Mindset Matters
Fixed vs Growth Mindset image courtesy of “The Foot Collective”. Join the Foot Restoration Program today with a special discount code “Restore15”.
Think about the last time you were successful at something, particularly a new or challenging venture. Now think about the last time you “failed” at something. Was there a difference in your mindset at the start? During the process? At the end?
Mindset matters. It does. A fixed mindset can be beneficial IF you are able to focus only on the good. Most of us aren’t able to do that- we are human. We think about the “what if’s” and the potential risks/failures of a new journey or task. I definitely do. Which means more often than not, having a fixed mindset leads to more negative thoughts. “I can’t…” “This is too hard.” “This isn’t working”.
When it comes to health, a Fixed mindset can look like:
“My body is too broken”
“I’m too old”
“I need someone to fix me”
“I’ll just have more pain if I try”
Sound familiar? If so, it’s probably not all your fault. A lot of the modern medical model is centered around quick answers and cop-out explanations. Doctors prescribing meds instead of lifestyle changes. Surgeons telling you therapy won’t help and you need their surgery. Society saying pain is normal over the age of “—”. I’m not saying meds and surgery don’t have a role, they do; just likely a lot smaller one than we’ve been lead to believe in recent times.
What if I told you I feel better now, today, at 41 than I felt through most of my 20’s? What if I tell you despite a plethora of injuries from years of dancing I have more control of my body and how I feel? Is it some magic medicine? Nope. Is it this one perfect exercise I found on Instagram to “fix” all my pain? No again. Did I have a surgery to “fix” my injuries? Heck no.
I learned more about my body— and my clients’ bodies through the process. Twenty years ago, I learned a lot of good information in PT school, but also a lot of the poorly interpreted research. Don’t bend your back. Use your knees instead. Squatting past 90 is harmful on the knees. Wear supportive shoes and high ankle boots if you have weak arches/ankles. Don’t lift heavy overhead.
What I know now is the body is RESILIENT. Incredibly so. Do our spine discs move backwards when we bend forward? YES— to help accept load and cushion the bones. Cartilage health can improve. Strength training off-loads the joints more than it loads them. Supportive shoes make your feet and ankles weaker.
So instead of approaching your health or therapy with the above fixed mindset, consider approaching it with a GROWTH mindset. One that fosters exploration and the fact that “failures” help us learn and grow more.
“I am resilient”
“Age does not define me”
“I am in charge of my own health”
“My body can adapt and get stronger”
More and more providers are exploring the amazing capacity of the human body and empowering our clients towards growth. If you feel stuck with your current provider, maybe it’s time to explore new options? Find someone who walks with you and beside you through the journey. We will, and so will others if you look for them.
