After seven experiments with hundreds of children, we had some of the clearest findings Ive ever seen: Praising childrens intelligence harms their motivation and it harms their performance. How can that be? Dont children love to be praised? Yes, children love praise. And they especially love to be praised for their intelligence and talent. It really does give them a boost, a special glowbut only for the moment. The minute they hit a snag, their confidence goes out the window and their motivation hits rock bottom. If success means theyre smart, then failure means theyre dumb. Thats the fixed mindset. Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck