In this interesting article, Hard Work, Not Intelligence; Key to Getting Ahead, it is suggested that praising individuals solely based on their inherent abilities can actually be causing more harm than good.
This has actually been an ongoing debate for quite some time. It is almost instinctual for parents to praise their children for their achievements, whether it be for getting good grades, performing well in a school play, or winning a sports game. Of course, parents want to compliment their children’s intelligence, athletic abilities, and even looks. However, is it detrimental to our children’s overall growth as individuals to focus so much on talents that you either have or you don’t? And what impact does this have on us as adults?
What this article is implying, is that it is much more crucial to place emphasis on the importance of effort and hard work in these circumstances. Instead of praising individuals based on their inherent talents, emphasis should be placed on their genuine efforts. (If you give it your all, the outcome will reflect your effort; increasing one's overall determination.) It results in more satisfaction in the outcome or such events and more desire to learn from each circumstance. This behavior translates into all aspects of life and continues to mold us into more responsible, hardworking, educated adults, who don’t just sit back and rely on our talents to get us through life. Not to say that we should never praise individuals for their innate abilities, but positive reinforcement for hard work and effort will be far more beneficial in the long run.
Source : findingDulcinea
