Success of Others

Athletes with a growth mindset view the success of others as a source of inspiration and motivation. Rather than feeling threatened or envious, they celebrate their peers' accomplishments and use them as fuel to push their limits. This mindset builds a culture of positivity, resilience, and shared progress. It allows athletes to see that greatness is not exclusive — it is a standard that can be pursued together.

One of my favorite examples comes from the world of pole vaulting — a sport close to my heart. When Armand "Mondo" Duplantis broke the pole vault world record, among the first to congratulate him was Renaud Lavillenie, the previous world record holder. These two weren’t just competitors. They represented different generations of the sport, and yet their interaction tells us something powerful about the growth mindset.

In an interview after his record-setting vault, Duplantis said,

“Growing up, Renaud was my absolute idol… The support he's given me through this whole process, too, has been phenomenal.”

This quote highlights two powerful mindsets: Duplantis, the younger athlete, never saw Lavillenie’s greatness as a threat — he saw it as something to chase. Lavillenie, in turn, embraced Duplantis’s achievement and used it as an opportunity to encourage the next generation. This is what it means to compete with a growth mindset.

Contrast that with a fixed mindset. Athletes who are stuck in comparison often see the success of others as proof of their inadequacy. They think: “If someone else is better, that must mean I’m worse.” This type of thinking leads to envy, bitterness, and insecurity, ultimately limiting development. These athletes may withdraw or disengage, failing to use their peers' success as a learning opportunity or spark for improvement.

Growth-minded athletes choose a better way. They watch the highlight reel of a rival, not with jealousy, but with curiosity: “What can I learn from this? How can I use this to fuel my progress?” They understand that greatness isn’t a zero-sum game. There’s room at the top for more than one. And when they see someone else reach a milestone, they don’t crumble — they climb.

To develop a growth mindset, this is a crucial mental skill: use the success of others to inspire and drive yourself. Let it remind you of what’s possible. Let it fuel your work ethic and elevate your goals. Don’t shrink in the shadow of greatness — rise in the light of it.

This is Mental Strength.

For Players 

DO:

• Celebrate your teammates’ and competitors’ successes out loud — say "well done" or "that was awesome."

• Ask yourself what you can learn from someone else’s achievement and apply it to your training.

DON’T:

• Avoid cheering for others because you're afraid it makes you look weak or less capable.

• Compare yourself in a way that makes you feel "less than" — comparison should fuel, not drain you.

For Parents

DO:

• Use the success of other athletes to teach your child about hard work and what’s possible.

• Reinforce that others' achievements don't take away from your child's growth or value.

DON’T:

• Make comparisons between your child and other players that create pressure or discourage them.

• Diminish others’ success in front of your child as a way to make them feel better — this teaches the wrong lesson.

For Coaches

DO:

• Promote a culture where players celebrate each other’s wins and personal bests, regardless of who gets the spotlight.

• Highlight examples of success (even from opponents) as learning opportunities in film review or practice.

DON’T:

• Pit players against each other in a way that fosters jealousy or ego-driven competition.

• Only recognize the top performer — spread praise across effort, teamwork, and improvement.