How do you respond to trying something new? Are you up for challenging yourself to new things? Do you try things once and then decide they are too hard? Do you find yourself worrying you may get things wrong? Trying new things is actually a workout for your brain. Your brain is like a muscle and can actually create new pathways when you deliberately challenge yourself. How you respond to new challenges says a lot about your mindset.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
The way in which you view your own abilities not only affects the way you feel but also shapes what you achieve. Your mindset determines whether you stick to new habits and go on to develop new skills. A growth mindset believes that abilities can be improved through effort and learning. With a growth mindset, you will embrace challenges, build confidence, and welcome feedback. Alternatively, a fixed mindset believes abilities cannot change; if you are not good at something, that is it; it’s just not something you are good at. With a fixed mindset, you will avoid challenges and negatively compare yourself with others. Studies have shown that individuals with a growth mindset experience fewer behavioral and psychological problems and have a reduced risk of burnout. A growth mindset promotes motivation and increases performance.
How to Build a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is an overall way of looking at life, learning, and challenges. You will not be able to achieve a growth mindset 100% of the time, but a few keys can help. First, be open to feedback and able to recognize when you might be in a fixed mindset space. Remember it is ok to be wrong, and you may not be able to solve the problem or master the skill yet. The focus should be more on the process than perfection. We have found it’s beneficial to praise our athletes for their efforts over natural talent. We encourage discussion about when things are difficult and try a variety of approaches to find the solution. This not only helps with mindset and motivation but encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills.
In particular, with children, it’s important to encourage positivity and keep their minds open to possibilities. Mindset can be shaped with daily affirmations and proper focus. One idea is to use movement as a way to create new pathways through the brain. Something as simple as a yoga pose can reinforce the idea that you are a warrior, you are strong, you are focused. Try starting the morning with a warrior pose to remind yourself you are hardworking or a chair pose to gain focus.
Join us in 2023
Maybe it’s time to try something new and start working on your growth mindset. 2023 is a great time to try one of our programs at AYB. Once we are working together in our AYB Recreational or Club Programs, we include your brain as a muscle we will train. Our coaches know when to push and challenge our athletes as we motivate and focus on the possibilities ahead. Sign up for a winter session or contact us with questions and keep your brain growing.
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