I've heard great things about him through Equinox friends and, coincidentally over the summer had found a book called "Mindset" that belong to him. I read a bit of "Mindset" and it states that there are two distinct types of people - ones with a "fixed mindset" and the other with a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset hold themselves back. They lend themselves a reason and and say: but this is the way I am...
Today I took Cook's afternoon TerraCycle class for the first time. I tried to book my bike online as soon as I settled in the office this morning, but it was already filled. Booo... Six spots usually available for front desk sign up - and that was also already filled 30 minutes prior to class.
Anymore available bikes back there? - Cook asked
Nope - someone answered.
Ahhh shux....
I was disappointed, about to leave the room.
Then Mr. Cook - sweaty, with veins popping out of his fully shaved head, got off his stationary bike and offered it to me.
How awesome! =D I no longer had to wait another week to get into his class.
His session began with a difficult 9 minute climb. During his class he paced the room, watching each of us individually and our efforts. He motivated us, "keep it rolling to the tempo!" "All I can do is motivate you...but only YOU can decide how much you put into it."
He must have remembered I returned his lost book this summer because in the middle of class, he stood in front of my bike (well really it was his bike) and said "Get to a point where you feel you can't give anymore. Give it all you've got! Change that "mindset!!!" Make it difficult for you!!!" My heart was beating out of my chest and I was struggling for air. I was scared to get there - where I give so much my heart may just stop pumping. After that hour of class, I walked out of the room with my skin drenched from head to toe and luckily, my heart continued to pump. "Great job" he told me at least three times in class.
Most of us imagine our "goal" first and try to force our ways into habits that allow us to accomplish that goal... Soon after though, we realize we're stuck in a rut, tricking ourselves to believe that we are not able to do something because we say "this is the way I am."
But once you change the way you think about the underlying, all choices surrounding that aspect changes rather quickly and even naturally without force. I was never a "gym person" - has now become "I'm addicted to the gym." After getting my free month trial to Equinox in the beginning of this year, I suddenly enjoyed the benefits of working out. Now, my gym attendance is no longer a fitness regimen, but has become my lifestyle.
Let's remind ourselves to keep a growth mindset, because you're right, when there is a desire for change, this is NOT who I am.
