We often hear the term ‘growth mentality’ thrown around, but what exactly does that mean? How can having a growth mentality help you in the gym and life in general?
Growth mentality is the idea that we are not fixed or trapped where we are. It is a mindset we make to learn and grow, taking things that we may have at one point believed impossible and bringing them into existence. It is a form of self-love – believing that you can do hard things and reach the goals you have for yourself. It does not mean we despise who we are in the present. Instead, we appreciate who we are, live in every moment, and realize that the process of learning is something to cherish and enjoy.
Growth Mentality in the Gym
The first time I walked into a CrossFit gym, I saw athletes doing things I never thought I’d be capable of. For much of my life, I believed that I was stuck where I was and was not given the same gifts as others. There are still days I get caught in this way of thinking.
It is easy to get discouraged in a fitness journey, especially when we have so many others to compare to. However, success in the gym is purely individual. We compete against ourselves and no one else.
I love setting goals, which has helped me progress in the gym. Our goals will all be different. Perhaps we want to compete at a certain level, learn a new movement, or hit a certain weight on a lift. Our goal can be weight loss. It could also be staying consistent with exercise or simply becoming stronger and healthier.
Whatever the goal, we need to find a way to enjoy the process of chasing it. We need to make it sustainable and find the right way to chase those goals.
Sometimes, we have to lighten up and dial in technique when our goal is to hit a certain number on a lift.
If our goal is to be consistent every day at the gym, we need to modify intensity from day to day. It doesn’t always need to be a race; sometimes, just showing up is a win.
Whatever our goal, it should not be rushed. Instead, use the goal as a way to set better habits and find ways to stay motivated in your journey.
Discomfort can lead to growth
As I mentioned above, we need to be smart in chasing our goals. We need to take time to build the basis and not approach every single workout with all-out intensity. We need to take a step back to move forward, and that itself can be uncomfortable.
Overcoming challenges doesn’t mean fighting through the hardest workouts. It can mean sticking to a plan, even on rough days. When we realize that this discomfort is not an inherently bad thing, we can use it to grow. After all, growth is never a comfortable process, no matter the goals we chase.
So, instead of seeing discomfort as something to avoid and run from, realize that it may just be the ingredient we need to drive growth onward. While there are certainly times to rest and step away (always include a rest day every week – this should be part of the plan), there are other times when it is beneficial to lean into this time of learning.
Be present in the here and now
Part of a growth mindset is realizing there is no end goal. We will never reach a point in the gym (or life in general) where we are completely satisfied. There is no magical destination where life is easy, and our struggles are gone.
Once again, this is not a bad thing. We can learn to love who we are and where we are in the present while still chasing improvement.
In the gym, we need to find joy in the process. Understand that we can follow a plan that takes us toward a goal but find satisfaction in putting the work in day after day. Admittingly, there are many times it is hard to do just that, but it is something we can constantly get better with.
If your goal is weight loss, find joy in a new way of cooking and eating. Do not put yourself in a position that you know is unsustainable. Instead of looking for a quick fix, research or look into nutrition coaching to restructure your life. Not only will this lend far more significant results, it will also allow you to enjoy every part of life that much more.
growth doesn’t happen overnight
Adopting a growth mindset is itself a skill to hone. It takes time, and no matter what, it can still be improved.
The first step is to realize that we are not set. With the right mindset, we can chase things in life. We are not stuck, no matter how much it may feel like it at certain times.
Creating and pursuing goals can help us break out of a ‘fixed’ position in our lives, as it forces us to change our lifestyle to adapt to that goal.
Chasing that goal will involve many challenges and discomforts. These are not bad; they are merely’ growing pains.’
Ultimately, the fulfillment will come in chasing these goals and creating routines that allow us to live life to the fullest.
