I don't know about you, but I have been enjoying the Winter Olympics. I love the competitions, learning about new sports (curling and big air were new to me), and hearing the individual back stories on the athletes. The common thread in each story is having to overcome some major adversity. Each of the athletes has had to deal with a challenge, struggle, set back, or major tragedy at some point in their experience. They all credit their parents for helping them as a support while they worked through the challenge. They also credit having to work through the difficulties as giving them the strength, stamina,

resilience, and perseverance that makes them such successful athletes.

 

As much as it is difficult to see a child struggle with a challenge, think of the strength they are building as they persist. Think of how little strength and resilience they build when the adult swoops in and rescues them. Fixing the problem for them not only takes away their opportunity to grow through struggle, it also can send the message that the adult doesn't think the child is capable of handling the challenge. The impact of the adult cheering them on through the challenge is immeasurable.  

 

 

I also love watching the athletes breaking barriers and limitations. What was once thought impossible is now a signature move for them. It is the growth mindset which allows that kind of progress. When someone told the athlete that a move was impossible, they instead thought, "It hasn't been done yet!" Then they put in the effort, endured many failures, and eventually stomped the switch double cork 1080. Amazing to watch what happens when they change "I can't" to "I haven't yet" and combine the growth mindset with the work to grow!