If you’re a student-athlete who feels like you’re falling behind, constantly comparing yourself to others, or afraid to make mistakes… or if you’re a parent who wants to help your athlete embrace effort and enjoy progress, this mindset shift is essential.
What Is This Tool?
A growth mindset, as defined by psychologist Carol Dweck (and adapted beautifully by Bill Beswick in One Goal), is the belief that your abilities can grow with effort, learning, and persistence—not something you’re either born with or not.
Contrast that with a fixed mindset, which sounds like:
“I’m just not good at this.”
“They’re naturally better than me.”
“If I mess up, people will see I’m not good enough.”
Athletes with a fixed mindset avoid risk, fear failure, and tie their confidence to results.
Athletes with a growth mindset?
They get better. They learn fast. They bounce back.
Why It Matters for Athletes
A fixed mindset will sabotage your confidence.
A growth mindset builds it.
Every time you:
- Learn from a mistake
- Embrace a challenge
- Try something new even if you’re unsure
- … you’re feeding the mindset that makes champions.
As Bill Beswick said:
“Winning begins internally, by creating a determined and focused mindset, and then operates externally by driving talent potential.”
3 Simple Steps for Teen Athletes
1. Start Saying “Yet”
Turn your doubts into growth:
- “I’m not fast enough… yet.”
- “I don’t feel confident in games… yet.
2. Track the Work, Not Just The Results
Each week, write down:
- One thing you learned
- One thing you’re proud you worked on
- One mistake you learned from
3. Wear the Struggle as a Badge
Struggle doesn’t mean you’re behind—it means you’re growing. When things feel hard, say:
“This is what growth feels like.”
Athlete Reminder
Don’t aim to be the best.
Aim to get better.
That’s how you become the best.
“Work with passion and dedication. Effort is the key.” — Carol Dweck
Parent-Specific Action Steps
1. Praise the Process, Not the Outcome
Say things like:
- “I saw how hard you worked to improve that move.”
- “You showed so much effort today.”
Instead of just, “Nice goal!” or “You played great.”
2. Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Share how you learn from mistakes or keep working at something hard. Your athlete is watching your example more than you think.
3. Talk About Role Models Who Grew
Bring up stories of athletes who struggled early, worked hard, and evolved. Example:
“Did you know Michael Jordan didn’t make his varsity team at first?”
For Coaches & Families
Try this phrase:
🧠 “We don’t do perfect. We do progress.”
Wrap-Up
Activating a growth mindset changes everything:
Confidence becomes a result of action, not a feeling you hope shows up.
For athletes, it’s the mindset that keeps you moving forward—even when it’s hard.
For parents, it’s a powerful way to raise not just better performers—but resilient, fulfilled humans.