Starting the Year Afresh
Why a Growth Mindset Is the Key to Long-Lasting Change
Happy New Year and week dear friend!
The year 2025 is here and as we start the year a lot of us start with new year’s resolutions and intentions to create impactful change in our lives. However, somewhere along the way many of us fall off track and so never get to see our goals manifest.
One thing I have learnt along my journey of growth is that for this impactful change to happen we need a mindset that sees beyond doubt, fear, setbacks and disappointments. This mindset is what we call the Growth mindset and what I want to start this year’s content with.
Change is tough, period! Whether it’s starting a new habit, breaking an old one, or chasing a big goal, it can feel overwhelming. But there’s a mindset that can make this happen. Popularized by psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that you can grow and improve through effort and learning.
So What Really is a Growth Mindset, and Why Does It Matter?
A growth mindset means seeing challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” you start thinking, “I can learn to do this.” It’s all about focusing on progress, not perfection.
And why is this mindset so powerful? It not only builds resilience, encourages persistence, and makes change feel achievable it also allows us to take responsibility for our growth and development.
Here are 3 Simple Ways to I have Learnt to Cultivate a Growth Mindset
1. Flipping Negative Self-Talk
How many times have I stood in the face of a new project and thought I can’t do this, or I don’t feel qualified enough to do this?
Well, many but one quote I have always remembered in these times has been Henry Ford’s - “if you think you can or cannot either way you are right.” This then makes me start researching for “how to” rather than my initial thoughts of doubt.
We all have that inner critic that pops up when we decide to do something new. Instead of letting it win, reframe your thoughts. For example:
Instead of: “I’m terrible at this.”
Try: “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.”
Quick Tip: Catch yourself when negative thoughts pop up and reframe them into something empowering. I normally create affirmations and mantras for each year to help me focus my mind.
2. Embracing Setbacks as Stepping Stones
I read somewhere that - mistakes aren’t failures—they’re feedback. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and adjust.
Sometimes it’s easier to throw in the towel when we encounter a setback but in trying so many business ideas I have learnt that when something I am working on hits an obstacle I need to take a step back and evaluate. Sometimes I have had to go on a completely different route but that is ok because I am learning.
Action Step: After a setback, write down one lesson you learned and how you’ll use it to move forward.
3. Celebrating Effort, Not Just Results
If you’ve read the books Atomic Habits or the 12 Week Year, you will notice this common thread of the 1% better everyday philosophy. Both books teach the importance of consistent effort and not just focusing on the outcome.
It’s easy to focus on the end goal, but don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way because it is the small wins, the effort we make everyday the leads us to the big goal.
Quick Tip: Keep a journal and jot down one thing you’re proud of each day—no matter how small.
Real-Life Inspiration
Here’s one popular example of this mindset, many of us know about the quote from Thomas Edison, who famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” when he was trying to invent the lightbulb. That’s the growth mindset in action—seeing failure as part of the process, not the end of the road.
Our Challenge
As we start a new week, I would like to encourage you to pick one area in your life where you want to change and have tried but still not been able to. Apply the concept of a growth mindset by reframing your thoughts on the situation you want to work on.
Find one thing, however little that you can do daily to get you to the result. Then as you take action remember to celebrate your effort, this can be remembering to take action every day.
Change will happen but the important thing to remember is change isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on the concept of a growth mindset so please do share any in the comments.
Have a great week ahead.
Love & light
Sheila Daisy