Success through effort: growth mindset, grit, and deliberate practice in athletic performance

This study investigated the relationships among athletes’ growth mindset, grit, deliberate practice, and perceived performance, drawing on implicit theory and the social-cognitive achievement motivation model. Specifically, we examined the multiple mediating roles of grit and deliberate practice in the relationship between growth mindset and perceived performance outcomes. A total of 297 responses were collected from elite athletes affiliated with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. Results revealed that growth mindset was positively associated with grit and deliberate practice, which were in turn, associated with athletes’ performance. These findings offer valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms associated with athletic success, suggesting that growth mindset, grit, and deliberate practice may collectively represent relevant components of optimal competitive functioning. By highlighting the importance of these factors, this study may provide a theoretical and practical foundation for future research and the development of evidence-informed approaches to supporting long-term athletic excellence.