September 23, 2019
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Prevention Mindset = Growth Mindset.
Prevention Mindset = Growth Mindset
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What do I mean by that?
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Why do we work out? In most cases, the answer involves something related to prevention of muscle loss, maintenance of current muscle & musculoskeletal support/strength, increased strength/growth of muscles/skeletal support, &/or to experience an overall release of endorphins—also creating a sense of motivation, inspiration, or mental/emotional release. We are PREVENTING decline and we are GROWING our current state into one of improved strength, mobility, endurance, & health.
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Why should we eat healthy? In most cases, the answer might involve something related to prevention of disease, maintenance or improvement of body function, to increase overall energy, &/or to reduce the amount of dietary risk factors our bodies are exposed to (which could lead to negative changes in our system). We are PREVENTING decline and also GROWING our health and function.
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Why should we drink water and stay hydrated? Likely the answer involves something related to honoring the importance of maintaining hydration so the body can function properly, the vocal folds can vibrate efficiently with the least amount of effort, and the skin can glow beautifully (just to name a few hydration perks!). We are PREVENTING decline and GROWING the chance of optimal function and appearance (of the body, vocal folds, and our skin).
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These are just a FEW examples of how a mindset of “preventing” can lead to the GROWTH and success we yearn for (there are SO many more—think: vitamins, herbs, pet & human vaccines, mammograms, prostate exams, brushing your teeth, washing your face, & even house cleaning!). We must take ownership of our future by taking action in the NOW. THE SAME APPLIES TO THE VOICE!!! It is not in our REACTIONS and/or rehabilitations AFTER something negative has happened (to the body, voice, etc.)…but instead the MAGIC is found in our daily habits of prevention and purposeful care that lead to a dramatically reduced risk of injury or need for rehabilitation in general.
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So the next time you think you don’t need to warmup your voice or focus on ensuring optimal hydration…think instead of this “prevention mindset”. Wouldn’t it be better to reduce the risk of a pathology? The next time you think using respiratory muscle strength trainers won’t benefit you (because you are “normal”) or that consistently practicing vocal flexibility, endurance, or voice-building exercises won’t benefit you (because you are “doing great right now”), consider this “prevention mindset”. Not only are you actively reducing the risk of vocal injury, but you are also actively maintaining current respiratory & vocal function as well as further strengthening& growing this “baseline” function of yours.
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Because we must never stop growing…the goal to speak or sing or teach or instruct does not remain “just that”…we should want to do better…be better…each and every day! So, let the prevention mindset guide you, keep you healthy, & strengthen you as you press onward to your better (vocal) self…each and every day!...Be proactive not reactive. #growthmindset
Author
Sara Davis, M.A. CCC-SLP
Author
Check out the Meet The Founder page for bio!