Embracing a Growth Mindset: The Key to Long Term Health and Performance
In the pursuit of optimal health and performance, adopting a growth mindset can be a game-changer. The concept of a growth mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset contrasts with a fixed mindset, which sees abilities as innate and unchangeable. It’s possible to have a growth mindset in some areas and a fixed mindset in others.
In the realm of health and fitness, having a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset can profoundly impact one's journey. Those with a growth mindset view change and setbacks as opportunities to learn. They understand that challenges are not permanent failures but rather temporary obstacles that can be overcome. This isn’t always easy to hold on to, but those who do are known to move through these periods knowing that they will come out stronger on the other side!
Ask yourself what happens when you don’t have a great day at the gym(or anywhere else for that matter!)? Do you ruminate over how badly you did or how you “should be better”, or how much better other people are than you? This has the flavor of a fixed mindset and can make progress very challenging and frankly, not that enjoyable. On the other hand, individuals with a growth mindset recognize that one frustrating day at the gym or work or life is an opportunity to learn. What were some factors that may have contributed to the tough day? Are there things you can adjust to help those days go better? In other words, what can I learn from today? These are all things those with a growth mindset may look at.
Learning is a central component of the growth mindset. In the context of health, it involves seeking out new information, experimenting with different approaches, and remaining open to feedback and adaptation. Beyond just looking for new information, those with a growth mindset look for ways to apply that new knowledge. When things get tough, can you adapt vs quit?
By viewing health and fitness through the lens of learning and adapting, this can help shift our mindset from a fixed to growth. Instead of seeing setbacks as insurmountable obstacles, we can reframe them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Rather than staying discouraged by failure, we can grow from it. This can take TIME and PRACTICE! Recognizing where you may experience a fixed mindset is the first step!
Embracing a growth mindset in the pursuit of health and fitness can lead to a lifetime of staying engaged in the process. By prioritizing learning, we can cultivate resilience and adaptability, and ultimately, those are the goals we want to carry throughout our life!
So, let's embrace growth, both in our bodies and our minds!
