According to research on achievement and success by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, people tend to embrace one of two mental approaches to talent: Fixed mindset: The belief that intelligence, ability, and skill are inborn and relatively fixed--we "have" what we were born with. People with a fixed mindset typically say things like, "I'm just not that smart" or "Math is not my thing." Growth mindset: The belief that intelligence, ability, and skill can be developed through effort--we are what we work to become. People with a growth mindset typically say things like, "With a little more time, I'll get it" or "That's OK. I'll give it another try."

http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/want-to-be-an-exceptional-leader-science-says-think-this-way-because-most-bosses.html?cid=nl029week09day02