Struggling With A Growth Mindset
In the exhilarating world of professional athletics, the concept of a growth mindset has become something of a mantra. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset emphasizes the belief that abilities and talents can be developed through dedication and hard work. It's an empowering philosophy, one that encourages athletes to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see failures as opportunities for growth. However, as exhilarating as the journey may be, there are pitfalls along the way, especially for those like me, whose professional career has been punctuated by both triumphs, and terrifying defeats.
As an ultrarunner, I've experienced firsthand the highs and lows of pursuing athletic excellence with a growth mindset. While this mindset has undoubtedly propelled me forward in my athletic pursuits - It’s helped me to pivot and discover a new sport (cycling), and even to discover my love for writing - it has also led me to moments of reckoning and crippling self-doubt.
Here are some aspects I find troubling and difficult about a perpetual growth mindset.
The Pressure to Always Improve: One of the fundamental tenets of a growth mindset is the belief that improvement is always possible. While this can be incredibly motivating, it can also create a relentless pressure to constantly outperform oneself. As athletes, we may find ourselves caught in a cycle of chasing after ever-elusive goals, never fully satisfied with our accomplishments. We are not only constantly comparing ourselves to others, but constantly comparing ourselves to our past selves. This can then lead dow a dangerous road.
Risk of Overtraining and Injury: A growth mindset often encourages athletes to push their limits and embrace discomfort as a means of growth. While pushing boundaries is essential for progress, it can also lead to overtraining and increased risk of injury. Ignoring warning signs from our bodies in pursuit of improvement can have devastating consequences, both physically and mentally. The tricky part is, mental burnout can be trickier to identify than a physical injury! The pressure to bounce back quickly and stronger than before can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of frustration and disillusionment.
Identity Entanglement: For many athletes, their sport is not just a hobby or a career – it's a core part of their identity. Embracing a growth mindset can blur the lines between who we are and what we do, making it difficult to separate our self-worth from our athletic achievements. When setbacks occur, as they inevitably do in sports, it can feel like a personal failure rather than just a temporary setback in our journey.
Comparison and Self-Doubt: In a world where success is often measured by podium finishes and personal bests, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. A growth mindset encourages us to focus on our own progress rather than comparing ourselves to our peers, but this is easier said than done. Constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, undermining the very confidence needed to succeed.
So, how do we navigate these pitfalls while still harnessing the power of a growth mindset to propel us forward? It's a delicate balance, one that requires self-awareness, resilience, and compassion for ourselves. We must learn to listen to our bodies, honor our limits, and prioritize our well-being above all else. We must cultivate a sense of self-worth that is independent of our athletic achievements, recognizing that our value as individuals extends far beyond the playing field. It’s one of the reasons I’ve got to my van to search for some adventure and break through from the routine.
In the end, embracing a growth mindset is not just about reaching the summit – it's about embracing the entire journey, with all its peaks and valleys, twists and turns. It's about learning to celebrate our successes without losing sight of our humanity, and embracing our failures as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. As I continue to navigate the highs and lows of my own athletic career, I take comfort in knowing that the journey itself is where the true magic lies.
