How to Develop a Growth Mindset to Maximize Potential

Developing a Growth Mindset

Over the past 3 years, I've had a growth mindset that has helped me lose over 50lbs, run a marathon, develop discipline, and overcome adversity.

Seeking growth in my everyday life has allowed me to elevate myself and others to greater heights. I believe this very same mindset can help you. Want to know the secret? Let's grow!

(note to self, no more awful puns)

Different Types of Growth

There are many different types of growth as a human. Attempting to work on all of them is overwhelming and can decrease motivation. I keep the types I strive for simple by separating my growth into three categories:

Physical 

I focus on keeping my body healthy by exercising regularly and fueling it with proper nutrition. This allows for optimal performance and directly contributes to the success of my other categories. I truly believe human bodies were meant to move in some way, shape, or form. I found out the activity that I enjoy doing (running) and I stick with it consistently.

Mental

By acquiring relevant skills in my career I am consistently building confidence in my abilities along with developing a mental toughness through learned discipline. I also recognize I don't know shit. I've learned by staying humble, I don't have everything figured out, leaving exponential room for growth.

Emotional

By learning to handle adversity, practicing gratitude, and being solution-oriented I don't waste time complaining about problems that arise, rather I focus on identifying the best solutions. Most importantly I set aside time for myself to recover and improve the relationship with myself.

Am I perfect at any of this? No! I'm laughing out loud to myself while typing this thinking about how imperfect I am. But by improving each day I am winning the little battles that matter.

3 Tips For Developing a Growth Mindset Today

1. Focus on being the best you can be every single day. This often means setting realistic goals in relation to your improvements. Although your focus should be on being the best you can, not every moment will be. Will you always have good days with lots of improvement? No way, but it's how you get back up from those bad days that will show your true character. 

2. Find ways to build discipline into your life. You don't need to be a drill sergeant to yourself. It all starts with little victories that pile on top of each other. You know that task you always put off (trash, laundry, etc)? If it takes less than 2 minutes to complete, do it right away. 

3. Get rid of your excuses. No one cares. As someone who used to make them nonstop, I can tell you first hand it's the truth. Once you stop making excuses you'll notice how often people make them. Excuses offer short-term happiness and comfort but don't offer solutions to those very same problems. 

Embrace Change

The results may look different for you, but implementing these ideals will pay dividends in your long term health, happiness, and success. We are still at the very beginning of our journey. I urge you to constantly find ways to improve yourself and those around you. I will embrace the changes the future offers me, I hope you do the same.