Not There Yet: Developing a Growth Mindset as a Student-Athlete

Hey GRLs,
Let’s be real—being a student-athlete isn’t all highlight reels and medal ceremonies. It’s late-night homework sessions after practice, feeling like you’ll never hit that new personal best, and watching someone else crush it while you’re struggling just to keep up. Sound familiar?

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be the best right now. In fact, not being at the top of your game yet can actually work in your favor. Let’s talk about why adopting a growth mindset—focusing on progress over perfection—can transform the way you approach sports (and life).

The Power of Yet

Ever catch yourself saying, “I’ll never be good at this,” or “I’m just not as talented as her”? 🚫 Stop right there! Add a little magic word: yet.

“I’m not good at this yet.”

See how that flips the script? Suddenly, it’s not about what you can’t do; it’s about what you’re working toward. It’s not an endpoint—it’s a process.

Malcolm Gladwell and the Aussie Swim Team’s Secret Sauce

Let’s take a page (literally) from Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers. In the book, Gladwell talks about the Australian Swim Team, one of the most successful squads in the world. Their secret? They don’t only focus on early bloomers—the kids who are naturally fast and seem destined for greatness at 12 years old.

Instead, they prioritize long-term development. They believe the best athletes aren’t just born; they’re made. It’s about who’s willing to put in the work consistently over time, even if they’re not winning every race right now.

Hard Work > Natural Talent

Sure, some people are naturally talented. But here’s the truth: Natural talent will only get you so far. What separates good athletes from great ones is effort, persistence, and that growth mindset.

Think about it this way:

• Talent is like getting a head start in a race.

• Hard work is the endurance to finish strong.

Which one do you think matters more in the long run? 💡

How to Build Your Growth Mindset

Here’s how you can channel your inner Aussie swimmer and embrace that “not there yet” attitude:

1. Embrace the Grind
   Success isn’t supposed to feel easy. Every tough practice, every failure, every moment of doubt? That’s where growth happens. The harder the journey, the sweeter the victory.

2. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Wins
   Maybe you didn’t win the game, but did you play better than last time? Did you try something new? Celebrate those small wins. Progress > perfection.

3. Learn from Setbacks
   Didn’t make the varsity team? Missed the game-winning shot? Good. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?”

4. Find Your Yet Role Models
   Look up to athletes who weren’t overnight successes. Did you know Michael Jordan didn’t make his high school varsity team as a sophomore? Serena Williams wasn’t an instant champion, either. They worked. And so can you.

5. Put in Your 10,000 Hours
   Gladwell’s rule: It takes 10,000 hours to master something. Whether it’s swimming, soccer, or basketball, every hour you practice is another step closer to greatness.

The Bottom Line

So what if you’re not breaking records yet? So what if someone else seems to have all the talent right now? That doesn’t mean they’ll always stay ahead. You have the power to work harder, grow stronger, and outlast the competition.

Remember, greatness isn’t about where you start—it’s about where you’re willing to go. Keep showing up, keep putting in the work, and trust the process.

The only difference between “I can’t” and “I can” is one little word: yet.

Ready to embrace your growth mindset, GRLs? Let’s hear your stories—how are you working toward your “yet”? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 💬

You’ve got this. 💪✨