What Growth Mindset Really Looks Like in the Real World

This week, I had the opportunity to contribute to BFT’s 8 Week Challenge, delivering their

Week 3 blog and video on Growth Mindset.

But here’s the thing: mindset isn’t just for gym challenges or fitness goals.

It’s for anyone navigating a pressure moment - athletes, students, professionals, parents,

leaders - anyone trying to grow when things don’t go exactly to plan.

Because that’s the truth of it. Growth doesn’t happen when everything’s perfect. It happens in

the middle of the mess.

The Myth of Motivation

We talk about motivation like it’s magic. You either have it or you don’t.

But the best performers I work with - in sport or business - aren’t relying on motivation to

carry them through. They’ve built structure, habits, and most importantly, a mindset that can

bend without breaking.

When motivation dips, mindset is the anchor.

What Growth Actually Sounds Like

You’ll rarely hear a high performer say, “That was easy.”

But you will hear:

• “That was rough - but I learned something.”

• “I’m not there yet, but I’m improving.”

• “I dropped the ball, but I’m not done.”
  

A growth mindset doesn’t mean faking positivity.

It means keeping perspective.

It means choosing response over reaction.

It means recognising that failure isn’t final - it’s feedback.

Three Moments of Real Growth

Here’s what growth has looked like in real life lately:

• A student I coach who bombed a test, wanted to give up, but instead asked, “What could I do differently next time?”
  

• An athlete stuck in rehab after injury, frustrated and sidelined — but who used the

  time to sharpen their mental edge and came back hungrier.
  

• A manager who missed out on a promotion, spiralled briefly, then chose to reset,

  refocus, and lift their team instead of disappearing.
  

Not one of those wins made a highlight reel. But each was a turning point.

Three Things You Can Do Today

1. Check Your Self-Talk

Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself? If not, change it. Back

yourself.

2. Track Your Effort

Progress isn’t always visible. But did you show up today? Did you push through

resistance? That counts. Track it.

3. Lean Into the Friction

When something feels uncomfortable, ask: “What’s this trying to teach me?” That’s

where growth lives.

Final Word

If you’re in a season of stretch - trying to improve, push forward, or get unstuck - know this:

Growth mindset isn’t a slogan. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be trained.

If you want support with that - in your sport, your work, or your life - let’s talk.