Today’s run: 4.79 miles, 47:48 minutes. Year total: 192.58. In East River Park, I saw a pair of jeans and a comforter stuffed into the lower limbs of a small tree. I guess it was someone’s PJs and bedding – in their “dresser.” Hope it’s there when he/she goes back tonight.
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New runners! Would-be runners!
If you’re flirting with a running program, but resisting because you believe you’re NOT a runner, or NOT someone who’s fit and healthy – like maybe a free wheelin’ writer, or a smoker, or a lazy sack o’ whatever – take a look at Professor Carolyn Dweck’s book Mindset. Same goes for those who are trying to lose weight, or develop their creative side, or…. almost anything that involves exploring new territory.
Mindset argues that the most successful people out there share a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset. People with a growth mindset believe that with hard work and persistence, they can “grow” – learn new skills, improve upon weaknesses, move into new areas of activity and intellect. “Fixies” meanwhile think they’re stuck with what they’ve got and may as well skip the work because they’re never going to get much better. And so they don’t. You may have heard this idea in Malcolm Gladwell’s recent OUTLIERS , which incorporated Dweck’s work.
Adopt a growth mindset and you’ll find it easier to “believe” that you too can be a runner. And if you believe you’re a runner, you’re more likely to act that way.
How to adopt a growth mindset? Slap yourself silly with positive self talk. Tell yourself, “I will improve,” “This will get easier – IF I do it,” “I can run as fast as anybody, with some work.”
Don’t stop at running – silence fixie mutterings to help move yourself in any direction you want to go. A fixed mindset is TERRIBLE for creative work.
This really works, Sara! I do it all the time when I’m running! I use little mantras like: “I’m not tired,” “I could run like this all day,” “The ‘wall’ doesn’t exist,” etc.
Try to banish the word “can’t” from your mindset! I try not to even say or think the word. I haven’t done every thing I’d like to, but saying “I haven’t yet…” instead of “I can’t…” makes a world of difference in midset. The results are amazing!
I like the concept of that book. Might have to check it out.
this mindset stuff has really helped me change my way of thinking over the past months, in fits and starts. it’s embarrassing how well I fit the fixed-thinking profile. but also amazing how much recognizing it has helped.
and vern – i am so glad i’m not the only one who uses mantras! they really help!!
thanks so much for posting this! I really want to check out Mindset!
Great post Sara! I’ve actually thought about this before and I’ve come to realize that as runners we are (or become) growth minded. We constantly strive to improve our running, whether it’s our distance or our pace because we know there’s always room for improvement. And that same mindset spills over into the rest of our lives. Run on!
Exactly, Peter. I think we both sound like we’re beating tambourines, but can’t help it, it’s true!! :-)
Sara, at some point when catching up via reading your blog, I decided to try out C25K. I’m on the second week (about five runs in) and doing that combined with the awesomely motivating stat-tracking at the Daily Mile has been easier than I thought it ever would be. Thanks so much for the (indirect) much-needed kick in the pants!