Carol Dweck in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, tells us that mental flexibility is essential for optimal performance and success in the rapidly evolving and complex environment of the twenty-first century.

Dweck explores how the mindsets we hold regarding our self-image can shape our ability to learn and grow. Her research challenges the given wisdom that success requires us to develop specific expertise. Those individuals who see themselves as experts in a specific field may be limited in their ability to function in a rapidly changing landscape. When we see our talents as flexible, we can more easily adapt and acquire new skills than when we see our abilities as fixed.