A surge of new psychological research is challenging long-held beliefs about talent and ability, suggesting that key qualities like mindset, agility, and creativity are not fixed traits but skills that anyone can develop over time—and that cultivating these skills may be crucial for thriving in the unpredictable modern world. As daily life in Thailand and globally becomes increasingly shaped by technology, uncertainty, and rapid change, researchers and educators alike are recognizing that collective success depends less on rote memorization and more on the adaptability of our minds (Psychology Today).
Traditionally, many in Thai society—like those elsewhere—have viewed intelligence or creativity as largely innate. Yet, new studies have debunked this myth, emphasizing the concept of a “growth mindset”, a term popularized by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck. This mindset is grounded in the belief that intelligence and abilities can be improved through effort, feedback, and practice (Dweck, 2006: PubMed). For Thai students grappling with competitive education systems and adults navigating shifting careers, the implications are profound: success is less about what you start with and more about how you approach learning and setbacks.
Agility—meaning psychological and emotional flexibility—has also been highlighted in both global and local research as vital for coping with uncertainty, whether it’s changes in the workplace, pivots prompted by the digital economy, or, as many Thais are familiar with, navigating the rapidly evolving tourism and service sectors. A study from Chulalongkorn University noted that individuals with high cognitive agility adapt to new routines and unpredictable crises better, reporting lower stress and greater job satisfaction (Chulalongkorn Research Repository).
Creativity, too, has come under new scientific scrutiny. No longer seen as the domain of artists or inventors, it’s now regarded as a universal skill set—one that schools and businesses can foster deliberately. Recent experiments at Thai universities have shown that when students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and experiment without fear of “losing face”, their creative problem-solving abilities surge (Bangkok Post education coverage). As a representative from a leading Bangkok international school explains, “We have changed our curriculum to reward curiosity and risk-taking, not just right answers.” This shift reflects nationwide reforms aimed at moving away from rote learning toward more innovative education, in line with Thailand 4.0 policies (World Bank: Thailand Education Policy).
International experts echo these findings. In the referenced Psychology Today article, prominent psychologists argue that anyone—regardless of their starting point—can take daily steps to boost these assets. This may include engaging in activities that spark new perspectives, such as learning a new language, participating in mindfulness or meditation (practices with deep roots in Thai Buddhist tradition), or seeking constructive feedback. “The brain is more plastic than we ever thought,” said one educational neuroscientist in a recent interview, reflecting the scientific consensus that the adult mind can continue developing new synaptic connections well into old age (Harvard Health).
For many in Thailand, the lessons are timely. Local job markets face disruption from AI and automation, especially in fields like manufacturing, finance, and tourism (ADB Thailand Outlook). Meanwhile, the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic revealed the importance of adaptability as families, businesses, and schools scrambled to adjust to online routines and sudden change. Trends indicate employers are now prioritizing candidates who demonstrate flexible, creative problem-solving skills over rote knowledge alone (The Nation Thailand).
These findings intersect with long-standing Thai values of resilience, adaptability, and “kreng jai” (consideration for others), but suggest a need for policy shifts to cultivate open discussion of challenges rather than deference to authority alone. Educators and parents are advised to create environments—both at home and in the classroom—where mistakes are reframed as opportunities to learn, not as shameful failures. One senior official from the Ministry of Education stated, “Our goal is to prepare Thai children not for the tests of yesterday, but for the challenges of tomorrow” (UNESCO Thailand).
Looking ahead, experts forecast that as Thailand integrates further into ASEAN and global digital economies, the demand for growth-oriented, agile, and creative individuals will only intensify. Policymakers are being urged to reform both public and private education to prioritize experiential learning, digital fluency, and collaborative problem-solving, with some pilot projects already yielding positive results in northern and eastern provinces (Thai PBS World).
Thai readers seeking practical ways to develop these skills can start by engaging in lifelong learning activities, cultivating self-awareness through journaling or meditation, joining discussions or clubs that promote diverse viewpoints, and welcoming challenges as opportunities for self-improvement. In the words of one Chiang Mai-based education consultant, “Anyone can change their mindset, learn to pivot, and exercise creativity—it’s a journey, not a destination.”
In sum, the newest research signals a clear message: mindset, agility, and creativity are “muscles” everyone can strengthen. As the world continues to change at breakneck speed, investing in these skills is not only possible but essential for both individual and national resilience.