Fostering Growth Mindset for Success

By Garrett Hoisington, Incoming IFPS President.

Developing a growth mindset is crucial for enhancing your knowledge, skills, and mindset, regardless of your field. Whether you’re a student learning full-time, a professional in a technical field, or working to build stronger personal relationships, a commitment to continuous learning is essential for growth. 

How we choose to expand our knowledge and improve ourselves varies; many of us turn to resources like books, online platforms, and video tutorials. Over the past few years, these resources have proven invaluable as I’ve worked to expand a fluid power service business within the mining industry. However, while books and other media are helpful in providing foundational knowledge, the real challenge lies in applying that knowledge effectively. This is particularly true in specialized fields like fluid power, where technical resources are available but a clear pathway for personal and professional growth can be challenging to navigate.

In recent years, the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) has made significant strides in providing accessible resources to support the growth of our members and the broader community. IFPS leadership, along with its dedicated staff and board members, has done an exceptional job updating certification materials, the organization’s website, technical manuals, and numerous other resources. Beyond these enhancements, IFPS has also introduced training programs and defined pathways to certification. This offers a structured approach for individuals aiming to deepen their knowledge of fluid power and validate their expertise through certification.

Reflecting on my own journey, I remember studying for my first IFPS certification test years ago and facing a considerable challenge. While a study manual was available to me, the responsibility to find mentors and resources for in-depth learning fell solely on my shoulders. The landscape of IFPS resources has transformed since then, making the certification journey much more supportive and comprehensive. Today, the IFPS provides a range of learning tools, from detailed study guides to instructional videos and live training sessions. This robust support system not only makes certification more attainable, but also fosters a sense of community by connecting learners with experts and peers.

In addition to these certification-focused resources, IFPS has committed to ongoing professional development and community engagement. Our organization offers continuing education webinars, comprehensive fluid power reference handbooks, discussion forums, and a variety of other resources aimed at empowering our members and the broader fluid power community. The focus is on sustained growth at both the organizational and individual levels, creating pathways for both technical skill development and professional validation. For individuals interested in fluid power, IFPS aims to be a reliable resource for learning and growth, regardless of prior experience.

Looking ahead, one of IFPS’s primary goals is to expand our reach internationally over the next five years. We are working to provide more accessible content, including free educational webinars, which will allow more people globally to engage with fluid power technology and grow their expertise. This goal reflects our commitment to fostering growth within our existing community while also encouraging a broader, international audience to discover the benefits of IFPS membership. By offering accessible learning resources and creating a welcoming environment for learners worldwide, we’re hoping to strengthen both individual members and the organization as a whole.

As I take on the role of IFPS President this coming year, I’m excited to lead our organization on this ongoing journey of growth and innovation. My focus will be on helping our members grow not only in their technical capabilities but also in their professional value within their respective industries. The resources and community support offered by IFPS represent a unique opportunity for anyone passionate about fluid power to advance in their career, gain recognition, and contribute to the field. I look forward to supporting each member in becoming a more knowledgeable, skilled, and valuable professional, and I am eager to see how our organization will continue to evolve and expand.

Through a collective commitment to growth, learning, and excellence, the IFPS is poised to make a meaningful impact in the fluid power industry.