In order to attain the kinds of success that motivated persons dream of, this book says they will have to change their opinions about the way things are. The book mentions school, sports, and corporate economy for this, and in all three places, the ideas share similarities that could be explored as ethical guidelines. The most primary of these is the titular Mindset. By willingly adjusting one's opinions and perceptions, one can become flexible and fast-learning.
When people talk about role models, they tend to mention the people who they liked, who taught them something perhaps. But few people attain true championship, so these role models might have to be surpassed on the way to one's own success. This is humbling and confusing, and it means that people might not understand one's strategies in life. For instance, in school, kids learn that failure is unacceptable and bad. But Dweck says failure is an essential aspect of success.
It is important to deconstruct one's opinions this way because a lot of things are learned about life on accident. If a person is raised by people who don't try to attain mastery and excellence, and if those people teach a child that the kid doesn't have what it takes, then of course, a person's literal psychology might prevent them from seeing opportunities clearly, because they will carry fear about their competence.
