RMC Weekly Blog: A Life of Learning

 

Being talented and having a good brain are just the starting point is one basic element of a growth mindset. Together with this predisposition one must dedicate themselves and work hard at what they believe their strengths are. Putting themselves in the learner position allows them to focus on development rather than the end result. 

For example, when Rolo Mental Coaching starts working with high-performance athletes, we are often met with the client’s desired goals. We work with them to achieve these goals, however, when we detect that the focus is too much on end results and not on developing their skills which we call “the process”, we often coach towards a better understanding of where the gain is in the process. 

A young tennis player might be winning a lot of matches because the talent and physical capabilities demonstrated are greater than the opponent. Sooner or later, the player will end up at a level where all have talents and physical capabilities. Tactics, techniques, and physical abilities reach a certain plateau on the achieved level. A player who already was coached in a growth mindset model will focus on each little improvement game after game, match after match. Tennis players call it their “game”. It is what they can bring to a competition and show what they have mastered up until that point. This “ game” is ever-growing and is never related to end results. It is a lifelong project. When the focus is on the game, with a growth mindset we often see that these players enjoy their sport more and reach very high levels. Before reaching this level they will have developed resilience due to the fact they know how to deal with losing a match, but gain a little more skill in the mastery of their game. With this focus, you always feel you win something. The level of pressure that is often felt is also more manageable because the focus is not only on winning, prize money, or ranking. With this kind of freedom, one can flourish and grow to their maximum potential.

Here are some characteristics of a growth mind

• Keeping a positive attitude
• See “problems” as challenges
• Disciplined in their routines
• Be in the present
• Take calculated risks
• Believe in yourself and stick to what you are passionate about
• Actions speak louder than words.
• Keep learning

 

 

Because the focus is on the growth over time, we often see that the client is much more patient and content with working towards their goals. The experience is much more enjoyable and well-being is almost always guaranteed. People with a growth mindset see failure as an opportunity to learn and try something different. The challenges they face can be viewed in a way to learn more about the world around us or to stretch our capabilities.

A growth mindset is key to helping overcome obstacles faced in life when learning something new or developing a new skill. They understand the importance of persistence and determination. By changing the way you think, you can change the way you learn.

These people are often miscategorized as stubborn, however, when they prove themselves to the world due to the fact that the process has an end result, then the world sees them as the “GOAT” or as a genius. 

Are you being called different or stubborn? Take the compliment and keep learning because you are about to do something great!

 

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