Wisdom & Wellness Wrap Up!
I pray this finds you well and blessed. The last week was quite full for my family and I. There were moments when “no showing up” was tempting. Instead I have been chewing on this thought I often repeat to clients: Consistency beats intensity.
Wisdom: The Value of Consistency
In the realm of personal growth and achievement, consistency emerges as a cornerstone of wisdom.
Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? – Proverbs 20:6
The teacher in proverbs underscores the rarity and value of steadfastness in character. This timeless question highlights the challenge of maintaining consistency in our actions and beliefs amidst a world that often prizes novelty and quick fixes. The easy path is always an option.
Consistency is the bedrock upon which trust is built, enabling us to forge meaningful relationships and achieve long-term goals. It’s not merely about persistence but about evolving with a clear vision and unwavering commitment. Studies on grit, such as those by Angela Duckworth, reveal that perseverance and passion for long-term goals are strong predictors of success. Duckworth’s work demonstrates that consistency in pursuing our objectives, even in the face of obstacles, is more indicative of success than talent alone (Duckworth et al., 2007).
So, what are you passionate about? What goal, relationship, or habit do you need to show up for? Find that grit in you and dig in.
Wellness: Embracing a Growth Mindset
This may be the one hack you need to be consistent.
The concept of a growth mindset, introduced by Carol Dweck, revolutionizes how we approach challenges and personal development. A growth mindset believes that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience essential for great accomplishment (Dweck, 2006).
Integrating a growth mindset into our wellness journey encourages us to view health as a dynamic, evolving aspect of our lives. It teaches us that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth and learning. In support of this, a study by Blackwell, Trzesniewski, and Dweck (2007) found that students who were taught to view their intelligence as changeable and increasing with effort showed a clear uptick in academic performance.
Furthermore, in the context of physical health, a recent study demonstrated that individuals with a growth mindset towards their fitness journey were more likely to persist after setbacks and achieve their fitness goals. They viewed obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as challenges to overcome, leading to higher levels of physical activity and greater overall well-being (Schleider & Weisz, 2015).
The growth mindset allows us to get the reps in when it comes to learning the skills needed to be healthy and whole in life. Remember that: Health is skill!
Conclusion
The wisdom of consistency, as highlighted by proverbs and modern research, teaches us the importance of steadfastness in our personal and professional lives. Similarly, adopting a growth mindset allows us to navigate the wellness journey with resilience, viewing each setback as a stepping stone to greater health and happiness.
Together, these principles guide us towards a more fulfilling and accomplished life, underscored by a foundation of continuous growth and unwavering commitment.
By weaving together the virtues of consistency and a growth mindset with the insights from studies on grit and the growth mindset, we can see how these principles are not only interconnected but also essential for achieving lasting success and well-being.
As always it is a pleasure to serve you on your faith & fitness journey.
Blessings,
Adam
Sources:
- Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-07951-009
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
- Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention. Child Development, 78(1), 246–263. https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.00995.x
- Schleider, J. L., & Weisz, J. R. (2015). Using Mechanical Turk to study family processes and youth mental health: A test of feasibility. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(11), 3235–3246. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-46991-001
