Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers

by Jo Boaler

Researchers now know that when people with math anxiety encounter numbers, a fear center in the brain is activated—the same fear center that lights up when people see snakes or spiders.3 As the fear center of the brain becomes activated, activity in the problem-solving centers of the brain is diminished.

This approach illustrates a key takeaway—when you hit a barrier, it is advantageous to develop a new approach and come at the problem from a new perspective.

We now know that when we praise children for being smart, they at first think, “Oh good, I am smart,” but then later when they struggle, fail, or mess up in some way, as everyone does, they think, “Oh, I am not so smart”; they end up constantly evaluating themselves against this fixed idea. It is fine to praise children, but always praise what they did and not them as people.

LEARNING KEY #1 Every time we learn, our brains form, strengthen, or connect neural pathways. We need to replace the idea that learning ability is fixed, with the recognition that we are all on a growth journey.

Once people believe that only some can reach high levels, it affects all areas of their lives and stops them from choosing fulfilling pathways. The belief that only some people can be high-achievers is insidious and damaging and prevents all of us from reaching our potential.