Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he!"

Proverbs 23:7King James Version (KJV)

My people, this book is a game changer.....

In this book, Carol discusses her research on the mind. Carol breaks down our beliefs into two categories: fixed vs. growth mindset, and we can go back and forth between the two mindsets.

People with a growth mindset believes that their qualities and abilities can be cultivated; they can change with effort. People with the growth mindset do not have to always be seen as the smartest person or the best at everything; this mindset values learning, failing, and learning from the failure.

People with a fixed mindset believes that we have all of the abilities that we will ever have and the abilities are fixed; we can’t change our qualities or abilities. These people do not want people to see them fail, they feel that they must always show their good side, and do not value effort.

To a person with a fixed mindset a failure is the end of the world, but to a person with a growth mindset, failure means an opportunity to learn, and that person will try and try and try over and over.

Carol gives the example of Michael Jordan having to literally work and work to become Michael Jordan; he had to cultivate his basketball skills. The famous Picasso painted horribly for years until he practiced and practiced and practiced and became the Picasso that we know today. Darwin’s work on The Original of Species took years of teamwork and half a lifetime of dedication before it came to fruition. Most folks ain't a natural at anything; but Oh the value of hard work and dedication.

Now, let me tell you how this book applies to me... I believe and know for a fact that we can change our intelligence and almost every area of our lives if we believe that we can and work at it. We can study and become better at math, writing, reading, and even at the arts. We can become more considerate, compassionate etc. I believe that every student, person, and myself can become better in every single area of our lives. I must believe this in order to be a teacher right? (I surely hope that all people who work with children believe that people can improve.)

However, with cycling, I was beginning to believe that I could not get better. Now, I’ve come a long way from where I started and that improvement came from just riding as often as I could. I LOVE CYCLING!  However, competitive cycling took me completely out of my comfort zone and was stealing my joy of cycling, because I was not seeing improvements right away. (fixed mindset!) I am not a natural athlete at all. So, for me to be a competitive cyclist, I have to work my butt off and then enter races and get dropped. (Dropped means that the other cyclist leave you behind!) I was and was not enjoying the journey. I enjoyed the camaraderie of racing but did not enjoy being last. However, I just couldn't give up.

My first year of racing I did not know anything about cycling workouts or what to do to get better, and my team did not offer any support at all. So, of course, my first year of racing I was getting dropped and was always the last person to finish each race. Can I tell you that I cried, felt embarrassed, had self-doubt and everything else that you can name? However, I kept going back, because I enjoyed it, but I had no idea what to do to be competitive. During my second year of racing, I still did not know anything about cycling workouts, and I was getting my butt ran in the ground. Finally, I started hearing people talk about workouts, and I decided to hire a coach. Also, I switched to a more supportive cycling team.

Now, I have a cycling coach, and he works my butt off. But, because of my first two years of unsuccessful racing, I am having to work on my mindset. Yep, I am having to work on mindset. I was beginning to believe that I could not get better, and it did not help that I changed racing teams and on my first ride with them I struggled and struggled bad. I was not focusing on the fact that I was learning from my team and my new teammates were super supportive and helpful. I was focusing on the fact that I probably looked like a failure to my new team...(fixed mindset!) Of course, I went home and called my coach and blamed him. We almost parted ways, but we didn't thankfully. (He did not give up on me.)

Now, when I put my cycling life in the grand scheme of things, I am a pretty good cyclist; however, to ride with the big boys, I am going to have to train, train, train and give up riding for fun all of the time. I must do the workouts so that I can enjoy the rides that I do for pleasure and enjoy competing. Also, I must be prepared for failures along the way. (Growth Mindset.. Failing ain’t easy for me.) 

I have been doing every single one of my workouts and praying that I am getting stronger.... Now, do you hear that doubt? (Fixed mindset.) My people, you know and I know that I am getting stronger. (Growth Mindset.)

Two weeks ago I had my first race of this season, and because I had convinced myself that I am not good with climbing because of being dropped on hills quite often, (fixed mindset), the small incline that was on the race course was mentally freaking me out... I was not focusing on my improvements from all the workouts that I had been doing to get stronger, and of course, I got dropped on the very first lap.

I cried and felt crazy and talked to my coach who was surprised that I had gotten dropped so quickly, and he talked to me about my mindset. He state that “You must believe that you belong in the race.” And, before he stated this, I did not realize that I may have been having those thoughts.

Of course, I belong in the race, because I have being working hard like the other racers to be in the race. After much thought, I am convinced that my fixed mindset caused me to get dropped in that first race, not my abilities.

Since that first race, I have been determined to enjoy every workout and every ride. I am looking forward to riding with folks who are stronger than me so that I can learn and grow. I have decided to no longer feel bad about getting dropped, but acknowledge that getting dropped is part of the growing experience and having a growth mindset. Now, don't think that it will be easy to change my mindset, but just because it won't be easy, it does not mean that I will not do it.

I am going to continue to do my workouts, ride for fun, and compete...

World, Look Out.... Here I come!

My people, read this book and challenge yourself!!

Racing Season 2 Race # 4: Tour of Page County - A Stage Race

Tour of Page County was held in Luray, Virginia which is about an hour outside of DC...

Before I tell you about the race, I must tell you about the town of Luray and its splendor. It is a town that is surrounded by greenery and the most beautiful mountains. My teammates and I rented a house that was sitting on top of a beautiful hill and every view from the house featured one of those wonderful mountains. One of the many reason why I love living in the DC area is that mountains, beaches, and other cities are quite near and accessible.

Tour of Page County is a stage race which means that on the first day there is a 46 mile road race, and on the second day there is a Timed Trial which is a racer riding as fast as he can and then being ranked against other racers, and then there is the criterium which is a race where racers cycle around a mile or more loop for about thirty to forty minutes. A cyclist must finish the road race in order to do the Timed Trial and Crit. Lots of racing in two days, but it can be so much fun.

So, the race started at 8:10am, and it was about 43 degrees. Now, I don’t mind riding in cold weather in the winter, but it’s just not what I am trying to do in late April. I sort of feel like there is no reason to ride in cold weather in April when I can ride in 70 degree weather if I would only be patient, and I have no problem with being patient.

We got to the race site, registered, pinned our numbers on, talked to other cyclists, rode around for a little while to warm up, and started the race...

I was feeling good at first, just like in all of my races, but I got to the first hill, and I just couldn’t keep race pace, and to be honest, I did not really try... I just was not feeling the cold weather and those hills. We were suppose to do four laps that would equal 46 miles, but I did one lap and rode back to the finish line to drink coffee, talk to the volunteers, and to warm up in the high school that was being used for the race.

This is the very first race EVER where I received a DNF (Did Not Finish) next to my name. I am not happy about that, but I am not sad either. I am where I am, and it’s ok. I thought about the idea of knowing when to keep pushing and when to give up, and today was not a day for me to keep pushing.

However, I must admit that for a few minutes I allowed myself to have negative thoughts: “Maybe I shouldn’t race anymore this season....” However, I instantly countered those thoughts with  "Success is not always easy or quick. Success is not accidental. I ain't giving up what I love, because I ain’t seeing success right away.”

Now, I told you that this is a stage race, and a racer must finish the road race in order to do the other two races that were held the next day.  So, I couldn’t race the next day. So, I drank wine, ate pizza, and enjoyed this awesome house on a hill.

I totally believe in coaching or getting help. I know that Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Serena and Venus, and all other talented athletes would not be great if they did not have coaches. Yea, I believe that there is value in coaching.

So, I contacted this coach who coaches quite a few other racers whom I know, and we are going to start my coaching at the beginning of May. I absolutely love structure and can’t wait to get structured workouts that will enable me to become a faster, stronger rider. I ain’t the one who gets a coach and then dread doing the workouts or complain; I will do my workouts religiously, because I know that consistency is the key to any change.

I really love racing, and I know that being a stronger, faster racer will help me to enjoy racing so much more.

I am extremely excited about the future....

Read about Tour of Page County from last year here.

Find a hobby that you love and become its slave!

I love traveling and racing with my teammates! 

Racing Season Two, Race #2: Carl Dolan - A Circuit Race

My second race was called the Carl Dolan race, and it was held in Columbia, Maryland. This race was a circuit race. A circuit is shorter than a road race but longer than a crit race.....

This race was incredibly fun: the weather was perfect, the crowd exuded great energy, and I absolutely loved the course, but it did have an incline. The incline was not to steep, but it was long.

Now, on the way to the race, I was telling my teammate, Tina, that I was not going to road race anymore, I prefer CX racing...blah, blah, blah!

At the start of the race, I was leading the pack. My people, it felt sooo good to be in the front. I felt like my very own hero. However, we got to a turn, and I slowed down, and I was not longer leading the pack, but I was still in a good position.

We got to that incline, I did ok, but I lost steam quickly. I made it to the top exhausted, but the other girls kept on moving at race pace, and I just couldn't hold the speed.

Several times I wanted to give up, but this awesome crowd would not let me; they were yelling for me to keep pedaling, and I did.

Being that this is my second season racing, and I cycle a lot in the community, the love that I felt after the race was completely liberating. I just love the sense of community of cycling.

So, I asked myself "If I had a daughter and she loved racing, but needed to put in a lot of work to see the results that she wanted, would I encourage her to quit, or would I encourage her to keep racing and training knowing that she will get better?"

Well, of course I would tell my daughter to stick with whatever she loves and work to get better, and that is exactly what I am going to do. All that talk that I was doing before the race about not road racing anymore went out the window as soon as I got on that race course....

My people, I LOVE ROAD RACING!!!

In the meantime, I will be training, training, training, getting ready for the next race....

I'll keep you posted!!

Find a hobby that you love and become its slave.

Pushing Each Other To Be Our Best!

ALWAYS!!!!!

Competing = PUSHING EACH OTHER TO BE OUR BEST.

I am going to keep this in my mind before, during, and long after my cycling race on Sunday; We Are Pushing Each Other to Be Our Best.


Send me some love and positive energy Sunday around 10:45am.....

By the way, I got this quote from my co-worker, Erika, an ex-college athlete.

It's Friday!!!

The Universe Has a Sense of Humor.....

Cycling with my girl Lydia!

A few days back I wrote a blog, and I publicly declared that I want to be a hill killer; I desire to slay hills on my bike....

Well, we must be careful about what comes out of our mouths, because I know that we are all creating our lives based on our words. (Your tongue is powerful.)

After that declaration, the universe sent my teammates, Sean and Lydia, right away... My magic genies!

The day that I made that public declaration of wanting to slay hills, I received a text from my teammate, and Sean never sends me text, stating that he was goings to Hains Point to ride, and he asked if I wanted to come along. Hains Point is a small area of DC that is surrounded by water, and that is where you can find cyclist training everyday.

Now, let me tell you about Sean. He is a driven guy; his work ethic is truly amazing. When Sean trains, he trains hard and with enthusiasm, and it is quite contagious. Sean is the guy that I told you about who followed me an entire CX race on foot, cheering and encouraging me until I crossed the finish line. Sean is truly a selfless person who will enthusiastically push a person to her limit.

Sean!

So, when he asked me to train with him, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to ride with Sean. I rode my bike out to Hains. Sean explained the workout out to me, and then he ran me in the ground. A few times I wanted to say that I needed a break, but I just kept on pushing myself. I finished the workout, and when I finally made it home, my legs were done.... However, the workout that we did is great for conditioning a racer. (The Universe Responds To Our Request.)

THEN,

My teammate Lydia asked me to meet her at a bike shop to do a computraining class, and at first I said ok, then I changed my mind; I didn't want to ride inside on a beautiful day. Computraining is a class where a cyclist put his bike on a computer and the computer simulate courses which always include hills.

After a little coercion, I agreed, and today we trained on the computrainer, and of course we had some good hill practice.

After the class, we headed outside to do an easy spin on a beautiful day.

We were riding along, and I was practicing high cadence, because my legs were completely exhausted from the ride the day before with Sean and computraining. Lydia asked if I wanted to do hill repeats, and I let her know quickly that I just did not have the legs for it.

However, we got to a big hill, and Lydia said that she was going to climb it. I declined and told her that I would just spin around until she returned.

Lydia started to climb that hill and the universe stated "I thought you wanted to be a hill slayer." So, I started to climb that huge hill that turned into more and more hills, and my legs actually did not rebel.

After the climbs I felt a sense of accomplishment, and we continued our ride. (The Universe Responds To Our Request.)

Now, I publicly stated that I wanted to be a hill slayer, and the universe, almost instantaneous, sent the training my way. (Be conscious about every single word that comes out your mouth.)

My people, when we speak, the universe answers, and it does have a sense of humor....

Make sure that you are ready to receive whatever you speak into existence!

Happy Thursday!

Cyclocoss Race #2: Tacchino CX 2014

Fun, Fun, Tiring, Tiring, Fun!

It's always good when a cycling buddy comes out to support!

Happy Sunday!

Seneca Creek Cyclocross: My very first cyclocross race!

Today, I competed in my very first cyclocross race, and I'm In love Again!

Cyclocross racing is difficult to explain, but it is basically riding a bike around sharp turns, up hills, dismounting to jump over obstacles, running or riding through sand etc. (It is fun!)

In a previous post I wrote that according to Nikki Giovanni, falling in love over and over again makes us love life intensely:

She stated that it makes a person's skin better and people notice how well a person looks who is in love. She also stated that being in love has nothing to do with someone loving us back; it's about being in love.....

I AM IN LOVE WITH LIFE INTENSELY!

I am fortunate to live in a city where people love cyclocross, and this affords me the opportunity to go to cyclocross practice about three days a week. I have basically built me a small village, and so many people are raising me. The encouragement and help that I get on a regular basis is unbelievable.

The thought of my first race terrified me, but I was strongly encouraged by "My Village" to just do it, and Today, I did just that.

It was raining when I woke up, but I still got up, got dressed, had breakfast, went to have one of my tires checked, and I drove to the race...

I got there, registered, and pre-rode the extra muddy course. The mud was so thick and difficult to move through, but I was there and had to do it.

Finally, it was 1 o'clock, and we started our race. My people, I was turning corners, riding through mud, slipping and sliding, dismounting and remounting etc.

In one muddy section my legs were on fire, and a fellow racer said to me "your bike can handle it; just do it." My people, with that encouragement, I rode through that mud like a champ.

Before the race, during the race, after the race, my happiness level was to the sky...

My People... I AM IN LOVE!

I have another race tomorrow, and I promise to take more pictures... Stay Tuned!

It's True; It Really Is True!

One of my former students, me, and one of my Tuesday night riding buddies!
We had just finished cross practice!

I've been studying fixed vs. growth mindsets and trying to incorporate this way of thinking into my classroom as well as into my personal life. A person with a fixed mindset believes that he/she has a predetermined amount of intelligence or talents and that these things can not be improved upon. A person with a growth mindset believes that he/she can learn just about anything; that with some struggle, failure, effort, and perseverance, he/ she can achieve.

So, I bought this new cross bike that I absolutely love; I love how it feels when I am riding it, and I love how it looks. It's a pretty bike....

After I got the new bike, I contacted one of my cyclocross friends, Shanna, to see if she was willing to work with me on cyclocrossing. She was more than ready, and we met on The National Mall on a Saturday morning. Shanna took me through a few drills, and I felt pretty good. Then we started to work on dismounting, because with cross racing, there are times when a person may need to dismount, pick up the bike, and jump over an obstacle or run up a hill. I felt like I would never be able to get dismounting, and I even asked Shanna if she thought that I could do it.

Now, if Shanna had said "No, I would not be able to do it," I wonder if I would have given up. I bet that I would have. Instead, she told me that I could do it with time and practice. She even told me that it took her lots of practice to master dismounting, and sometimes she still messes up.

I must admit that there were times when we were practicing that I thought to myself "I will never get this" and "Cross racing is not for me." I also thought about the idea that if we work on anything, we will get better. I started to doubt if that was true. I thought that maybe I have been telling my students something that is just not true.

However, I went out to cross practice last night, and one of my Tuesday night cycling buddies was there. He rode the course with me, and he talked me through the course letting me know when I may need to dismount or what strategies to try in different sections. My people, I had sooo much fun, and I did very well. I was riding up steep hills, riding through rocks, wrongly dismounting but dismounting, and running up steep hills. AND,

It's True: It Really Is True!!!  If we work on anything, we will get better and develop more confidence in that area.....

My people, I had so much fun last night at cross practice, and I know that I will get better, because I am going to practice, practice, get advice, and practice, practice, practice!

It's True; It Really Is True!!! 

Tuesday Nights.......

My social life and cycling have become completely intermingled, and I am loving it. There is nothing like spending time with people who share a common interest. Also, cyclist are some of the nicest people in the whole wide word, for real..

Well, a bike shop in the area has started it's every Tuesday, hilly ride. I've been doing this hilly ride for two years; however, this year is different...

I've met quite a few people through racing, and we have connected through social media. I was invited to meet quite a few cyclist at a person's house near the bike shop, and we climb those hills. Afterwards, we sit around and talk, drink beer, and eat snacks. Those hills ain't so bad when the treat at the end is our social time. (I must make the disclaimer that I do not eat the snacks nor drink the beer just in case Berhane, the Greatest Trainer in the World is reading this blog.)

Here is a glimpse of our post-ride partying so to speak:

I love Tuesdays...

Race #4: The Bunny Hop

My people, race #4 has me doing a whole lot of soul searching......

I got to the race early.

I warmed up for about 30 minutes.

I used the restroom.

I rode the course a few times.

I was feeling pretty good: physically and mentally

The whistle was blown, and I took off with the pack.

However, before long, I was no longer with the pack, I was loosing ground quickly, and it was just another lady and myself, and she soon passed me as well.

Yep, I finished the race, but to be honest, just finishing the race is not enough....

I want to stay with the pack, even if I am at the back of the pack, I want to be in the pack until the race is over.

So, my mind has been busy: "I've been working with a personal trainer for three years, and I should be able to keep up with the other cyclist;" "I am overweight; I need to lose weight;" "My racing jersey makes my stomach looks big;" "Maybe, Berhane is working my legs to much and that is causing them to get bigger;" "I'm afraid to feel the pain that is involved with cycling;" "I need a cycling coach;" "Maybe racing ain't for me" and on and on and on......

Well, I know for sure that I am not giving up, but I am going to talk to Berhane, the Greatest Trainer in the World, and get his thoughts. I am going to be more mindful about everything that I put into my mouth, I am going to commit to cycling six days a week, and I am going to seriously  consider getting a cycling coach.

I want to do a whole lot more than just finishing the race.

Feeling really crazy about racing today....

PLUS...I got some PMS stuff going on!  (Oops, sorry about the mistake.)

I really need to go and read a book or something...

Until the next time......

275.....

My very first racing number!

So, I had my first, cycling race on Sunday, AND I learned a few good lessons....

First, I learned that when I am asked at registration to show my license, I should show my racing license and not my driver's license...(OH BOY!)

Second, I must remind myself to ride my own race.. I can't compare myself to other cyclist. In my next race, I am going to pedal, pedal, pedal...

Third, I learned to never take myself out of the race...I will stop if I get pulled from the race, but I will stay on the course and pedal, pedal, pedal...

Fourth, I learned that I need to train, train, train....

Fifth, I learned that I absolutely love the energy that surrounds a race. It was such a festive but serious environment, and I was extremely happy to be in that number...

My people, I learned some valuable lessons, I have a long way to go, BUT I am going to stay the course...

The Race is Not Given to the Swift, but to the one who endures until the end......

I'll keep you posted!

"If We Surrender to the Air, We Can Ride It" from Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

Every time that I teach Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, there is always a message that I get from it. And on this read, a student pointed out the last line of the novel: "If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it," and this quote has been on my mind every since.....

Surrender, Surrender, Surrender! So That We Can Ride!

I've started training with a cycling team, and I must admit that every time that I ride with them, I am extremely nervous. The team consist of about fourteen men and four ladies, and these men are fast and furious. Now, I love to ride with these guys, because they are very helpful, caring, and emphatic to us women who want to ride fast and furiously just like them. However, loving to ride with this team does not keep me from being fearful. (Sometimes, we must act even if we are afraid!)

On the rides, I do a whole lot of thinking and trying to be in control instead of just surrendering to the ride.....

Yesterday, we did our training ride on the inside, because our regular route was icy. I put my bike on the trainer and the quote "If you surrender to the air, you can ride it" came to my mind. I decided to stop thinking and just surrender to the ride, and once I surrendered, I had an awesome ride. I sent a text to a friend after the ride and told him " I decided to surrender to being uncomfortable, and I had an awesome ride," and I did.

I am constantly having to remind myself that with whatever I do, I normally want to go to the next level, and biking is no different. I want to ride faster and stronger than I did last season. So, I must be willing to be uncomfortable, to stretch, to take constructive criticism, to get out of my comfort zone, to get rid of old bad habits for new good habits, to give up control, and to surrender to the change that is going to take place.

However, I have to constantly remind myself of my goal, because I always think about quitting the team and going back to my comfort zone. (My people, being uncomfortable is no fun, but it is necessary for growth.)

Many of us have set goals for the new year, and know that making these changes is not going to be easy; it will be uncomfortable, you will have to stretch, you may want to revert back to what you have been doing, you may cry, you may feel like 'why,' you may need to be coached, BUT I am challenging you and me to "Surrender to the Air, So We Can Ride It."

Me being me, I believe that this lesson that I am learning from cycling is soooooo much bigger than cycling; we just never know what God has up his sleeves, but I do believe that when we answer God's calling, it is always preparation for us to receive even bigger blessings that add to the good of the world.....

My people, "If We Surrender to the Air, We Can Ride It."

Seagull Century #2: What a Difference a Year Makes!

2013 Seagull Century Riding Partner:
Floyd who is 75 years old!

Last year, I showed up for The Seagull Century Ride, and I did not know anyone. I just knew that I wanted to ride the Seagull Century. Well, if you read that blog about that weekend, you know that I took one step, and God opened the doors wide, literally.

Well, what a difference a year makes.....

This year, I showed up, and I knew a lot of the other riders. This past year, I’ve met so many riders from all over the place.

The Friday before The Seagull Ride, I had the honor of riding with a group of cyclist who represented different cycling clubs, and My People, I was happy to be in that number!!

The Seagull Century Ride, itself, was just as awesome as last year's, complete with great people, food, weather, and scenery....

This year, I thought a lot about happiness, peace, and the NOW. And, I really believe that it is important that we all find things that bring us complete joy, and we must do those things. Also, what we love to do can not be dependent upon one person; the world is full of people so, why would we depend upon one person?

I can not even began to tell you how happy and at peace I am when I cycle with people. My happiness levels goes to the roof, and I know that happiness is medicine for the heart.

I sat on the beach the day after the ride, and the words that I continued to say over and over were "Thank You." I was saying these words to my creator, because I am so thrilled that I am in the place where I really, truly and deeply appreciate Right Now. On that beach, sitting with a friend, is exactly where I was suppose to be at the moment, and I made sure that I was present by appreciating every detail that surrounded me.

I noticed this man with two small children whom I assumed were his. One of the girls did a cartwheel, and then the dad did a cartwheel. Something about a grown man doing a cartwheel really made me glad.

This is a cartwheel!

Then the dad proceeded to stand on his head, and the girls were saying "Don't do that, you might hurt yourself." This made me chuckle. However, when this man stood on his head, this made me laugh OUT LOUD! I just happened to catch the headstand!

When we are present in every moment, JOY shows up everywhere...

My people, I will be doing The Seagull Century Ride for years to come, because it is good for my heart, body, and soul...

Get to living, My People...Tomorrow is not promised!

I can never say no to Rock Creek Park!

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is a "Jewel in the City." It has a stream, lots of woods, small picnic areas, running and biking trails and lots of nature. When a person is in Rock Creek Park, it is very difficult to remember that he is in DC. It feels like Georgia, Alabama, Lousiana or anywhere else that is known for having a lot of woody areas.

Today, one of the hottest days of the summer, it's 98 degrees, I met ladies from the group, Sassy Sister Cycling at 1pm to do a bike ride through Rock Creek Park. (Sounds crazy, but Rock Creek Park is very shady.)


I could have stayed in the air conditioning, but I can never resist a ride through the "Jewel in the City:" Rock Creek Park.

Riding Buddies

Getting Ready

The person who initiated this ride on one of the hottest days of the
summer so far. She is fanning!

The Stream in Rock Creek Park.

Me in Rock Creek Park.

You must experience Rock Creek Park!