As a child, I was overly attached the idea that I didn’t have “it.” “It” was the thing the other players had which led them to tryout success and more playing time. That is why those girls made it on the team and not me. I didn’t have the thing. But maybe my time would come. It was too late when I finally realized the thing that they had which I didn’t was a dedication to years of practice.
I had a fixed mindset. I thought the abilities I had were the abilities I would always have. Clearly, they didn’t think that way. They, imbued with a growth mindset, were actively working on their skills. And while it may seem odd for an athlete not to seriously consider that her skills could be improved, maybe check to see if your athletes think the same way.
Do you lead and coach in a way that encourages your athletes to improve?
Do you give constructive feedback, pointing out areas for growth and a clear path to get there? (or do you mostly make loud exclamations when they do something wrong?)
Do you praise good effort?
Wait, do you believe that you yourself can grow, adapt, and improve? And then model that all for your players?
If you coach in a way that leads your players to believe that practice and hard work are what will help them improve their skills, then they will probably improve their skills. And I mean over and beyond whatever team slogan or locker room banners you might have. So please, among all the things you do, wrestle from your athletes’ minds the idea the that they just don’t have it. Help them develop a growth mindset and give them the tools they need to improve.
The Sideline Fix 
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