Your Attitude Is More Important Than Your Intelligence

We’ve come up with the above drawing to help kids understand how a good learning attitude is more important than their intelligence. Many students often say, “I’m not smart,” when they receive poor grades in school. That’s ok. Most of us have average intelligence. What is more important is for the student to add, “But I’m willing to work hard and get better at it.” This is the attitude that will help them succeed at school and in life.

Talent and Intelligence are overrated and not the only factors that determine success. Just imagine: if a boy with naturally good ball skills does not do his daily drills and practise shooting hoops, will he become a top basketball player in his school?

Based on Carol Dweck’s research*, a growth mindset, which is the belief that one’s abilities can grow and change with effort, is crucial in achieving success in school and in life. If you believe you can never get better at something, then you won’t. However, if you believe you can improve and develop yourself, then you will. This is because your belief determines how much effort you put in, how open you are to try new challenges and how willing you pick yourself up after experiencing failure. It is such attitude that will triumph over intelligence and lead you to success.

Therefore, dear students, do not be discouraged if your grades are poor now. You can get better if you keep working at the subject. Develop the growth mindset– slow progress is still progress.

Reference:
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Paperback, 2007, Carol Dweck