Champion Coach Note 4.20.21

Volume 20, Issue 32 | April 20, 2021

Growth Mindset

How we behave toward life is dictated by our MINDSET. In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck presents research that it is not simply our abilities or talents that bring us success, but the mindset with which we approach our goals. A person with a GROWTH mindset understands that their abilities are not innate, that they can be cultivated and that with effort and perseverance, one can grow and develop. This individual views challenges and mistakes as learning opportunities, sees failure as a normal part of one's journey, and seeks feedback as an opportunity to improve.

Conversely, a person with a FIXED mindset believes that their abilities are innate, that they are just “born this way” and that needing to put forth effort in a task means a person is not talented. The person with a FIXED mindset views challenges with fear and self-doubt, approaches feedback as proof that they are not "good enough" and sees failure as proof of their unworthiness. Here is a comparison of the two mindsets and why helping your athletes develop a GROWTH mindset is so powerful in their development:

An important application of this research for coaches is that we should be careful not to simply praise an athlete’s physical abilities, but rather encourage qualities like hard work, persistence and a positive attitude in the face of challenges.

Coaches should also take care to instill a belief in their athletes that they can get better. When athletes believe they can improve, it inspires them to put forth the work to improve and growth will occur over time. If you see some of your athletes struggling to believe in their ability to grow, try to find out what fear they have that is holding them back from this self-belief. Helping your athlete overcome fear and doubt will go a long way to helping them develop in athletics.

This video is a simple way to introduce the concept of MINDSET to your team/athletes. Watch the video as a team and then have a team discussion guided by the following questions:

How should we view setbacks as a team?
Do we believe we can overcome challenges?
What fears do we have as a team?
How can we build our confidence?
Let’s set a team goal to have a GROWTH mindset.

Set a team goal to have a GROWTH Mindset, then check-in with your team following practices and competition to discern how they have done meeting the goal. Continue to emphasize the elements of a Growth Mindset referenced above throughout the season. To take a deeper dive into how Mindset relates to the motivation of athletes, download this worksheet for greater coaching insight and sound direction.

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. ~ 2 Peter 3:18

Save the Date: Virtual Leadership Conference June 23-24, 2021

The Play Like a Chapmion Today Sports Leadership Conference is going virtual again in 2021. While we will miss seeing everyone in-person, the virtual format provides an exciting opportunity for our entire national community to engage with fellow athletic leaders, learn from a fantastic group of speakers, and be inspired.

This year's conference will take place across two days on Wednesday, June 23rd and Thursday, June 24th, with our annual Pre-Conference Retreat also returning in the virtual format. Registration begins soon! Click the link below to visit the conference website and be on the lookout for more information on this year's event.

Visit the Official Conference Website for More Information

A Prayer for Teams

Jesus, you taught us by your actions and words to love our neighbor and care always for those in need. Help us to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ and to show them your love in our own actions and words. Help us to treat others how we would want them to treat us. May we be good teammates and opponents this week in practices and our game. Bless our efforts and help us to do as you wish, Lord. Amen.

Play Like a Champion's "Daily Prayers for Champions" page has been updated! Visit www.playlikeachampion.org/daily-prayers for more than 200 prayers plus resources that can help you and your team grow closer to God while participating in sports.

Access Resources & Learn More at www.playlikeachampion.org

Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series

PO Box 72, Notre Dame, IN 46556 | information@playlikeachampion.org