In this article, I have laid out three steps I took to get control of my mindset. It starts with recognizing that you have limited yourself, then shifting to understand that you are more than a conqueror, and finally deciding to live in a growth mindset.
When it comes to healing your body physically, you will only heal as much as your mind allows. Having a plan and implementing it is one thing, but having your body respond to it with healing is another.
After four months of fighting severe cystic acne, I started to understand that fighting my body was only making things worse. I was vigorously exfoliating 2-3 times a day, applying burning topicals to my raw and red skin, while crying through it all, and sending my mind into a panic spiral. Thoughts such as I am disgusting, I will never get rid of this, or I am all alone in this played on repeat in my head.
Even though I might have been doing things to try to help my skin, my panicking mind was telling my body that it was not safe to heal.
Our minds see all threats as life-threatening danger. For instance, getting up to speak in front of people or seeing a new breakout on your acne-covered face are perceived on the same level as being chased by a saber-tooth tiger. But, just because something is scary does not mean that it is life-threatening, and just because you are uncomfortable does not mean you are unsafe.
It all changed for me when I realized that the same way my conscious system sends me spiraling into panic and fear, it can also send me to safety.
Recognize Your Limited Mindset
The first step to mastering your mindset is awareness. Pay attention to negative thought patterns and the words that you tell yourself. Whether it’s fear of failure or a belief that getting better isn’t possible, identifying these mental blocks is crucial to changing them.
Examples of Limiting Thoughts:
- “I’m not good enough”
- “I always fail”
- “I am a failure, and I will never get better”
- “Everything I try doesn’t work, and I keep getting worse”
Practical Exercise: Write down common negative thoughts you have about yourself or your health. Then, challenge each one by asking, Is this really true? or How would someone else see this situation.
Application Tip: Place your hand over your heart, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you are not alone. You are safe, and your body is healing.
Shift to a Conqueror Mindset
Once you’ve identified limiting thoughts, actively work to replace them with true ones. Challenge negative thoughts by asking, “Is this real?” or “Are these just feelings or are they facts?” affirmations that are grounded in truth – who God says you are, and who he promises to be to you. Surround yourself with positive influences, and focus on the good rather than obstacles. Shifting your mindset is about reprogramming your brain to realize you are healing.
- The Power of Reframing: Instead of saying, “I failed,” say, “I learned what doesn’t work, and I can try again.” Shifting how you interpret setbacks builds resilience.
- Tools to Support the Shift:
- Affirmations: Write out statements like, I am capable of getting better or I have everything in God that I need to succeed.
- Imagine yourself at the end of your journey and the positive things associated with where you will be.
Take the opportunity in front of you to get to know God as your healer. He was sent to heal the broken in heart and to bind up wounds, and he is in the business of restoration.
Action Tip: Surround yourself with people, books, and media that share the same positive outlook that you are striving to have for yourself.
Commit to a Growth Mindset
Mastery comes from consistent effort. Intentionally nurture a growth mindset by embracing challenges, learning from feedback, and celebrating progress over perfection. Practice gratitude to stay motivated, and set actionable goals that push you toward growth. Remember, mindset mastery is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to self-improvement.
Take the time to write down what you are going through. Don’t waste the journey by just surviving, record the lessons you are learning! You will see more progress if you keep a record, and this will give you confidence for the rest of your healing journey!
What is a Growth Mindset?: Believing that your abilities, intelligence, and skills can improve with effort and learning.
Strategies for Commitment:
- Embrace Challenges: View them as opportunities to grow rather than threats.
- Learn from what doesn’t work: Instead of getting discouraged or defeated, use setbacks as a guide for improvement.,
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small, to keep motivation high. Reward yourself for small victories
Practical Example: When i was healing my gut, i would take myself to Target if I completed a specific task.
Mastering your mindset is an ongoing journey. By recognizing and challenging limiting beliefs, shifting to a truth-based perspective, and committing to a growth mindset, you can create a mental environment that supports your healing journey. Remember, the key is consistency—small, intentional steps every day will lead to profound transformation over time.
Ready to Shift Your Mindset? Start today by identifying one limiting belief and reframing it into something true. Share your mindset shift in the comments below—your story could inspire others! Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and tools to help you create a growth-oriented life.
