One of my biggest pet peeves is when people describe me or other people that have intense training regimens, as physically gifted or as anomalies. Doing this negates all the hard work we put into a given sport or training session and chalks up our achievements to genetics or so-called natural talent. Sure, some people might have a natural propensity toward fitness or a certain sport but what it takes to maintain and sustain any fitness regimen has more to do with a growth mindset than anything else.

To be built, not born means progress…It means that you can’t just show up and expect amazing results. You have to put in the hours of training, sleep the right amount of hours and take care of your body. You do all of these things that culminate into building yourself for your sport or activity. It’s a constant process. This process includes embracing the dedication and hard work every day that is required to become the best — in order to be built, not born.

The idea that we are in control our abilities is empowering to some and is the driving force behind every great learner.

To others, not so much.

Wrestling with the notion that our abilities (or lack thereof) are in our control can be unsettling, so many of us choose to hide behind stories. It’s easy and safe to say: “I am just not a math person” or “I’m not creative”

These limiting beliefs are all stories. Stories that say skills and attitudes are born. That our shortcomings are not our fault, that great performers are the lucky ones, and that we just missed out at the talent lottery.

However, it’s real and it’s honest to say: “I choose not to do the work necessary to grow my math skills” or “I haven’t put myself in enough situations to build my creativity”.

The fact is: we ALL have the tools to grow and get really, really good at absolutely anything that we want – as long as  we believe that we can and as long as we do the work.