Final answer:
Athletes who perform below their potential often possess a fixed mindset, believing their abilities are unchangeable. Embracing a growth mindset, on the other hand, helps in personal development and achieving career success. It's important to model positive attitudes and maintain an openness to learn.
Step-by-step explanation:
Athletes who tend to perform below their potential or fail to make improvements might be operating from a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset is the belief that abilities, intelligence, and talents are static traits that cannot be developed. This type of mindset can lead to avoidance of challenges, giving up easily, and feeling threatened by the success of others. In contrast, a growth mindset is characterized by the understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This empowers individuals to embrace challenges, persevere through setbacks, and view effort as a path to mastery.
To foster a growth mindset, individuals should cultivate humility, maintain an openness to learn, and develop a strong work ethic and adaptability. These traits are not only valuable in sports but are also critical for career success in any field. Reflecting on and modeling the positive attitudes of respected individuals in one's environment can also be beneficial.