Have you ever thought about your mindset and how it shows up in your life?
You see, the way we navigate gratitude, complaints, and comparisons has a profound impact on our mindset and our brain. Our mindset actually influences how we perceive and overcome challenges or acknowledge and celebrate our progress.
A Fixed Mindset is a 'Trap'
Complaints:
Complaints and comparisons often stem from a fixed mindset—the belief that challenges are immovable. When repeated, they reinforce neural pathways tied to stress and negativity, making problems feel heavier and solutions harder to think about and see.
Reflection: Do your complaints open doors to solutions or leave you feeling stuck?
Impact: Complaining increases stress, reduces focus, and keeps us anchored in frustration.
Take Action:
Pause before voicing a complaint. Ask yourself, “What’s one small action I can take charge of, to change this?” Channel energy toward solutions rather than dwelling on the problem.
Comparison: The Thief of Joy:
Comparing ourselves to others is human nature, but when it becomes habitual, it can harm our confidence and well-being. The brain’s reward system may initially engage, but negative comparisons eventually increase our stress levels and erode self-esteem.
Reflection: Do your comparisons inspire you, or do they leave you feeling inadequate?
Impact: Comparisons shift focus away from your growth and highlight what you feel you lack.
Take Action:
Curate your social media feed to follow accounts that inspire and motivate you. Take breaks from platforms that fuel unhelpful comparisons.
Growth Mindset
Gratitude: What turns what we appreciate - into enough:
Gratitude on the other hand is the mindset that I lean on. It is all about the practice of recognizing and appreciating life’s blessings, big or small. It nurtures a growth mindset, rewiring the brain to focus on positives. Gratitude activates areas of the brain that are responsible for emotional regulation and releases serotonin and dopamine, improving mood and resilience.
Reflection: When was the last time you felt truly thankful?
Impact: Gratitude brings calm, strengthens relationships, and helps us recover from setbacks with renewed perspective.
Practical Action:
Start a daily gratitude journal. Write three things that brought you joy or comfort, whether it’s a kind gesture or the warmth of the sun on your face.
What small step can you take today to shift your mindset?
These steps aren’t just concepts—I’ve lived them. By practicing gratitude, I’ve found calm even in adversity. Turning complaints into actions has helped me regain control during tough situations.
Letting go of comparisons has allowed me to focus on my own unique path, without seeking the permission and approval of others. I now celebrate my own progress and remain content within myself. These habits have transformed my mindset, strengthened my resilience, and helped me (and continuing to help me to) achieve my goals. Goals I once thought were impossible.
If these insights resonate with you, let’s connect. Together, we can explore ways to help you embrace these practices and create a life filled with growth, and fulfilment.
#IChoose to have a growth mindset
#IChoose to be grateful
With Gratitude
Your Friend Annabel
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