Convert external distractions into fuel for deep focus.
Elias paused on a chapter titled Two Approaches to Learning . He read about the entity theory versus the incremental theory. The "Entity" learner believes intelligence is fixed; a loss means you are stupid. The "Incremental" learner believes intelligence is malleable; a loss is an opportunity to grow.
The true danger is the emotional reaction to the first error.
"I’ve been an Entity learner my whole life," Elias whispered to the empty room. He realized he had built his entire self-worth on being "the natural." When that identity was threatened, he crumbled.
Elias closed his laptop. He needed to test this. He walked over to the piano in the corner of the silent study hall. It was an old upright, slightly out of tune.