It’s remarkable how our mindset can shift when we need it most. Do we really have to be pushed to our limits before we flip into a positive gear? When does our mind—and, by extension, our body—‘decide’ to make life easier and more enjoyable? And how can we intentionally cultivate a growth-oriented mindset in our daily lives?

These questions have been on my mind since an unexpected experience last weekend.

I was invited to train with the Swiss FIMBA team as they prepare for the Maxibasketball World Championship this June. Basketball has always been my favourite sport, but I haven’t played on a team since 1999. My recent experience was limited to casual games with mostly male friends, so I was far from being in top shape. I worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up.

Determined to keep an open mind, I told myself the world wouldn’t end if I made a fool of myself. At least I’d have tried.

When I arrived at the gym, I reunited with three old teammates I hadn’t seen in decades. We started warming up, and I was handed a basketball. It felt different—lighter, smaller. I soon learned that FIBA had switched from size 7 to size 6 basketballs for women in 2004. Not only was I out of practice, but I’d also missed a major equipment change! My first shots were epic misses, and my nerves skyrocketed.

That’s when I realised I had a choice: let embarrassment, self-limitation, and self-doubt take over, or make a mental switch and embrace the challenge. I chose the latter. This old dog can learn new tricks—and basketball, after all, is an exciting mix of fixed plays and improvisation. It’s part of what makes it the best sport in the world.

This moment is a textbook example of what psychologists call a mindset shift. Dr. Carol Dweck, a leading researcher on motivation and mindset, describes two core approaches: a fixed mindset (believing abilities are static) and a growth mindset (believing abilities can be developed through effort and learning). When we adopt a growth mindset, we see challenges as opportunities to learn, not as threats to our self-worth. Dweck emphasises that adopting a growth mindset isn’t just about positive thinking—it requires deliberate effort, planning, and strategies to cope with setbacks.

Neuroscience supports this: when we face new challenges, our brains form new neural connections, literally rewiring themselves to adapt. This process, called neuroplasticity, is at the heart of learning and resilience, and it turns out this can still happen in adult brains (it helps to stay physically active).

From FS Blog:

Changing our beliefs can have a powerful impact. The growth mindset creates a powerful passion for learning. “Why waste time proving over and over how great you are,” Dweck writes, “when you could be getting better?”
Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them? Why look for friends or partners who will just shore up your self-esteem instead of ones who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek out the tried and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you? The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

Surprisingly, playing with the smaller ball made the experience even more fun. Passing became easier (after a few wild throws), and three-pointers didn’t seem as daunting. I decided not to feel embarrassed by my initial mistakes. Instead, I focused on adapting and enjoying the process. My shots were far from perfect, but after a few hours, I had adjusted and embraced the ‘new’ game.

Reflecting on this, I realise I seem to have adopted a growth mindset when it comes to sports and movement, but I often get stuck in a fixed mindset regarding my cognitive abilities—especially as I transition from finance to coaching. Despite some inspiring experiences since making the switch, I still question my ability to succeed. But just like in basketball, it comes down to steady effort and practice - I like to think of it as tenacity. Coaching will become second nature, like shooting hoops, if I stick with it, play with diverse teams, listen to different coaches, and don’t let the three-point line intimidate me.

This experience reminded me that mindset is important—not just in sports, but in life and business as well. We’ve all been there:

- The client meeting that didn’t go as planned because the key people didn’t show up.

- The plane that got diverted, forcing you to improvise the rest of your business trip.

- The project you were focused on that got killed without notice.

- A new technology introduced overnight.

- A big initiative that didn’t meet its target.

- Client feedback that forces you to adapt a product, opening your eyes to new opportunities.

- The trade that didn’t happen because the market suddenly dropped.

The list goes on. In every case, the ability to adapt—to shift your mindset—makes all the difference.

- Resilience: A growth mindset helps us bounce back from setbacks. In business, this means learning from failures instead of being paralysed by them.

- Innovation: Openness to new experiences and adaptability fuel creativity and progress.

- Leadership: Great leaders model adaptability and encourage their teams to embrace change.

- Well-being: A positive mindset reduces stress and increases satisfaction.

How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

1. Reframe Challenges: See obstacles as opportunities to learn, not as threats (hello, three-point line!).

2. Embrace Mistakes: Treat errors as valuable feedback, not as evidence of inadequacy (this is a really difficult one).

3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during setbacks—growth takes time.

4. Stay Curious: Ask questions, seek feedback, and remain open to new experiences.

5. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small wins and improvements along the way (it helps to have a coach to cheer you on)

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Last weekend’s basketball practice was more than just a workout—it was a powerful reminder of how adaptable our minds can be when we let them.

Whether you’re facing a new business challenge, learning a new skill, or just picking up a different-sized basketball, remember: your mindset is your most valuable asset. Embrace the discomfort, trust the process, and watch yourself grow.

Where in your life could a mindset shift make the biggest difference?

Sources:
https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/teaching-guides/foundations-course-design/learning-activities/growth-mindset-and-enhanced-learning

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/notes-from-my-bookshelf-3-mindset-dr-carol-dweck-rebecca-ford-johnson/

https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2025.1502417/full

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