Ever catch yourself thinking, I’ll never get better, or This is just who I am; nothing can change that? If so, you’re not alone. These thoughts can be overwhelming, especially when mental health feels like a constant uphill battle. But here’s the thing: those beliefs aren’t facts. They’re part of what’s known as a fixed mindset—and shifting them could be one of the most important steps toward healing.
When it comes to mental health, a fixed mindset often sounds like, I’m just an anxious person, or I’ve always been this way. It’s the belief that your struggles are permanent and that growth or change is out of reach. And while it’s completely valid to feel stuck or defeated—because healing is hard work—it’s important to remember that this mindset isn’t the whole truth.Now, let’s flip the script. A growth mindset acknowledges that mental health challenges are real and difficult, but it also leaves room for hope. Instead of, I’m broken, it says, I’m struggling, but I can find ways to feel better. Instead of, I’ll never get through this, it says, What’s one small step I can take today?This shift isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It’s about recognizing that growth, no matter how slow or messy, is possible. Therapy, medication, self-care, building a support system—it all takes time and effort. A growth mindset doesn’t erase the hard days; it helps you believe they won’t last forever.Imagine looking at your mental health the way you’d approach learning a new skill. At first, it’s uncomfortable and full of setbacks. But with patience and practice, you start to notice small wins. Maybe you find yourself better at managing stress or setting boundaries. Maybe you have more good days than bad. Each step forward reinforces the belief that change is possible.The next time your mind tells you, This is just who I am, challenge it. Add the word “yet” to your thinking: I don’t feel better… yet. Because healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.You’re not stuck. You’re growing. And even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it, that growth is worth fighting for.
Imagine two plants. One grows in a pot that’s too small, its roots cramped and unable to expand. The other thrives in a larger pot, with room to stretch and grow. These plants are like two mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. A fixed mindset is like that small pot. If you believe your abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone, you might avoid challenges, give up when faced with setbacks, and shy away from feedback. It’s a mindset that clings to the need to always “look smart,” leading to frustration and stagnation.Now, imagine the larger pot. A growth mindset gives you room to grow. When you believe your talents and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence, you view challenges as opportunities and embrace learning.
This doesn’t mean you’ll become an instant genius, but it does mean you can make meaningful progress.Seeing challenges as opportunities instead of roadblocks is a foundational part of cultivating a growth mindset. Obstacles, while difficult, can teach valuable lessons and help build resilience. Effort, too, plays a key role. It’s a necessary part of growth, helping you push through discomfort and master new skills over time.When you notice someone else achieving success, it can be easy to feel inadequate. But shifting your perspective allows you to see others’ achievements as inspiration instead of threats. Their success doesn’t diminish yours—it highlights what’s possible. Language also matters. If you find yourself thinking, I can’t do this, try adding one simple word: yet. This small change opens the door to future possibilities and reminds you that growth takes time.
It’s important to recognize the value of praising effort over innate talent, both in yourself and others. By celebrating hard work and persistence rather than fixed qualities like intelligence, you create an environment where growth feels attainable. Progress should be measured by what you’re learning, not just by immediate outcomes. This mindset fosters patience and self-compassion, which are crucial for mental well-being.Surrounding yourself with people who embody a growth mindset can make a huge difference. Being around those who view challenges as opportunities and value persistence can inspire and motivate you to adopt the same perspective. Growth isn’t always easy, but with the right mindset, it’s always possible.
These shifts may seem small, but they’re powerful. Consider what happens when we’re able to reframe our struggles with mental health. Instead of seeing them as insurmountable, we begin to see them as part of our story—a story we have the power to rewrite. This doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay or downplaying the pain. It means believing that healing is possible and that you’re capable of change.Think back to the plants. The one in the cramped pot will struggle to grow until it’s given more space. The same is true for our minds. With time, effort, and the right conditions, we can thrive. By shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, we’re giving ourselves permission to try, to fail, and to keep going.Growth mindset isn’t about where you are today; it’s about where you’re willing to go tomorrow. So, when you hear that inner voice of doubt, remember: You’re not stuck. You’re growing.