Why is growth mindset important and how can equine coaching help

What is a growth mindset?

A growth mindset refers to the belief that one's abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort, practice, and learning.
It is the understanding that talents and skills are not fixed traits, but can be cultivated over time. 

The concept of a growth mindset was popularized by psychologist Carol S. Dweck through her extensive research on motivation and achievement.
In contrast to a fixed mindset, which assumes that abilities are static and predetermined, a growth mindset fosters a more positive and optimistic attitude toward learning and development.

Why is growth mindset important?

A growth mindset is important for several reasons:

1. Personal Development: A growth mindset encourages individuals to believe in their ability to develop and improve. It leads to a greater sense of self-efficacy and the motivation to learn and acquire new skills. With a growth mindset, people are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of obstacles, and continuously strive for personal development and self-improvement.
2. Resilience: When faced with setbacks and failures, individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to bounce back and persevere. They view setbacks as temporary and solvable challenges, rather than as indications of their inherent abilities. This resilience enables them to navigate difficulties more effectively and maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity.
3. Increased Achievement: People with a growth mindset tend to achieve higher levels of success. They are willing to put in the effort and practice required to improve their skills and reach their goals. By embracing challenges, seeking out feedback, and persisting in the face of obstacles, individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to achieve their full potential and excel in various areas of life.
4. Lifelong Learning: A growth mindset fosters a love for learning and a willingness to continuously acquire new knowledge and skills. It encourages individuals to see learning as a lifelong journey rather than a finite destination. This mindset is particularly valuable in today's rapidly changing world, where adaptability and continuous learning are increasingly important.
5. Innovation and Creativity: With a growth mindset, individuals are more open to exploring new ideas, taking risks, and thinking outside the box. They are not afraid of failure or making mistakes, as they understand that these are natural parts of the learning process. This mindset promotes innovation, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Overall, a growth mindset empowers individuals to take control of their personal and professional development, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. It enables a positive and proactive approach to learning and growth, leading to greater fulfillment and success in various aspects of life.

How how can equine coaching help developing a growth mindset?

Developing a growth mindset involves a combination of self-reflection, adopting new perspectives, and actively practicing new behaviors. Here are some strategies to help you develop a growth mindset that you can also practice without the horses - however, some sessions or a retreat with their help might help you get there faster!

1. Embrace challenges: Seek out opportunities that push you outside of your comfort zone. Embracing challenges helps you develop new skills and learn from your experiences.
   This is exactly what we do in our active coaching sessions, especially with clients who are not familiar with these big horses. But even if you are an expert rider, this is different from your usual interaction with horses. The coaching with the horses is a safe and non judgemental way to get out of your comfort zone and expand your learning.
2. View failures as learning opportunities: Instead of viewing failure as a personal reflection of your abilities, see it as a chance to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your approach accordingly.
   In our coaching sessions from the ground with horses, there is no right or wrong, there is only learning. Since the horses do not hold grudges, they allow you to try different approaches until you get the results you want. This way, you can experiment in a safe way until you get it right. Say for example you want to be more assertive. What does that actually mean? How do you develop that? Initially, the horse might ignore your request to follow you if you are not assertive enough. The moment you get it right, the horse will follow you, and you will have a feeling for what "being assertive" is!
3. Cultivate a positive inner dialogue: Pay attention to your self-talk and internal narratives. Replace self-limiting beliefs with positive and constructive thoughts. Instead of saying, "I can't do this," shift your mindset to, "I haven't learned this yet, but I can figure it out with practice."
   Everything you say to yourself has an effect - and the horses make it visible. If you approach an obstacle, for example a pole on the floor, and believe that the horse will not go over it, it will most probably stop in front of the pole. If you can however convince yourself that it is possible, you also pass on this confidence to the horse. He will feel it and follow you over the pole, thus making your inner beliefs visible to the outside. 
4. Seek out feedback and learn from others: Actively seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or experts in your field. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve and grow.
   Being open to the feedback of the horse, which is not about you personally but simply about how you come across, can be extremely enlightening and truly allow you to make big changes. 
5. Emphasize the power of "yet": When faced with a challenge or a skill you haven't mastered, add the word "yet" to your vocabulary. For example, instead of saying, "I don't understand this," say, "I don't understand this yet." This simple shift acknowledges that learning takes time and effort.
   You will not believe how many people have come to our workshops being nervous or fearful of the interaction with the horses. Seeing them grow is just fabulous and is almost a guarantee!
6. Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with individuals who have a growth mindset and inspire you to grow. Their attitudes and behaviors can have a positive impact on your own mindset.
   Being around horses and in nature allows your entire nervous system to relax, to feel accepted just the way you are, and therefore make for a very positive learning atmosphere.