Sometimes our brain can be our own worst enemy, like a bubble machine, blowing out 60 thousand thought bubbles a day. With 70-80% of those being negative thoughts, there’s a good chance there’s a few in there that are fears that hold you back. Find your specific mindset mantra to keep you pushing through your blocks, unlock your potential and start dreaming big again!
What is a mindset mantra?
A mindset mantra is a concise and powerful phrase or affirmation that empowers us to do better. It is a statement that can be thought, said aloud, written, (tattooed!) to reinforce certain beliefs or attitudes.
Some popular examples are: progress over perfection, I can do difficult things, I choose to see the joy in today and I am enough.
The power of a mindset mantra lies in consistently repeating it and integrating it into daily thoughts and actions. Here we’ll help you choose a mantra that is tailored to your struggles and aligns with your goals and values.
How I came up with mine
Something I’ve learnt over the past year is how many of us are limited by our own beliefs. As a teacher, I’m a bit of a growth mindset fanatic. But I’d only ever thought of growth vs. fixed mindset in terms of skills, intelligence and capabilities.
Turns out, I have a fixed mindset when it comes to personality traits! I’ve always classed myself as disorganised, scattered, anxious and self-doubting. But if I were to truly adopt a growth mindset, I’d believe that I can become an organised, centred, calm and confident person.
Here’s where the mindset mantra comes in.
Recently listening to the Mel Robbins Podcast it all clicked. In one, she was talking about the meaning behind her tattoo, which just so happens to be her own mantra. And in another of her podcasts she’d talked about how if you want to be more confident, it only happens once you’ve started doing the thing and gaining competency.
This was my holy sh*t moment.
Courage before confidence
That’s it. Anytime I’m thinking: I’m not sure, because I’m not good enough yet and if I just read one more book/ watch another YouTube expert/ listen to another podcast on the subject…. I tell myself: courage before confidence.
To some people this might be totally stupid, to others nonsensical. But to me, it has meaning, and it’s the perfect reminder (read: kick up the arse) to just start. You can steal it if it resonates with you.
The thing about the mantra being personal to you, is sometimes there’s a story from your own life that gives you evidence.
I’ve always waited for confidence. It never really showed up, that is, until I had my first-born during the Covid-19 pandemic. Suddenly, I had to vouch for myself and my daughter because no-one was coming. My husband wasn’t allowed in the appointments, he returned to work after 2 weeks parental leave, my family couldn’t come round and help, it was down to me.
A confidence I’ve never known before.
Confidence is still an ongoing struggle. But with the mindset mantra I’ve accepted responsibilities at work that are out of my comfort zone, posted my face more on social media and putting myself ‘out there’ with this blog!
Still to come is record myself speaking on camera – scary!
So that’s me, but what about you?
Mindset is everything, and with a mantra that’s uniquely tailored to you, you can push through blocks, overcome fears and be your best self!
3 questions to discover & create your own mindset mantra
1. Who inspires you/ has overcome what you’re finding hard?
It could be a podcast host, an actor who’s story inspires you, it could be a neighbour, friend or parent. Think of someone you’d go to for advice, who you admire for pushing through adversity or overcoming a fear you resonate with.
How did they get through it? What actions do they take toward their goal or away from their fear? Can you summarise it into a short sentence or phrase?
2. What is always holding you back from reaching your full potential?
Is it the fear of rejection? Are you holding back from changing jobs because you feel like an imposter? Maybe you feel like if what you’re doing isn’t 100% perfect you’ll be judged and you’ll disappoint people.
Whatever it is, you’ll probably find that your fear or mental block you have will affect more than one area of your life. My fear of getting out of my comfort zone and rejection not only stopped me writing, it stopped me forming friendships at work and reaching out to my family when I needed help.
Keep reading for suggestions of mindset mantras to help you through these!
3. What would you do if you overcame these fears?
Write down 10 things you could achieve. No, not just the small stuff.
Would you apply for that promotion? Or, maybe you could attend that dance class after work. Perhaps you’d finally tell that person how you really feel about them.
Think of the opportunities for fun, friendship and self belief just around the corner that a mindset mantra might help you to push toward.
Your mindset mantra might not come to you straight away
Its better if it’s your own but you might not be able to think of one just yet. It’s ok, keep it in your mind that’s its what you’re looking for. Suddenly your brain will pay attention for something that moves, empowers, inspires you.
It’ll be a little phrase that stick with you and you feel something when you say it to yourself.
Some common fears/blocks and mindset mantras that can help
Here’s some mindset mantras based on common worries, and mindset blocks.
What if it did work out? Are you constantly telling yourself the reasons why something might not work. Asking yourself the reverse of this could open up a whole bunch of possibilities you’ve so far ignored!
This too shall pass. A favourite amongst parents of young-ish children (myself included). Every irritating phase has been just that, a phase. Feels like it lasts forever but in the fullness of time it was merely a blip. Doesn’t detract from the struggle you have today, but gives that hope.
I choose to see the joy in today. The crazy thing about telling your brain to look for the good, is it actually works to lift your mood. With this mindset mantra at your side, and with practice, you’ll find it easier to see the positives, even on the rainiest day.
My mistakes take me closer to my true path. Chose to study law then realised you hate it? Well congratulations, you’re a step closer to knowing what you do want.
You can’t steer a ship that’s not moving. One of my faves! Analysis paralysis is real, especially when you’re trying to make the right decision when all options are unknown. Pick something, commit in the short term, give it a go. Very few decisions in life are permanent.
I create my own limits. A great one if you struggle with thinking that this is your lot. It’s as good as it gets if that’s wat you believe. Once you start thinking there could be more, you allow yourself to wonder how to get there.
In this moment, I am safe. Works best when holding your hand over your heart. If anxiety is part of your life, usually the anxiety is about something in the future that could happen. A grounging technique is to look around and recognise that you are safe.
I got my mantra, now what?
If you’re fired up to make a change you’ll find helpful posts here:
Revive your resolutions – all about setting goals for the next 6 months
Shadow work to find your true self – if you’re ready to be your authentic self and embrace who you truly are
Steps to prioritise your work – does what it says on the tin!
Share this post with an accountability buddy or a friend who needs to hear this today ♡
If you’ve got a mindset mantra you swear by I’d absolutely love to hear it! Share your mantra with me over on Instagram or Threads @mollycloverblog