Scientists Call This The ONE MOST IMPORTANT Quality for Success

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” _ Anaïs Nin

Michael, a high school student in our neighborhood, used to babysit for the family next door. 

In the afternoon, I'd always see him bringing his books with him when he came over to watch their kids.

One time I had a chance to talk to him when I took out the trash at night and he had just finished babysitting. 

I asked him how he managed to squeeze in studying and his part-time job at the same time. 

I pointed out most kids I knew didn't have to work at all and seemed to study less than he did.

He said, “Yeah, it's kind of tough having to earn money and hit the books at the same time…but I actually kind of enjoy it. Is that weird?”

That moment gave me a chuckle but didn't think much of it years after. 

I learned through other folks later on that Michael made his way through college and graduated at the top of his class.

He came from the rougher part of town and his family didn't earn a lot, so I remember feeling really proud of him when I heard the news.

Strength in Growth

Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, made a profound discovery that shaped her future work…

In one school, students who didn't pass the required number of courses were given a grade of not yet instead of a failing mark.

This idea intrigued Carol because it meant students who got that grade weren't failures.

They simply hadn't completed the learning process YET, and only had to keep at it until they did.


In her talk, Carol discussed a series of studies they did on children at school to observe how they reacted to difficult problems.

For instance, she gave a group of 10-year-olds a series of questions that were slightly too hard for them.

The reactions among them were divided. 

According to Carol, about half of the students “acted in a surprisingly positive way.”

They LOVED the challenge because they knew their abilities could be developed as they learned to tackle the questions.

They had what Carol referred to as a “Growth Mindset”.

As for the other students, they treated the test as a tragic catastrophe. 

They simply weren't equipped with to deal with the challenges given to them because they had what was known as a “Fixed Mindset”.

The study found that they were likely to either cheat next time, or find someone who did worse to feel better about themselves.

I have to admit that I used to act and think like the latter half of those students. 

There was a time in my life when I crumbled under pressure instead of embracing the challenge and the growth it could offer me.

But I know better now.

If you want to embrace life and grow with it then I highly suggest you check out this short video.

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