Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Why You Need to Embrace Growth in Nutrition, Fitness, and Sleep (and How Your Coach Can Help)
When we talk about mindset, we're diving into the way you perceive your ability to improve and adapt. Carol Dweck’s research on fixed versus growth mindsets shows us that a fixed mindset believes our abilities are static, what we’re born with is all we’ll ever have. On the other hand, a growth mindset embraces the idea that, with effort, learning, and persistence, we can improve at almost anything. But what happens when we look at this through the lens of nutrition, fitness, and sleep?
Here’s the twist: you might have a growth mindset in one area (say, fitness) but still harbour a fixed mindset in another (like sleep or nutrition). And, spoiler alert, this will hold back your progress faster than you can say, "I’m just not built for this."
Let’s break it down with some everyday examples, and explain why having a growth mindset in all three areas is crucial for your overall success.
Nutrition: "I Can’t Eat Healthy" vs. "I Can Learn to Make Better Choices"
A fixed mindset about nutrition often sounds like:
"I’ve always had a sweet tooth. Healthy food will never taste as good."
"Cooking healthy meals is too complicated for me."
You see the problem? These thoughts shut down any possibility for improvement. But with a growth mindset, you’ll think:
"I might not love vegetables now, but if I experiment with different flavours, I can learn to enjoy them."
"I’m not a chef, but I can make a few simple meals that support my goals."
A growth mindset lets you embrace the learning process. Nutrition isn’t about perfection, it’s about trial, error, and adapting. With a coach by your side, you can experiment with new habits, find ways to enjoy healthier foods, and make progress step by step. Instead of thinking you can’t change, you begin to see how small improvements add up over time.
Fitness: "I’m Not Strong Enough" vs. "I Can Build Strength with Consistency"
Fitness is where fixed mindset and growth mindset really show up:
"I’ll never lift heavy weights."
"I’m just not built for endurance; running is out of the question."
This mindset makes it seem like progress is out of your control. But with a growth mindset, you might think:
"I’m not lifting heavy now, but with consistent effort, I can get stronger."
"I don’t have to be a marathon runner, but I can work on my stamina."
Fitness is all about consistency and progression. A growth mindset means you acknowledge your current level and focus on how to improve it over time. Your coach can help you set realistic fitness goals, guide you through training programmes, and keep you focused on your improvements, no matter how small.
In fitness, you're never stuck. Each workout is an opportunity to get just a bit better.
Sleep: "I’m Just Not a Good Sleeper" vs. "I Can Improve My Sleep Habits"
Sleep is one area where many people adopt a fixed mindset, like:
"I can never get a good night’s sleep. I’ve always had trouble with it."
"I’m too busy to worry about my sleep, there’s always something else to do."
This fixed mindset assumes your sleep is something you can’t improve. But with a growth mindset, you might say:
"I might have trouble falling asleep now, but I can create better habits to improve it."
"If I prioritise sleep, I’ll feel more energised and productive."
Sleep is a skill. It requires good habits and consistency. With a growth mindset, you’ll start to view sleep as an area to improve, rather than an insurmountable issue. A coach can help you identify where you're struggling (whether it's winding down before bed or dealing with stress) and give you strategies to improve the quality of your rest.
The Power of a Growth Mindset Across All Areas
So, why is it crucial to have a growth mindset in all three areas? Because when you see yourself as someone who can improve, you’re more likely to tackle all aspects of your health, nutrition, fitness, and sleep—with the same commitment and optimism.
It’s not about doing everything perfectly from the start. It’s about being consistent and willing to learn. When you embrace a growth mindset, you stop letting setbacks define you. Instead, you use them as a stepping stone to get better, one small change at a time.
A growth mindset also gives you the resilience to bounce back from challenges. You won't be defeated by a bad week of sleep or a missed workout. Instead, you'll focus on the next step forward.
Why Your Coach is Key
Coaches are there to guide you through this process, helping you identify areas for growth and challenging you to push past your limits. They help you see progress where you might only see failure, and they ensure that you’re not just working hard, but working smart.
Your coach is your partner in progress, from nutrition to fitness to sleep. Together, you’ll create a personalised plan that helps you get better every day, even when the results aren’t instant.
Takeaway
Adopting a growth mindset is essential for long-term success in all areas of life, but especially in nutrition, fitness, and sleep. Instead of viewing challenges as barriers, a growth mindset lets you see them as opportunities to learn, improve, and achieve.
With a coach in your corner, you’ll have the support to make meaningful changes that will help you reach your full potential. Whether you’re working on eating better, getting stronger, or improving your sleep, the growth mindset will keep you moving forward, no matter how many times you stumble.
So, embrace the process. Keep learning, stay consistent, and above all, believe that you can improve, because with the right mindset, you absolutely can.
