In the champion mindset, you must be alert and pay attention in order to Learn and Grow in your sport and in life.
This learn and grow mindset allows you to make mistakes, to be patient with yourself and to keep things in perspective.
When you know that adversity is part of the process, and that each mistake is an opportunity to learn, you can let go of a lot of your internal struggle and feel more peace.
If you are a perfectionist, the right mindset allows you to put the negative side of perfectionism on the back burner. Instead of feeling paralyzed, you use your attention to details to improve your technique and practice efficiently to get to your best performance.
When you have terrible skates, of course you might be disappointed or upset. A champion is not a machine. You are allowed to have all of your feelings.
The difference is that instead of wallowing in the negative feelings too long, you can pick yourself up and move forward with all that the experience taught you.
Because you understand that everything is a process, “sub par” skates don’t stop you dead.
You don’t beat yourself up for weeks or months. You reflect on what you experienced, take away the lessons offered, and use that information to improve for the next challenge.
When you adopt a mindset of learn and grow,
- You have a healthy attitude.
- You are emotionally strong.
- You use your time productively.
- Your life has balance.
- You get your work done.
- You make time to have fun.
- You lose your addiction to drama.
All through your life, the learn and grow mindset will keep you on track.
The alternative to growth is death.
Stagnation and stuck or movement and flow. Which would you choose?
Recently I stumbled across a great example of the Champion Mindset in action. I love these little gifts of wisdom, especially when they come figure skaters just like you.
I hope that this might be your “aha” moment. The one where your brain finally “clicks” to the importance of taking action on your mental game.
Just like what happens when a judge tells you you need to “count your spins,” and it finally clicks. Your coach has been saying the same thing for years, but hearing it from someone else finally kicks you into high gear.
This was posted on twitter. What lesson will you take away with you?
Vincent Zhou (USA), recently skated at the Internationaux de France, Grand Prix. His freeskate was full of difficulty, but that day he had some trouble with his quads. He wrote and posted his thoughts on his performance. I have taken a few excerpts to share with you.
“Today I performed with all the passion and spirit I could muster. I made mistakes, I failed my expectations, and I am disappointed with the results.”
He goes on to say that he learning how to balance his training among other things.
“I am learning what it takes to succeed. I am learning how to do what is best for my future.”
“…I am still learning. I will make changes for the better. Learning takes time…”
A champion recognizes that the willingness to learn is of equal importance as the hunger and passion for success.
The Champion, learn and grow mindset will serve you well. It has the potential to keep you in this incredibly tough but beautiful sport of figure skating.
Did you know that we teach skaters of all levels how to build a strong mental game for consistent performance in competition and practice? If you want the Champion learn and grow mindset, start your journey here. Download “Confidence Myth Busters,” a complimentary eBook, or contact us to learn more about private coaching.
Follow this link to Vincent Zhou’s twitter post.