The term “growth mindset” has been been applied most often to children, especially with respect to their approach to learning. When I stop and think about all of the (healthy) risks I see kids take on a daily basis, it’s really inspiring. I see them trying new things all the time. Somewhere along way, over time as we grow up, we tend to become less open to opportunity, risk, change……growth. Luckily, growth mindset can be applied to adults too. And it isn’t limited to academics. It can be related everywhere in life.
What is growth mindset?
Carol Dweck is a leading researcher in the area of motivation and mindset and has been an authority in this area for years. She defines growth mindset this way: “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities”.
This same thought process can be applied to attitudes about health and especially exercise. This type of mindset helps build resilience when we experience setbacks and obstacles. Regardless of exercise history, sports participation, or otherwise, a growth mindset can help you achieve goals and pursue your potential. Even though you might not be where you want to be YET, it doesn’t mean you aren’t capable with a little effort and the right mindset.
Growth mindset and exercise
Building regular exercise into a busy lifestyle can be challenging, but if you use the right approach, it can change your life. It all starts with your mental attitude.
Value the process and your effort.
It’s important to set and work towards goals, but don’t overlook the value of the process in getting there. It feels good to work hard at something; to see and feel positive change. I’m sure you’ve heard quotes about the joy of the journey, not the destination. It’s true. You can grow and change by inches along the way. Before you know it, you’ve come a mile. But you might need to dig a little deeper at times. Don’t be afraid to work hard. It might require some sweat. That’s okay.
Setbacks are natural when taking on challenges.
Talk to anyone who has succeeded at anything and they can share plenty of examples of setbacks they experienced along the way. Injuries, obstacles, stress. That’s life. Don’t let it discourage you. Identify roadblocks, learn from them, and move on. Missing 3 days of exercise doesn’t mean you have failed. It means you had a setback and it’s time to get back on the horse. Maybe it’s been 3 months. So what, that doesn’t define your future. A new day is a new opportunity.
Doing things that challenge you is a good use of time.
How are we going to get any better at anything if we don’t begin to push the edges of our comfort zone? Taking even a short amount of time daily to exercise, to challenge ourselves physically and mentally, is an investment and a great use of time. It also boosts confidence for the next challenge we face, whether that’s in our personal or professional lives. I am sure you can think of plenty of things you have done lately that were a waste of your time. Don’t settle for complacency, that’s boring. Challenge yourself, it’s worth it.
Developing and learning can happen in all areas of life.
Maybe you have never lifted weights before, or done yoga. No big deal. It doesn’t mean you can’t start now, if that’s what you want to do. Exploring something new or even revisiting something you used to love to do is a vehicle for growth. Exercise can also promote and support learning by priming our brain. It helps wire new connections and increases blood flow. Not only is this good for the health of a very important organ, it can translate over into our personal and professional lives through better mood, memory, creativity, and confidence.
Effort activates ability.
Working hard and putting in a lot of effort shows us what we are capable of, and it’s usually more than we could have ever thought. What might seem impossible, with hard work and effort, activates a new level of ability. We grow through the physical challenges that exercise presents.
“It always seems impossible, until it’s done.” ~Nelson Mandela