Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Formula-1 (F1) is an international autosport with an annual audience of 87.4 million racing fans.  Even though the pandemic forced many events to be canceled, with high-profile names like Michael Jordan entering the world of racing (with F1 competitor, NASCAR), the influence of racing continues to grow. 

F1 Hall of Famer Ayrton Senna’s comet streaked across the auto-racing sky until his fatal crash in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix.  With a record number of wins to his name—including six victories at the Monaco Grand Prix—Brazilian-born Senna was widely regarded as one of the most remarkable and influential drivers of all time.

Ayrton always viewed racing as a metaphor for life.  He was aware of his mortality, knowing that in a split-second it could all be gone.  Yet he tried harder than any other driver.

As hard as Aytron pushed himself on the racetrack, he equally pushed the boundaries of his mind.  He was introspective and passionate in the extreme.  Both worlds fueled him, taking him to a level of notoriety few other F1 drivers have ever achieved.

As he once proclaimed,

With your mind power, your determination, your instinct, and the experience as well, you can fly very high.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

We can learn by Senna's example, most notably by learning to challenge yourself in order to grow.

Research has shown that as you learn a new skill your brain rewires itself to make new neuron connections.  This is known as neuroplasticity—the ability to form new connections and adapt to new circumstances.

By challenging yourself you are likely to discover hidden talents or passions; at the very least, a new hobby.  Most of all, you’ll be open to novel opportunities and experiences that will challenge you—and help you grow.

This is also known as cultivating a Growth Mindset, which goes hand in hand with neuroplasticity.  Ayrton Senna’s mind power, determination, instinct, and experiences are examples of what can be accomplished with this mindset.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once proclaimed, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”  One way this helps is by integrating optimal anxiety—the balance of anxiety that gives you the push you need—into your life.

The takeaway: challenge yourself.  Imagine the heights you'll achieve when harnessing your mind power, being determined in all of your endeavors, and following your instinct.