Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Lessons From the Pickleball Court
I am NOT an athlete. I’m not even remotely competitive.
So, when a friend invited me to play pickleball a few months ago, I was very hesitant. After all, I’m more of a bookworm than a sports enthusiast.
At first, I kept canceling. I made excuses about being too busy, too tired, or just not feeling up to it. I can 100% imagine her eye roll every time I sent the text to cancel. But just this week, I realized I may be missing out on a great opportunity. I decided to put my doubts aside and give it a shot.
While it’s a fairly easy sport to learn, I faced quite a few challenges, including missed serves, hitting the ball into the ceiling or out of bounds, I even took a tumble that resulted in a scraped knee. Despite the setbacks, I made it through and even gave my partner a run for the win.
My one-hour pickleball session was a masterclass in growth mindset. According to Psychology Today, a growth mindset is the belief that a person’s capacities and talents can be improved over time. It also taught me a very simple lesson on resilience, perseverance and the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Can a game inspired by a cucumber provide insights into successful teamwork and leadership?
You betcha.
Leaders with a growth mindset tend to be more resilient, adaptable, and innovative. They are more likely to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and persevere in the face of challenges. This can have a significant impact on their well-being and the well-being of their team.
According to a study by Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, students with and able to inspire their teams to a growth mindset were more likely to achieve higher grades and be more motivated to learn. Similarly, leaders with a growth mindset are more likely to be successful in their careers and create a positive work environment.
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that leaders with a growth mindset were more likely to be rated as effective by their employees. This is likely because they are more open to feedback, willing to take risks and achieve great things.
So, the next time you’re feeling hesitant about trying something new, remember the power of a growth mindset. Take a leap of faith, step outside of your comfort zone, and see where it leads you.
What have you done recently to expand your growth mindset?
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