The following post is an excerpt from Emotional Aptitude In Sports NOW available through most online retailers! Click Here to Order
Changing a Fixed Mindset
Ideally, every time you hear your old, pessimistic, fixed mindset making excuses for you, acknowledge that just maybe your fixed mindset is mirroring your own false insecurities, stunting your growth and limiting your opportunities.
Having a growth mindset requires the willingness to try new solutions. Below are six common scenarios that play out in the minds of many athletes. Athletes have to replace their old pessimistic thoughts with new optimistic thoughts. When the fixed mindset states something negative, the newly improved growth mindset should answer with a positive solution to the problem.
Fixed-Mindset says, “Maybe I don’t have the talent. I shouldn’t waste my time training 100%.”
Growth-Mindset answers, “Even if lose a bit now, with a customized development plan and effort I can build the skills necessary to succeed.”
Fixed Mindset says, “Confrontation is so intimidating and frightening. It’s scary and unsettling.”
Growth Mindset answers, “High-performance sports are confrontational, but it’s not personal, it’s the nature of the environment.”
Fixed Mindset says, “What if I fail… I’ll be seen by peers, friends, and family as a failure.”
Growth Mindset answers, “Most successful athletes have failed hundreds of times throughout their career. Failure is a natural part of growth.”
Fixed Mindset says, “If I fake an injury or don’t try, I can protect my ego and keep my dignity.”
Growth Mindset answers, “Lying to myself is an automatic failure. Where’s the integrity in that?”
Fixed Mindset says “If I can’t be perfect, there’s no use in trying.”
Growth Mindset answers, “Champions in every sport are simply excellent not perfect. I’ll shoot for that. Perfectionism is toxic.”
Fixed Mindset says, “It’s not my fault. The coach doesn’t like me. My parents are pushing me…”
Growth Mindset answers, “Solutions stem from developing life skills like taking responsibility, persistence, resiliency and better organizational skills. What can I do to progress?”
