“Talent is never enough. With few exceptions the best players are the hardest workers.”
– Magic Johnson
Ever since Carol Dweck’s seminal research on success in 2006, the conversation has opened up about how to transform the fixed mindsets that many of us grew up with into growth mindsets that lead to resilience and achievement.
In Growth Mindset for Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Jennifer Purdie takes Dweck’s academic research and translates her theories into comprehensive, actionable plans for athletes and coaches to improve their training and performance. By teaching new ways to approach failures, successes and setbacks, trainers and athletes can hone in on the right mindset to push towards greater success.
Purdie examines real life examples from successful coaches and athletes, to mine lessons in how to set goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely), improve communication, and break through training plateaus.
Fixed Mindset |
Growth Mindset |
I’ll never be good at hockey- I’m a terrible skater |
I can work on my skating technique and use my soccer skills |
I’ve been doing this for 20 years- why change now? |
If I’m no longer seeing the results I want, I should reevaluate my approach-it might be time to seek some new training. |
If my athlete just did what I said, they would improve their speed right away. |
How can I work with my athlete to make sure my program is meeting their goals? |
I can’t believe my athlete signed with another coach! People are so fickle! |
I need to work on my recruiting techniques- I should connect with other professionals to see if we can trade expertise. |
Title:Growth Mindset for Athletes, Coaches and Trainers: Harness the Revolutionary New Psychology for Achieving Peak Performance
Author: Jennifer Purdie
Publisher: Ulysses Press
ISBN: 9781612437231
Price: $15.95
October 2017
Jennifer Purdie is a freelance writer, endurance athlete and personal trainer. She has written for publications such as The Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, Triathlete, Running Times, Competitor and Salon. She has been featured in magazines and on television, including Woman’s Day, Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Shape, Dr. Oz The Good Life, Success and Fox Sports. She is also an Ironman finisher and has completed marathons on every continent. She holds a personal training certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and is a Fitness and Nutrition Specialist with the American Council on Exercise. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.