Mind Over Momentum

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha

The biggest challenge along the way of steady progress is how we choose to view our ability to keep going when things get tough, overwhelming, or just plain boring.

So, what is the key to being willing to continue taking steps, whether they are big giant leaps or small baby steps?

The answer lies in the mind and our ability to embrace either a growth or a fixed mindset. One of my go-to books on the subject is Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. She explains that we are either operating with a growth mindset, willing to push our edges and refuse to accept limitations, or a fixed mindset, where we believe there is an end to what we can achieve and only so far we can “realistically” go.

On the mat, a growth mindset looks like acknowledging that some asanas don’t come easily and exploring other poses to build the strength, flexibility, or endurance needed to explore them. A fixed mindset might avoid attempting the pose altogether, judging the difficulty before even trying.

It is the same body, but the difference is how the challenge is approached.

The same is true off the mat. In any area of growth, we will encounter periods of time when progress feels slow or uninspired. Boredom and plateaus are a natural part of the journey, but they should not be a reason or excuse to switch gears too soon or stop altogether. With a growth mindset, this is the time to refine our efforts.

This quiet, in-between space is still part of growth, not a step back.

When it comes to growing and achieving our goals, we must be open to the discomfort that comes with breaking out of the box and expanding our minds. At times, it may feel like lifting weights that are too heavy or running a marathon at full speed. Mental growth, like physical growth, requires consistent challenge and recovery.

Remember, this isn’t about meeting someone else’s standard.

It’s about expanding your own.

May you keep moving forward, one mindful step at a time, with the courage to grow beyond what you thought was possible.

With love and gratitude,
Dana Andrea