Growth mindset for athletes is one particular topic that continues to be discussed within the locker rooms and training sessions all over the world.
The culture surrounding mental health within the sports world and organizations has been put under a microscope over the last couple of years. Elite athletes shining light on the matter like Naomi Osaka to Kevin Love; what was once perceived as a weakness is now being championed and discussed more seriously for its repercussions on athletes and their performance on and off the field (Zahirunisa, 2024).
The discourse surrounding MINDSET continues to circulate and many athletes are learning how to put themselves in the correct mindset and what a healthy mindset looks like in performance in order to drive results while also performing well and FEELING good.
In today’s article, I am going to break down what exactly a growth mindset is and how you can implement this tool into your performance today.
What is a Growth Mindset In Sports?
A growth mindset is a set belief that our skills, intelligence and impact are learnt via improved practice, repetition and persistence.
We can display a growth mindset with the following statements, “I am capable, I learn from my mistakes, I am worthy, regardless of any outcome.”
Examples of a Growth Mindset in Sports
A great example of a growth mindset in sports is displayed by NBA’s Legend Michael Jordan.
Early on in his career as a teenager (may I add), Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team. Instead of believing he wasn’t good enough (a fixed mindset), he had the belief that through more training, improving his skills and persistence despite adversity he ultimately became one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
A more personal application of a growth mindset I experienced was during one of my competitions back when I was a competitive dancer. I had forgotten my solo performance on stage right in the first 20 seconds of a 3-minute performance… in front of everyone. Despite pushing through the performance via improv, I was devastated and truly disappointed in myself. Instead of pulling the solo out of the next competition that I was set to attend the following weekend, I trained and prepared harder, adjusted the performance to where my coach and I saw fit and successfully completed the performance and placed 3rd in my category the following weekend.
Fixed vs Growth Mindset In Sports
Had Micheal Jordan adopted a fixed mindset, the belief that our abilities are innate and unchangeable, and had not trained harder or persisted the way he did, perhaps we may have not seen the game of basketball being played we know and see today.
The way we shape our beliefs and decisions has a lasting impact on how we carry ourselves through life. For athletes, adopting a growth mindset is the key to excelling in both training and performance.
How to Develop a Growth Mindset in Sports?
You might be thinking, “Easier said than done…” But just like any other skill in sports, building a growth mindset takes practice and repetition.
Here are some common challenges athletes face and how you can shift to a growth mindset to overcome them:
Reframing Challenges and Failure
Mistakes are inevitable. A growth mindset allows you to see failure as a stepping stone, not an endpoint.
Example: A gymnast falls during a routine in competition. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” they reframe it as, “This is a chance to analyze what went wrong and refine my technique.” They review the footage, work on their weak areas, and come back stronger in the next competition.
Self-Talk
Self-talk is a crucial skill to use to help with an athletes performance before and during performances. You can practice a growth mindset even with the choices of words and how you speak to and about yourself.
Example: A sprinter is feeling nervous before a race. Instead of thinking, “I’m not fast enough to win,” they shift their self-talk to, “I’ve trained hard for this. I am strong, prepared, and ready to give my best effort.” This growth mindset helps them stay focused and confident at the starting line.
Visualization
Visualization is a powerful mental preparation tool. You can practice a growth mindset via the way you imagine a certain play or preparing before competition.
Example: A basketball player is preparing for a big game. Instead of worrying about missing shots right before the game, they close their eyes and visualize themselves making smooth, controlled jump shots with a specific play by play of the skill. By mentally rehearsing success, they build confidence and increase their chances of performing well in the actual game.
Embracing Feedback
Feedback isn’t criticism, this is a fixed mindset approach. A growth mindset recognizes the positive impact that feedback carries. Understanding that feedback is an opportunity for growth in your performance and can allow you to find areas in your performance to improve on.
Example: A soccer player receives feedback from their coach about their defensive positioning. Instead of thinking, “Coach is being too hard on me, I’ll never get this right,” they shift to a growth mindset. “My coach sees my potential and is helping me improve. If I apply this feedback, I’ll become a stronger defender.” They take the advice, adjust their positioning in the next game, and see noticeable improvement.
Celebrate Effort & Small Wins
Celebrating your effort especially when the journey is long and many hours spent practicing or perfecting your performance can be draining. Adopting a growth mindset entails identifying small wins within your progress.
Example: A figure skater has been struggling to land a triple jump. Instead of feeling discouraged, they celebrate a small win: “Today, I rotated faster and landed with more control, even if I didn’t fully stick it yet. That’s progress!” Recognizing these improvements keeps them motivated to keep pushing forward and see the finish line.
As I always say in my coaching practice, it takes hard work and dedication to make these tools stick. Just as you train physically every day, you must also train your mind. Strengthening the way you think about yourself and your performance can be the difference between stagnation and success, bringing you one step closer to achieving your goals.
Ready to Grow your Mindset?
If you’re ready to shift your mindset and get one step closer to your performance goals, click to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Let’s work together and strengthen your mind and body to prepare you for success.
See You in the Mental Gym!
Coach Beatrice | Athletic Mindset Coach
