developing a growth mindset
Welcome to the first issue of "The Whole Athlete"! This month, we're diving into a fundamental concept that can revolutionize your approach to training, competition, and life: developing a growth mindset.
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and persistence. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes our qualities are set in stone.
By cultivating a growth mindset, you'll be better equipped to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve - both in the gym and out on the field.
In this issue, we'll explore why a growth mindset is crucial for athletes, share practical strategies to develop this mindset, and provide resources to deepen your understanding. Let's get started!
Tactical Tips
Reframe challenges as opportunities: Instead of viewing difficult tasks as threats, see them as chances to learn and improve. When faced with a tough workout or a new skill, tell yourself, "This is my opportunity to get stronger/better."
Celebrate effort, not just results: Focus on the process, not just the outcome. Acknowledge the hard work you put in, regardless of the immediate result. This helps build resilience and motivation for long-term growth.
Learn from criticism and setbacks: Rather than getting defensive about feedback or discouraged by failures, view them as valuable information. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this? How can I use this to improve?"
Use the word "yet": When you find yourself thinking "I can't do this," add "yet" to the end of the sentence. This simple addition reminds you that with effort and practice, you can improve.
Develop a learning orientation: Approach your sport with curiosity. Ask questions, seek out new strategies, and be open to different approaches. The more you learn, the more you'll grow.
Resource Roundup
Book | Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck: Dr. Dweck's groundbreaking work on growth mindset is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and develop this powerful mental approach.
TED Talk | "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve" by Carol S. Dweck: In this engaging 10-minute talk, Dr. Dweck explains the science behind growth mindset and its impact on success.
Podcast |
Article | Revisiting Growth Mindset as a Core Capacity of Sport Psychology: This comprehensive article offers science-based techniques specifically tailored for athletes looking to develop a growth mindset.
Video | "Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset" by Sprouts: This short, animated video provides a clear and engaging explanation of the differences between growth and fixed mindsets.
Challenge of the Month | The Growth Journal
This month, we challenge you to start a Growth Journal. Here's how it works:
Get a notebook or create a note in your notes app dedicated to this purpose.
Each day, write down one thing you learned or improved upon, no matter how small.
If you face a setback or challenge, record it along with at least one lesson or opportunity for growth you can take from it.
At the end of each week, review your entries and reflect on your progress. How have you grown? What patterns do you notice?
Keep this up for the entire month. By consistently acknowledging your learning and reframing challenges, you'll be actively cultivating a growth mindset.
We'd love to hear about your experiences with the Growth Journal challenge. Share your insights or ask questions on our Strength Society Instagram page.
NOTE: Any Strength Society athlete who completes this challenge will get their choice in FREE swag!
Athlete Spotlight
This month we would like to put a spotlight on Coach Brandon and the Dallas Christian College Men’s Basketball Team. Strength Society partnered with the DCC Men’s Basketball Team for the 2024 Fall season.
If you are a Strength Society member, you may have seen these guys getting after it!
With this partnership, we have provided the DCC Men’s Basketball Team space to train in our weight room, sauna and cold plunge sessions, and access to any other service or coach that can help support them as they chase down a championship.
If you are interested in supporting Coach Brandon and his team, here is a LINK to their game schedule. We’d love to see y’all out there. Go Crusaders!
Facility Spotlight
We are excited to announce that we will be launching The Strength Society Gear merchandise line starting this Fall with the Strength is More Than Muscle Vintage tee!
To pre-order your shirt, click this LINK, and secure your size in either the Mocha or Faded Black color.
This is more than just gear; it’s a statement.
#strengthinstyle #strengthsocietygear #strengthsocietydtx
Closing Message
As we wrap up this first issue of "The Whole Athlete," remember that developing a growth mindset is more than just a month-long focus - it's a lifelong journey of continuous improvement.
By embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and consistently pushing your boundaries, you're not just becoming a better athlete - you're becoming a stronger, more resilient individual.
Stay curious, stay hungry for growth, and above all, stay committed to the process. As you move forward, keep asking yourself: "How can I grow today?"
Until next month, keep pushing, keep growing, and keep embodying what it means to be a whole athlete.
Strength in body, mind, and spirit,
The Strength Society Team
