How To Develop A Growth Mindset Approach in Fitness and Unlock Your Full Potential
By: Addie Vela, Founder of Soul Fit Collective
Embrace the power of a growth mindset in fitness, and watch your potential expand, your limits shatter, and your journey become extraordinary.
In the world of fitness, personal, and professional development, the concept of a growth mindset has gained significant recognition. The belief that our abilities and qualities are not fixed but can be developed through effort, learning, and resilience is the foundation of a growth mindset. At Soul Fit Collective, we deeply understand the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset approach to fitness. In this article, we will delve into what growth mindset is, explore its importance in achieving fitness goals, and provide practical tips on how you can cultivate your own growth mindset practice
What is Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is a mindset that embraces challenges, sees setbacks as opportunities for growth, and believes in the power of effort and continuous learning. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, this concept highlights the importance of believing in our capacity to improve and expand our abilities over time. With a growth mindset, individuals view failures as stepping stones to success, embrace the process of learning, and are motivated to persist in the face of obstacles.
Why Is Growth Mindset Important?
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Adopting a growth mindset in fitness enables us to challenge and overcome limiting beliefs about our physical capabilities - “ I can’t do this” or “I’m not good at this”. Instead of accepting fixed notions of what we can or cannot achieve, a growth mindset allows us to explore our potential and push beyond self-imposed boundaries - “I’m still learning” , “If I can do 8 reps I bet I can do 10”.
Embracing Challenges: A growth mindset encourages us to see challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. Challenge is inherent in the process of doing and trying. Rather than avoiding difficult exercises or routines, individuals with a growth mindset embrace the challenge, knowing that it is through pushing beyond their comfort zones that they can make progress and achieve new levels of fitness.
Resilience in the Face of Setbacks: Fitness journeys are rarely ever linear, and setbacks, whether that be an injury, vacation, time off your routine, or sickness are inevitable. However, individuals with a growth mindset view setbacks as temporary obstacles and learning experiences. They understand that setbacks provide valuable feedback and opportunities for course correction, which ultimately contribute to their growth and development.
Embracing Continuous Learning: A growth mindset fosters a love for learning and self-improvement. Individuals with this mindset seek out knowledge, embrace new techniques, and continuously refine their fitness strategies. They understand that progress is a journey and that there is always room for growth and refinement.
How Can Develop A Growth Mindset Approach?
Cultivating Self-Awareness: Start by developing self-awareness about your current mindset. Recognize any fixed beliefs or negative self-talk that may be holding you back from fully embracing a growth mindset. When you notice these thoughts, greet them with compassion and without judgement. Simply notice. Then, challenge these thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations that reinforce your belief in your ability to grow and improve.
Embrace Challenges and Set Goals: Embrace challenges and set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and view them as opportunities for growth and development. Celebrate small victories along the way, recognizing that progress is a cumulative result of consistent effort.
Emphasize the Process: Shift your focus from solely outcome-based goals to the process itself. Place emphasis on the actions, effort, and learning involved in your fitness journey. Choose goals that are process oriented such as, making it to the gym 3 times a week or exercising for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Embrace the daily habits and routines that contribute to your progress and celebrate the commitment you demonstrate to your well-being.
Embrace Feedback and Learn from Setbacks: View feedback as a valuable tool for growth and improvement. Seek feedback from trusted fitness professionals, coaches, or mentors who can provide constructive guidance. Tune into your body and look for feedback from your own body as well - How sore am I? How does my body feel while I am performing this exercise? How does my body feel after making it to the gym? How does my mind feel after completing my workout?When setbacks occur, approach them with curiosity and a desire to learn. Analyze the situation, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your approach accordingly.
Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community: Engage with a supportive community, such as Soul Fit Collective, that fosters a growth mindset culture. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate you to pursue your fitness goals. Share your experiences, learn from others, and celebrate the successes of your fellow fitness enthusiasts.
Developing a growth mindset approach to fitness is a transformative journey that empowers individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. At Soul Fit Collective, we believe in the power of a growth mindset and strive to create an environment that nurtures this mindset among our community. By embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and continuously learning, individuals can experience remarkable growth and transformation in their fitness journeys. With a growth mindset, you have the power to reshape your relationship with fitness, tap into your hidden potential, and achieve lasting results. Embrace the journey, cultivate a growth mindset, and let Soul Fit Collective be your trusted companion on your path to fitness and well-being.
