How to Master Growth Mindset to Improve Performance

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Huberman sits down with Dr. David Yeager, a world-leading researcher in the fields of growth mindset and the "stress is performance-enhancing" mindset[cite: 1]. [cite_start]They discuss how these mindsets can be applied to improve performance in cognitive and physical endeavors[cite: 2]. [cite_start]Dr. Yeager also introduces concepts from his new book, *10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People*[cite: 2].

Guest: Dr. David Yeager, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin 1

Defining Growth Mindset

Contrary to popular belief, growth mindset is not simply the idea that "if you try hard, you can do anything"5. Instead, it is defined as the belief that your abilities or potential in a specific domain can change under the right conditions and with the right support6.

The "Effort Belief" Trap: A major misunderstanding is the "effort belief." In a fixed mindset, people believe that if they have to try hard, it means they lack ability7. Telling someone to just "try harder" can backfire if they view effort as a sign of deficiency.
Response to Failure: When facing failure, those with a fixed mindset often look downward at people performing worse to recover their self-esteem (e.g., "At least I'm not that loser")9. Conversely, those with a growth mindset look upward at those performing better to learn how to improve10.
Long-Term Impact: Short interventions (two 25-minute sessions) teaching growth mindset to 9th graders resulted in better grades and higher enrollment in advanced math classes up to four years later11.

The "Stress Is Enhancing" Mindset

Stress is often viewed as a debilitating force that inevitably hurts performance, but Dr. Yeager and researchers like Ali Crum suggest a different approach12.

Reframing Physiological Arousal: Symptoms like a racing heart or sweaty palms are often interpreted as signs of impending failure13. However, this physiology can be reframed as the body mobilizing resources—such as oxygenated blood—to the brain and muscles to optimize performance14.
Threat vs. Challenge:
- Threat Response: The body prepares for damage and defeat; blood remains central in the body cavity, and cortisol is released15.
- Challenge Response: The body is in a high-arousal state but feels confident and capable, similar to a "flow" state16.
The Outcome: Changing your mindset about stress can actually alter your stress physiology, turning a threat response into a resource for achieving goals17.

3. The Mentor Mindset: High Standards + High Support

Dr. Yeager discusses the "Mentor’s Dilemma": the difficulty leaders face in critiquing work without crushing a person's motivation18.

The Protector vs. The Enforcer:
- Protector Mindset: Withholds criticism to protect feelings, but fails to help the person grow (High Support, Low Standards)19.
- Enforcer Mindset: Demands high performance without providing the necessary backing (High Standards, Low Support)20.
The Solution: Wise Feedback: The most effective approach combines high standards with high support21. This is often called "Wise Feedback"22.
The Script: The most effective feedback communicates: "I’m giving you these comments because I have very high expectations and I know that you can reach them"23. Studies show students are twice as likely to revise their work when feedback is framed this way24.

4. Motivation Through Contribution

A powerful driver for learning and resilience is the "contribution mindset"—connecting hard work to a purpose beyond oneself.

Beyond Self-Interest: Motivating young people with future financial rewards or grades is often ineffective because the brain struggles to calculate the value of distant rewards against current suffering25.
The Purpose Condition: Framing tedious tasks (like boring math) as a way to gain skills that will help contribute to others leads to deeper learning and greater persistence26.
Social Status: Struggling for oneself can feel shameful, but struggling for the sake of others is viewed as noble and increases social standing27.

Notable Resources Mentioned

Book: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by Dr. David Yeager28.
Related Research: The work of Carol Dweck (Growth Mindset), Ali Crum (Stress Mindset), and Mary Murphy (Cultures of Growth)292929292929292929.
Key Concept: "Wise Feedback" (High Standards + High Support)30.