Sometimes, it’s not a massive change that transforms your life — it’s a small shift in how you see yourself, your challenges, and your possibilities. Over time, I’ve learned that adjusting my mindset, even slightly, can open doors and help me to see pathways I did not think I had (Hello— Imposter Syndrome) or that were closed… or to see a window when a door actually was closed for me. Here are three mindset shifts that truly changed everything for me:

1. You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.

For a long time, I thought I had to have the perfect plan, the perfect timing, the perfect confidence before I took action. But life isn’t a puzzle you solve in advance — it’s a path you create step-by-step. Clarity comes from movement, not standing still. You learn by doing, by trying, by adjusting along the way. When issues and mistakes happen or hurdles get in the way. Waiting for certainty kept me stuck. Choosing courage over certainty set me free.

2. Rest isn’t a reward — it’s a requirement.

There was a time when I believed that rest had to be “earned” — after enough hard work, after checking off enough boxes. But burning out isn’t a badge of honor. Rest is part of the work. Recovery is what allows us to sustain creativity, kindness, ambition, and resilience over the long term. You don’t have to prove you’re tired enough to deserve care. You are worthy of care simply because you are human. Now, I honor rest as a critical part of my rhythm, not an afterthought.

3. Find your people — the ones building solutions, not just pointing out problems.

The people you surround yourself with will either lift you up or pull you down. Find those who are creating ways forward even when barriers exist for all of us. Seek out the problem-solvers, the hope-bringers, the community-builders. Energy is contagious — protect yours by building your circle carefully. Surround yourself with people who believe solutions are possible, even in the toughest moments.

4. Be fully present in the moment.

Distractions are everywhere. I used to believe multitasking made me more productive, but in truth, it kept me scattered and disconnected. Now I find small ways to set distractions aside — silencing notifications, closing extra tabs, being intentional with my attention. Presence is a superpower. When you’re fully here, life feels richer, conversations deepen, and progress speeds up.

5. Find joy in each moment.

Joy doesn’t always come from grand achievements or perfect circumstances. Sometimes it’s found in a quiet breath, a shared laugh, a small victory, a moment of gratitude. Finding joy is an act of resilience — a way to honor life even in the middle of challenges. Every day offers a chance to find light, even if you have to look for it intentionally. The more you practice noticing the good, the more the good grows.

Small shifts. Big wins. Keep going. You’re closer than you think.

These mindset shifts didn’t change my life overnight. They changed my life one small decision, one brave choice, one moment of grace at a time. Growth isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. It’s about meeting yourself with compassion and daring to believe that better days are ahead, even when you can’t yet see them.

#MindsetMatters #KeepGrowing #FindYourPeople #BePresent #Transformational #ChooseJoy

Mindset shift 1.

Sandberg, S. (2013). Lean in: Women, work, and the will to lead. Alfred A. Knopf.

Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. Avery.

Mindset shift 2. Learn more about Rest

Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is resistance: A manifesto. Little, Brown Spark.

Mindset shift 3.

Hooks, B. (2000). All about love: New visions. William Morrow.

Mindset shift 4.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.

Mindset shift 5. Connect more with emotions and Joy

Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the heart: Mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience. Random House.

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Dr. Cara Grant the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this blog post with the following:

Self-Care is Critical by Claudine Miles

Three tips for self-care as an educator by Pran Patel

The Power of Meaningful and Joyful Experiences by  Leticia Cariño

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?