Strategies for Building a Growth Mindset

Matt Booth and Dr. Melinda Kirschner
Ever since the release of Carol Dweck’s highly influential book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, the conversation around growth and fixed mindsets has gained momentum over the years. But what exactly are the differences between the two mindsets? A growth mindset is the belief that we can build and develop our skills. In a growth mindset, we believe that we have the capacity to learn and grow. A fixed mindset is the belief that our skills are set, that we have what we have, and that we cannot change them. In a fixed mindset, we believe that we don’t really have the capacity to change and learn.
Key Characteristics of Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
 
Fixed Mindset:
  • Avoids challenges
  • Struggles with feedback
  • Focuses on proving oneself
  • Takes fewer risks
  • Feels threatened by others’ success
  • Struggles with mistakes and failure
Growth Mindset:
  • Views challenges as growth opportunities
  • Embraces constructive feedback
  • Focuses on the process rather than just outcomes
  • Learns and grows from failures
  • Feels inspired by others’ success
A growth mindset is essential for athletes, as it fosters the belief that improvement comes through effort/training, resilience, and learning from experiences. Emphasizing growth over perfection helps athletes handle setbacks more effectively, transforming anxiety into motivation.

How to Build a Growth Mindset

Research highlights the advantages of adopting a growth mindset; however, simply instructing student-athletes to adopt one isn’t enough. Coaches and parents must create an environment that nurtures this mindset. It should be a safe space where student-athletes feel free to take risks, make mistakes, and learn without fear of repercussions. To prevent rumination on mistakes that could lead to a fixed mindset, we can intentionally redirect their focus toward growth by utilizing a post-practice/game reflection process and by verbally reinforcing that making mistakes and taking risks is an important part of the journey.  
Encouraging a structured reflection process after practices and games can be beneficial. This should also be applied when they perform well. By consistently prompting student-athletes to reflect on their experiences—both positive and negative—we foster a growth-oriented environment.

Post-Practice/Game Reflection Process

The reflection process consists of three steps:
  1. Experience: Engage in the game or practice.
  2. Reflect: Think critically about the experience.
  3. Plan: Identify actionable steps based on the reflection.
Post-Practice/Game Reflection Questions:
  • What went well, and what am I proud of? (Celebrate every success, no matter how small)
  • What do I want or need to improve? (Identify areas for growth without harsh self-criticism)
  • What is my game plan for the next practice? (Set specific, actionable goals)
  • Do I need to connect with coaches for support or feedback? (Seek feedback/support to foster improvement)

The Role of Failure in Developing a Growth Mindset

Learning is often an ugly, messy process, characterized by repeated failures—think back to when children learn to ride a bike. Just as we utilize a reflection process, we must also be mindful of the lessons surrounding failure. It can be our greatest teacher, and as coaches and parents, we should remind student-athletes of the following:
  1. Failure is a Learning Opportunity: Failure provides valuable lessons that contribute to skill development.
  2. Failure is a Chance to Collaborate with Coaches: Engaging with coaches allows athletes to seek feedback and develop strategies for improvement and strengthen their relationship with their coaching staff.
  3. Failure is a Way to Improve Skills: Failure shows the things we need to work on. Focused practice on weaknesses can enhance confidence and performance.
Additional Strategies for Fostering a Growth Mindset: 

To add further support and strategies to foster a growth mindset, Trevor Ragan (Founder of the Learner Lab), suggests the following ideas:
  • Emphasize the value of learning: Encourage the pursuit of knowledge and understanding rather than focusing solely on stats, records, or outcomes. 
  • Celebrate progress and effort: Recognize and reward persistence, hard work, and incremental improvements. 
  • Encourage challenges: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and development. 
  • Provide constructive feedback: Offer specific, actionable guidance to help individuals learn from mistakes and improve their performance. 
  • Model a growth mindset: Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning, resilience, and adaptability.
By integrating these strategies into daily interactions, parents and coaches can effectively nurture a growth mindset, empowering individuals to embrace learning and resilience throughout their lives.

Conclusion

When discussing growth and fixed mindsets, it's crucial to understand that our aim isn't to completely replace a fixed mindset with a growth mindset. Rather, we should perceive this as a process of growth in and of itself.  It’s helpful to look at these mindsets as a spectrum that can shift based on various circumstances, emotions, and challenges. The focus should be on cultivating awareness of our current mindset and using the tools available to adjust our perspectives as needed. Ultimately, it comes down to one vital word: belief. Our belief in our ability to change, grow, and learn allows us to discover the best versions of ourselves across all areas of life. By transforming our beliefs, we unlock new possibilities.
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