This past fall, I completed a clinical rotation at a gym in Maryland. Written on their whiteboard in the meeting room is this:
“A great coach knows his or her strengths & weaknesses.”
As I reflected on that statement, I thought about how many non-gym ways it could be applied. Let’s just say, NUMEROUS.
A simple Google search produces several quotes of similar intent. Here are a few examples:
“What great leaders have in common is that each truly knows his or her strength – & can call on the right strength at the right time.” – Tom Rath
“Being in touch with your strengths & weaknesses, as well as what motivates you, will help you be more successful in your job.” – Joanie Connell
“As a leader, first, work on yourself – increase your self-awareness. There shouldn’t be any other urgent agenda than this. Get enlightened! Know very well who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, & blind spots!” – Assegid Habtewold
This increased self-awareness of your strengths & weaknesses allows you to better achieve a growth mindset. As defined by Carol Dweck, PhD, a growth mindset is a belief that you can change through effort, strategies, & help from others (Mindset, p7). In other words, people who demonstrate a growth mindset have a desire to learn & adapt. They seek out situations or skills that will challenge them, & that they might not be good at. They see these as opportunities to grow & become better. Throughout Dweck’s book, there are real-life examples of how situations can be handled with a growth mindset.
At Align, we support you in your journey of self-discovery. We personally strive to address situations with a growth mindset, & we feel we can better do that when we are fully aware of & comfortable with our strengths & weaknesses. We understand what we are best & worst at, & even better, we know who in our circles of friends & family to reach out to when we need help. We are not afraid to reach out. We strive for you to learn this, as well.
In our gym “classroom,” you will be encouraged to think about your skillset both inside (in terms of movement competency) & outside the gym. When we find a movement pattern or exercise that you are not skilled at (YET), you will be asked to check your ego & start with a more foundational (& SAFER) movement or exercise within that same movement pattern. This will make you better. It will make you more comfortable with yourself, more comfortable with asking for help, & so on.
We know this because we are living it. Any GREAT coach, teacher, athlete, leader in any capacity, or HUMAN does this. They’ve done their homework on strengths & weaknesses (or, as I call them, “limitations”), & they have committed themselves to approaching any challenge with a growth mindset. Of course, there will be slip-ups. No one is perfect! The point is, though, that you are actively trying to understand & be open.
You become great by fully understanding & being comfortable with your strengths & limitations. You can do it! And, if you need help (like we did!), feel free to reach out. We would love to help you figure this out. Laying the foundation for a growth mindset is a huge component to a healthier, even better you!
Cheers,
Dr. Ana
Ana Grimh, PT, DPT, BA, CSCS, FMS-1, CF-L2 Trainer Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin - Madison Owner/Mastermind
Align Wellness Services, LLC
ana@alignfitnessevolved.com
References
Dweck, Carol S. Mindset. Ballantine Books, 2006
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