The Power of Mindset: How to know if you have a growth mindset.
When it comes to improving our health, we often focus on strategies like eating better, exercising more, or taking the right supplements. But what if the missing ingredient to seeing real, lasting results is something deeper—something that happens in our minds?
Your mindset is more than just positive thinking; it’s the collection of deeply rooted beliefs that shape how you see the world, how you approach challenges, and ultimately, whether you succeed or struggle in achieving your goals.
Let’s explore why mindset matters, how it influences your health, and why this is something that can make or break your results.
🧠 Does Mindset Really Matter?
Absolutely.
Stanford psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck’s research revealed that mindset directly impacts performance. Your beliefs shape your thoughts, which shape your actions, which shape your results. This means your mindset could be the difference between thriving on your health journey or feeling stuck in a cycle of frustration.
For example, consider how you respond when progress feels slow. Do you stay committed and adjust your approach? Or do you give up and think, “Nothing works for me”? That’s mindset at play.
Here’s a challenge for you:
While most people focus on starting or stopping habits, what if you made a resolution to embrace a mindset that truly serves your health?
Mindset #1: Abundance Mindset
Abundance vs. Scarcity
People with an abundance mindset believe there’s enough health, happiness, and wellness to go around. They approach challenges with optimism and resilience, trusting that they can create the outcomes they desire.
On the other hand, a scarcity mindset views health and success as limited. It’s the belief that if you don’t achieve results quickly, you’ve “failed,” or that good health is something only “lucky” people have.
How does this show up in your health journey?
An abundance mindset encourages you to view every effort as a step forward, even if the progress is slow.
A scarcity mindset may lead you to quit when results aren’t immediate.
The shift: Start noticing how you think about your health goals. Are your thoughts rooted in possibility or limitation? Awareness is the first step to change.
Mindset #2: Long-Term Mindset
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking
When it comes to health, the mindset you adopt about time makes all the difference.
Short-term thinkers focus on quick fixes—losing 10 pounds by next month or eliminating symptoms overnight. While tempting, this mindset often leads to burnout and disappointment.
Long-term thinkers, on the other hand, are guided by a clear vision of their future. They ask, “Why am I committed to this goal?” and keep that vision front and center, even when the journey feels slow.
Think about your current health goal.
Are you driven by the desire to feel energized enough to play with your kids?
Are you motivated by the idea of avoiding chronic illnesses later in life?
The shift: Write down your “why” and revisit it often. When you’re tempted to skip a workout or reach for junk food, let that vision of your future self guide your choices.
Mindset #3: Internal Mindset
Who’s Responsible: You or Something Else?
Here’s a powerful question:
Do you believe your health depends on finding the “perfect” pill, diet, or treatment? Or do you believe that making positive changes in your habits, thoughts, and lifestyle will lead to results?
This is called your locus of control:
An external locus of control places responsibility on outside factors.
An internal locus of control focuses on the power you have to create change.
Neither mindset is inherently wrong, but finding balance is key. Supplements, diets, and treatments can support you—but lasting transformation happens when you take ownership of your actions and beliefs.
The shift: Start asking yourself, “What can I do today to improve my health?” Small, consistent actions add up over time.
Mindset #4: Growth Mindset
Growth vs. Fixed Thinking
A growth mindset believes that change is possible. Challenges are opportunities to learn, and setbacks are temporary.
A fixed mindset assumes that you’re either “good” or “bad” at something, and there’s little room for improvement.
But when it comes to health, I see many benefits of embracing a growth mindset ↗️
When we believe our bodies and brains can change, we are more motivated to better ourselves, whether that’s through what we eat, how we move, or choices we make.
When it comes to health, a growth mindset opens the door to experimenting with new strategies, embracing failure as feedback, and trusting in your body’s ability to heal and adapt.
The shift: Remind yourself that progress isn’t linear. Celebrate small wins and use challenges as stepping stones for growth.
Mindset is the Foundation of Success
Here’s the truth: mindset may seem subtle compared to overhauling your diet or workout routine, but it’s the foundation of everything else. Without the right mindset, even the best strategies can fall flat.
But when you adopt an abundance mindset, commit to the long-term, take ownership of your actions, and believe in your ability to grow, you set the stage for real transformation.
Whatever your health goals may be, start with your beliefs. Ask yourself:
What do I truly believe about my ability to achieve this goal?
What stories am I telling myself about health and progress?
How can I reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn?
When you invest in your mindset, you’re investing in long-term health and vitality. And that’s a resolution worth keeping.
You’ve got this 🙌