Mindset training used to be a tool just for athletes. At Academic Mindset, we have taken the best mindset training techniques from a leading company in the industry, Z Winning Mindset, to bring these game-changing methods to the classroom. Student-athletes and teachers who coach have been jumping at the opportunity to bring our mindset training methods to the classroom. However, many people have been asking us: Why would you try mindset training in school? Is it really that valuable of a tool for students? Consider the following two examples…
An athlete shows up to a championship event. They have endured years of grueling practices that were boring at some times, and extremely challenging at other times. They dealt with setbacks, sickness, and injury, bouncing back even stronger every time. Hundreds of times, they sacrificed their social life and refused to fall to peer pressure or bad habits in order to perform at their best. They line up to compete, carrying the pressure of expectations from their coaches, parents, and even from themselves. A glance at their opponents shows better, stronger, and faster athletes than they believe themselves to be. With all of this on their mind, they focus on the present moment, dig deep within, and compete to their best ability.
A student shows up to a standardized test. They have endured years of grueling classes that were boring at some times, and extremely challenging at other times. They dealt with setbacks, sickness, and missed classes, bouncing back even stronger every time. Hundreds of times, they sacrificed their social life and refused to fall to peer pressure or bad habits in order to perform at their best. They sit down to take their test, carrying the pressure of expectations from their teachers, parents, and even from themselves. A glance at their classmates shows smarter, harder working, and more talented students than they believe themselves to be. With all of this on their mind, they focus on the present moment, dig deep within, and test to their best ability.
If they sounded similar, it’s because they are. The same mindset skills that athletes need to overcome their competition, train hard, and perform at their best are the skills students need to be consistent in their classwork, motivated, engaged, and ready to perform on tests and projects. We spend a great deal of time working to improve athlete’s mindsets, but very little time with students.
This is our why at Academic Mindset. We see the potential in ALL students and we refuse to accept mediocrity. We want to help students achieve their maximum potential by giving them the mental edge in school and life!
Many students get stuck in the cycle. The cycle looks like this…
If we truly want to see students become the best version of themselves, we can’t pour all of our time and energy into content practice and test prep. Simply telling kids to work harder and try more will not get the job done. It’s time to put an active focus on mindset. Make the time to work on the skills that students need most!