The Growth Mindset

I have been thinking of how to best share with my clients how to grow in their fitness journey. Initially, my mind went to various tips, exercises, and techniques, but then it dawned on me… that isn’t where true growth comes from. Yes, those things are helpful and will give them knowledge and skill, but they don’t address the root cause of why we sometimes feel stuck. Growth starts with our mindset. It starts with being OK with being vulnerable.

Recently, I rewatched two TED talks by Brenè Brown on vulnerability and shame. The most profound thing she said was, “The birthplace of creativity, innovation, and growth is vulnerability.” Being vulnerable means, we have the courage to put ourselves out there and not be afraid to fail. Failing is how we learn to adapt. Failing is how we learn what works and what doesn’t. Vulnerability allows us to take chances, learn from our mistakes, adjust, and grow.

This realization about the importance of vulnerability got to me. I spent a lot of time thinking through the times I stayed quiet and didn’t ask questions because I didn’t want to be seen as dumb. It made me think of the times I played it safe and didn’t try something new because I didn’t want to risk failing. I am just as guilty as anyone else about protecting my ego and staying in my comfort zone.

Here is an example of how this has played out in my journey as a yoga teacher. Although I am a certified yoga instructor, personal trainer, and corrective exercise specialist, my body has limitations like everyone else. I am a human, have been injured several times, and am a “tight gym bro”.  I am not some fancy contortionist who can get themselves into a pretzel. I can’t do a lotus pose because my hips and knees won’t allow it, and I am okay with that.

Every week, I write out my flow for my next yoga class. I design the warmup, the sun salutations, each asana, and the final relaxation. While working on my class flow this week, I noticed that I was always picking postures I was good at and avoiding more difficult ones. For example, I religiously avoid half-moon because of how difficult it is for me to open and stack my hips. I always need to use a block, fall over, and look like a clumsy giraffe. So, I skip it entirely and add something else to avoid looking stupid in front of my class.

After watching Dr. Brown’s talk, I felt like a fraud. A key value that I base my business on is authenticity. I think it’s important that we all feel free to be authentic and allow our true colors to shine. It’s why I named my business “freesoul!”.  I wasn’t allowing myself to be vulnerable in front of my class participants. I was trying to be perfect. And here is the thing, people appreciate when their teachers and their managers admit they aren’t perfect. It means we are human, and it helps others feel more comfortable trying something new and putting themselves out there.

This week, I added a half-moon pose to my class flow. I gave the class my usual introduction and told them to work within their bodies' limits and not be afraid to grab a block. I told them about my imperfections and that even though I am a teacher, I still need support and fall out of yoga poses. We don’t say we “do” yoga. We say we “practice” yoga. We can always improve. I did my half-moon in front of the class, and we all fell out of it and laughed a little, and guess what? I lived, no one made fun of me, and the class appreciated my realness.

Growth is about learning, practicing, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Thomas Edison developed thousands of prototypes before his first light bulb worked. He didn’t stop with the first failure, never mind his 100th failure. Growth takes time, courage, faith, and a willingness to let others see your imperfections. Eventually, we hit our goals and realized the journey was the most transformative. As a result, we are stronger, more resilient, and more authentic.

Today, I encourage you to think about where you might be holding back. Where have you been afraid to try something new, pick up a heavier weight at the gym, or offer a suggestion at the office? It’s okay if people dislike your idea or you fall over trying an exercise. Not everyone is going to like your ideas, and that’s okay. Next time, you will adjust. You will pick a different person to talk to or a different approach to the conversation. You will learn what works and what doesn’t, and that’s all that matters.