Achieving ambitious goals requires more than passion and support; it calls for a mindset open to change and improvement—a “growth mindset,” as experts describe it. But how do we know if we possess this mindset? And how can a coach or teacher gauge if someone has the right outlook to excel?

A team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology believes they’ve created a way to measure it. Their new test, designed to gauge both attitude and growth mindset, builds on research into what motivates people to learn and improve.

The right mindset

Growth mindset, the researchers argue, is influenced by external factors and can fluctuate, but measuring it could help people understand their potential for improvement. Their study involved 723 participants aged 16 to 85, who responded to statements like “I know that with effort, I can improve my skills” and “I see learning as my goal.” The results show the test is effective across a broad age range, offering a reliable scale for assessing growth mindset.

The team’s work also delves into “flow” and “passion”—two key components of growth mindset. Flow, the deep engagement that makes time seem to disappear, and passion, a strong enthusiasm for a skill or area, were included in the test to better understand these elements’ roles in growth.

The researchers suggest this tool could be transformative in settings from homes to schools to workplaces. They advocate fostering growth mindset across society, adapting challenges to help students, athletes, and employees alike experience success. In a world where goals are increasingly complex, this test could help ensure that people have the mindset needed to meet them.