t get trapped in a pattern of shifting blame and missing out on growth.”
As they walked, Selene felt the weight of the discussion. Alexander’s brilliance was undeniable, but his refusal to take responsibility had limited his growth. In contrast, Welch and Nietzsche’s insights showed a path to continuous improvement—where failure wasn’t feared but instead welcomed as a means to learn.
“At the end of the day,” his father said softly, “the true measure of success isn’t how you avoid failure—it’s how you handle it. Do you forget responsibility and point fingers, or do you own your mistakes and improve because of them?”
Selene nodded thoughtfully. “I get it now. It’s not failure that defines us—it’s how we rise after it.”
Mindset and Depression
The path ahead of them wound more deeply into the woods, the trees forming a cathedral of green. “Father,” Selene began hesitantly, “what about depression? How does mindset play into that?”
The professor’s face softened. “I was waiting for that question. You see, people with a fixed mindset tend to ruminate. They spiral down, thinking every setback reflects their inherent worth. They become trapped in their thoughts, which only worsens their depression. But those with a growth mindset? They may still feel sad, but they act. They go to class, keep up with work, and seek help when needed.”
He shared a story about a young man who, despite feeling deeply depressed during his first year at college, continued to attend classes and keep up with his studies. “He didn’t let his feelings stop him from acting. When he went to his teaching assistant for help, she couldn’t even tell he was depressed.”
Selene stopped walking and stared at his father. “So, it’s not about how you feel, but what you do?”
“Exactly,” his father said with a smile. “That’s the power of the growth mindset. No matter how tough things get, you can always move forward, grow, and learn.”
As the trail meandered more, plunging into the woods, Selene’s thoughts turned to something heavier, something more personal. The sun began to dip lower, casting an orange glow over the forest. The air grew calmer, and the sound of birds shifted, their evening calls echoing softly. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves above, whispering through the trees. “Father, how does mindset affect something as profound as depression? Can a mindset change how someone experiences such deep sadness?”
His father’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. “Selene. Mindset can play a powerful role in navigating those dark moments in life. Take Hamlet, for example—Shakespeare’s tragic prince. Hamlet’s story is one of paralysis, indecision, and self-doubt. He’s a character stuck in a fixed mindset, tormented by his inability to act.”
Selene nodded. “Hamlet always seemed trapped in his head, spiraling downward.”
“Exactly,” his father said. “Hamlet’s depression and indecision perfectly illustrate the fixed mindset at its worst. He believes that his circumstances and his internal conflicts define him completely. Instead of seeing his struggles as something he can work through, he allows them to overwhelm him. He questions his worth, purpose, and whether he can change his fate.”
Selene remembered Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” in which the prince contemplates life and death with almost crushing despair. “So, in a fixed mindset, Hamlet believes he’s powerless against his circumstances?”
“Precisely,” his father affirmed. “In his eyes, his failure to take action—to avenge his father, to resolve his inner turmoil—becomes a symbol of his unchangeable inadequacy. He’s so consumed by self-doubt that he feels trapped, unable to break free from his spiraling thoughts. That’s how depression can feel when viewed through the lens of a fixed mindset—like you’re stuck, incapable of changing your reality or your emotions.”
Selene’s expression darkened. “But that sounds so hopeless. Is there no way out?”
His father’s eyes softened. “There’s always a way out, Son, but it requires a different way of thinking. Enter Søren Kierkegaard, the philosopher who explored the depths of despair and how we overcome it. Kierkegaard believed that the only way to confront despair—or depression—was through what he called a leap of faith.”
Selene tilted his head. “A leap of faith?”
“Yes,” his father said with a smile. Kierkegaard understood that life is uncertain, especially in a dark place. The fixed mindset tells us that our despair defines us and that we cannot change it. But Kierkegaard argued that in the face of uncertainty and hopelessness, we must take a leap of faith—to act despite not knowing the outcome. It’s an essential part of the growth mindset.”
“But what does that look like?” Selene asked, genuinely curious.
“Think of the students we spoke about earlier,” his father explained, referring to those who continued their studies despite feeling depressed. “The growth mindset doesn’t promise that the depression will disappear immediately. Instead, it teaches that taking action—however small—can shift your perspective. In Kierkegaard’s terms, it’s about embracing uncertainty and moving forward. When students with a growth mindset felt the weight of depression, they didn’t let it paralyze them as Hamlet did. They showed up to class, completed their assignments, and took care of themselves, even though it felt difficult.”
“So, it’s not about feeling better right away, but about acting in the face of despair?” Selene asked, now grasping the depth of the idea.
“Exactly,” his father affirmed. “The growth mindset aligns with Kierkegaard’s philosophy. It acknowledges that we may not have all the answers and that the path is uncertain, but it encourages us to take steps anyway. No matter how small, each action reclaims power over the depression.”
Selene let the idea settle, realizing how much it contrasted with Hamlet’s inaction. Hamlet is consumed by his despair and unable to move forward, while the growth mindset allows for movement—even in doubt.
“And here’s where the difference lies,” his father concluded. “The fixed mindset tells you that your sadness is an unchangeable part of who you are, much like Hamlet’s belief that his fate was sealed by indecision. Conversely, the growth mindset tells you you can still act, grow, and learn—even when it feels impossible. That’s Kierkegaard’s leap of faith. You take it not because you’re sure of the outcome, but because taking action creates hope.”
As they walked in silence for a few moments, Selene reflected on Hamlet and Kierkegaard. Depression might weigh heavy, but perhaps the growth mindset—paired with the philosopher’s leap of faith—was the way to rise above it, to find a path forward when everything seemed bleak.
“Thanks, Dad,” Selene said softly. “I think I understand now.”
His father smiled. “Remember, Son, despair may feel like an inescapable fog, but as long as you take that leap—as long as you keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear—you’ll always find your way through.”
Reflection & Expansion
As the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the forest path, the conversation between father and son drifted deeper beyond just academic mindsets. Though thoughtful and reflective, Selene couldn’t help but wonder how these concepts applied to other facets of life. His father, ever the teacher, seemed to anticipate the question before he spoke it.
“You know, Son,” he began, “this idea of fixed versus growth mindset isn’t limited to school or career. It seeps into every aspect of our lives—how we view ourselves, compare ourselves to others, and interact with the world around us.”
Selene considered his ambitions, wondering how often he’d held back, afraid of failing. But now, he realized, every challenge was a chance to learn.
Family Life and the Pressure of Perfection
“Take family life, for instance,” his father continued, “how often do we feel we have to live up to expectations? When we’re children, we’re taught to strive for perfection—being the ‘good kid,’ the ‘perfect parent,’ the ‘ideal spouse.’ But what happens when we inevitably fall short of those expectations?”
Selene’s mind wandered back to the Jonathans and their poor little Bill. There was so much pressure on a child to be brilliant and successful. It wasn’t just about him failing to get into a top preschool—it was about the fixed idea that success or failure in one moment defines a person’s entire worth. How many families crumble under the weight of these rigid definitions?
“Families can either be places of growth or stagnation,” his father said, “where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn—or as evidence that someone just isn’t good enough. The strongest families allow for failure imperfections and encourage each other to keep growing despite setbacks.”
Selene nodded, reflecting on how often families expect perfection without realizing the harm it can cause. Perhaps the key wasn’t striving to be flawless but allowing room for vulnerability and growth.
Occupational Struggles and Financial Challenges
“And it’s no different in the workplace,” his father continued. “We live in a society where professional success often measures your worth. How many people, do you think, feel trapped in their jobs because they’re afraid of being labeled as failures if they try something new?”
Selene could see it now—the colleagues afraid to step out of their comfort zones, fearing that one mistake could tarnish their reputation forever. The fixed mindset in a professional setting can suffocate, where professionals avoid risk-taking at all costs. The same mindset leads companies to shirk responsibility or blame others when things go wrong, as they feel their success is their identity. It’s the same story as John McEnroe, the tennis player who could never accept faults.
“On the other hand,” his father mused, “those with a growth mindset in their careers understand that failure is part of innovation. Look at the Jack Welch example I mentioned earlier. Admitting mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward is the only way to survive and thrive in a competitive world.”
And then there were the financial challenges. “The fixed mindset can also leave you paralyzed in your financial decisions,” Selene’s father added. “People believe that their economic situation—good or bad—defines who they are. They hesitate to invest in their growth or new ventures because the fear of loss seems devastating. But financial success, like anything else, requires resilience. You win and lose some, but every step teaches you something valuable.”
Selene thought of countless stories of entrepreneurs who failed before finally making it big. Their successes weren’t about luck or inherent talent—they came from the willingness to fail, learn, and keep moving forward.
Beauty Standards and Social Media Envy
“But it’s not just the workplace, Dad. Look at beauty standards today, especially on social media,” Selene remarked. “It’s like everyone’s competing to look perfect. One bad angle, one flaw, and they’ve failed in front of the world.”
His father smiled knowingly. “You’ve hit the nail on the head. Beauty standards are among the most insidious places where the fixed mindset thrives. People compare themselves constantly, feeling that their worth is tied to how close they can get to an unattainable ideal. One flaw, one imperfection, and they think it’s over.”
Selene realized social media was the ultimate breeding ground for the fixed mindset. “Yeah, apps like Instagram or TikTok make it worse. People post these perfectly filtered images, and everyone seems to live flawless lives. It’s hard not to feel inferior when your feed is filled with idealized versions of beauty.”
His father nodded. “Exactly. Most people don’t realize that these images are often carefully curated or heavily edited, creating an illusion that distorts reality. Filters, lighting, angles, and even digital retouching all contribute to a sense of perfection that doesn’t exist in real life. When people believe this perfection is attainable, they fall into the fixed mindset—thinking they’re somehow less if they don’t match up.”
Selene thought about how celebrities and influencers often admit that their social media posts don’t reflect their real lives. “It’s like a highlight reel of the best moments,” Selene said. “But people forget that and compare their everyday lives to someone’s best-filtered moment.”
“But here’s the secret,” his father said softly. “Those who adopt a growth mindset in how they view beauty understand that beauty isn’t fixed. It reflects health, confidence, and how we care for ourselves. Real beauty grows from self-acceptance, not trying to meet an unrealistic standard.”
“It’s not just about how you look,” Selene added, understanding more deeply now. “It’s about how you feel.”
“Exactly,” his father continued. “People who break free from the fixed mindset realize that imperfections make us human and that real beauty grows with authenticity and self-care. It opens the door to true confidence. The growth mindset sees beauty as fluid, evolving, and personal, rather than a narrow, unattainable standard.”
Environmental Activism and a Broader Societal Perspective
As they reached the forest’s edge, the professor paused and pointed toward the horizon. “Now think about how this applies to our planet—our environment. How many people feel defeated when they see the state of the world and the overwhelming environmental challenges we face? They believe the problem is too big, that change is impossible.”
Selene could see the parallel. “So they think, ‘What’s the point of trying if the damage is already done?’ That’s the fixed mindset applied to the environment.”
“Exactly,” his father affirmed. “But true environmental activism requires a growth mindset. It requires understanding that change is possible, that small steps lead to progress, and that failure doesn’t mean we stop fighting. It’s about seeing every setback as a learning opportunity, just like anything else.”
The professor’s voice grew softer, more contemplative. “It’s the people who believe they can make a difference, no matter how small, who drive real change. Whether picking up a piece of litter or organizing a global movement, every action counts.”
Environmental Activism
As they neared the end of their stroll, Selene gazed at the towering trees surrounding them, their quiet strength and beauty a stark reminder of the natural world’s fragility. “Dad, it’s hard not to think about the environment when we’re out here. I’ve heard people say the planet is beyond saving, that there’s nothing we can do. Is that the same kind of fixed mindset?”
His father’s eyes softened as he looked at the landscape. “Yes, Son, that’s exactly it. The belief that our environmental challenges are too big and overwhelming is rooted in a fixed mindset. But here’s the truth: every small action counts—just like in life, growth is possible, even when it feels like the problems are insurmountable.”
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “Many Indigenous peoples understood this long before environmental activism became modern. Their approach to land stewardship is one of the most profound examples of the growth mindset applied to the natural world. Indigenous cultures often see themselves as part of a living ecosystem, where every action, no matter how small, contributes to the balance of the whole. It’s about nurturing the earth, recognizing that even minor efforts—planting a tree, conserving water—add up over time.”
Selene’s thoughts turned inward. “So, they believed that individual actions were powerful, even if they didn’t immediately solve everything?”
“Absolutely,” his father said. “Their wisdom teaches us that environmental activism isn’t about grand, sweeping changes that happen overnight. It’s about the collective impact of many small actions. When you see yourself as a caretaker of the earth, every choice—respecting a river or protecting a forest—becomes a step toward preserving the balance of the natural world. The growth mindset in environmental stewardship teaches that we can always do better, learn, and improve. It’s the idea that our actions today shape tomorrow.”
Selene nodded, his gaze drifting back to the trees. He imagined how each one had started as a tiny seed, nurtured over time.
“And speaking of seeds,” his father continued, “have you ever heard of the myth of Gaia?”
“Gaia,” Selene repeated. “Isn’t she the personification of the Earth in Greek mythology?”
“Exactly. Gaia is the mother of all life, a reminder that the planet isn’t just a resource—it’s a living, breathing entity. The ancient Greeks believed that Gaia was the source of all creation, and like any living being, the earth requires care and balance. When we neglect the planet, we harm Gaia, but when we nurture it, Gaia thrives.”
“That sounds much like how Indigenous cultures view the earth,” Selene noted. “It’s not just something to take from, but something to protect and live in harmony with.”
His father smiled. “Precisely. The myth of Gaia also aligns with the growth mindset. Just as Gaia represents the earth’s regenerative power, environmental activism requires us to believe in the earth’s capacity to heal, even after setbacks. We might face challenges—deforestation, pollution, climate change—but every setback teaches us how to improve. Every action, every bit of conservation, adds to the collective effort. Even when it feels like we’re not progressing, the cumulative effects of small, consistent efforts can transform the planet.”
Selene thought for a moment, absorbing the myth and the message. “The growth mindset teaches us not to give up, even if the problem seems too big. Like Gaia, the earth has the power to heal, but we have to believe in the process and keep taking small steps.”
“Exactly,” his father said. “In a fixed mindset, people believe the damage is irreversible and that nothing is left to do. But the growth mindset reminds us that we can still act even in the face of adversity. We can learn from our mistakes, improve our methods, and heal the earth bit by bit, just as Gaia would want us to.”
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm glow on the trees, Selene felt a sense of hope. Like any living being, the earth had the potential to regenerate and grow stronger with the proper care. And just as Indigenous peoples had understood for centuries, and as the myth of Gaia reminded him, each small action mattered. Every choice to conserve, plant, and protect was a step in the right direction, aligning with the growth mindset that saw the problems and possibilities.
“We may not fix everything overnight,” his father said softly, “but every effort contributes to a healthier planet. That’s how we honor Gaia, and that’s how we carry on the wisdom of the Indigenous peoples—by believing in the power of growth, no matter how small.”
Conclusion: A Life Built on Growth
Selene felt the weight of the conversation settling within him as they returned home. His father had woven mindsets into nearly every aspect of life—family, work, finances, beauty, and the environment. The message was clear: life is a growth journey, not a fixed definition. Failure, imperfection, and setbacks weren’t ends—they were the beginnings of new paths.
“Thanks for this, Dad,” Selene said, smiling as the first stars appeared overhead. “I think I have more than enough to write my paper.”
His father chuckled. “I should hope so. But remember, Son, writing a paper is another way to explore your growth. The key is not the grade—what you learn in the process.”
As they continued their walk under the canopy of stars, the professor whispered one final piece of advice. “Never let a setback define you. Always let it push you to grow, and you’ll never be stuck in one place.”
And with that, their journey, like life itself, continued—each step forward, even after a stumble.
The last traces of sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows as the evening settled in. The soft crunch of their footsteps on the forest floor was the only sound as the day’s warmth gave way to the cool embrace of dusk.
As they walked back home, the soft glow of twilight settling around them, Selene reflected on his conversation with his father. What began as a simple question about an essay assignment had turned into something much more meaningful.
His father’s wisdom had taken him beyond academics and investing. Growth versus fixed mindsets were not just theories for a classroom paper but guiding principles for life. Every story, from Icarus to Edison, Lincoln to Marcus Aurelius, showed how people’s responses to failure, success, and challenges shaped who they became.
Selene smiled as he thought back to his professor’s essay assignment. He realized the most important lesson wasn’t just for his paper but about how he wanted to live. The key wasn’t avoiding failure—it was about growing from it, learning from each setback, and believing that every challenge offered a new opportunity to improve.
“Thanks for this, Dad,” Selene said, feeling the weight of the lesson settle in. “I think I have more than enough for my essay now. But, more importantly, I think I understand what matters most.”
His father chuckled softly, the pride in his eyes unmistakable. “I’m glad, Son. Remember, the growth mindset isn’t something you write about and leave behind—it’s something you carry with you daily.”
The professor added one final thought as they continued their walk under the canopy of stars. “Never let a setback define you. Let it push you to grow, and you’ll never be stuck in one place.”
Selene nodded, absorbing his father’s words as the stars twinkled overhead. Like their journey through the forest, life was full of twists and turns. But with the right mindset, every detour, stumble, or misstep could lead to something greater.
As the last of the sunlight faded and the woods grew still, Selene felt a sense of quiet understanding settle in. The day’s conversation had brought not only answers but also peace.
As they neared home, their footsteps echoed softly in the quiet night, much like life’s journey—marked by uncertainty, growth, and the quiet resilience found along the path.
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