Posted on December 30, 2024 | Tynnetta Sells | Growth Mindset, Personal Development, Motivation, Success Strategies, Overcoming Self-Doubt

Have you ever felt stuck, doubting your ability to learn or improve?

That’s exactly where I found myself just a couple of months ago. I felt trapped in a rut, questioning my ability to grow socially and financially. Looking back, I realize now that our environment often mirrors the state of our mindset, and mine was stuck in self-doubt and fear.

But then something shifted.

It started with a simple interaction on Facebook—a woman introducing herself as a coach. At first, I didn’t think much of it. She began sharing posts about creating a positive space for women to collaborate and network, sparking my curiosity. One day, she mentioned organizing a local coffee shop meetup, and something inside me nudged, Why not?

I didn’t know it at the time, but that small decision to show up would change how I saw myself and my potential.

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What is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. It’s the understanding that growth takes time and challenges are opportunities to improve, not roadblocks.

Contrast this with a fixed mindset, where you believe your abilities are static and unchangeable. This way of thinking can leave you feeling stuck, much like I did, convincing yourself that where you are now is where you’ll always be.

Think of a growth mindset like planting a garden. You don’t just toss seeds into the soil and expect instant blooms. You nurture the seeds, adapt to changes in the weather, and over time, you see growth. Every small effort counts, even if the results take time to show.

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Stepping Out on Faith

With no expectations, I decided to go to the coffee shop meetup. I met incredible women from all walks of life—property managers, marketing professionals, photographers, and coaches. Each of these women was working on themselves, seeking to grow in their own way.

That experience was inspiring, but I still felt unsure. I realized that meeting people was only the first step. I needed to do more to shift my perspective.

So, I scheduled a coaching session with the woman who had organized the meetup. She asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Why aren’t you doing what your heart is set on?”

The truth? I was scared of failing.

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How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset 🪴

Through this process, I learned that cultivating a growth mindset is about taking consistent, intentional steps. Here’s what worked for me—and what I hope will help you:

1. Embrace Challenges

Challenges are opportunities, not threats. I realized that stepping into the unknown—like attending that coffee shop meetup—was necessary for growth. Each challenge you face is a chance to learn something new about yourself.

2. Reframe Failure

Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback. When things don’t go as planned, ask yourself: What did I learn from this? How can I use this to improve next time?

• Actionable Tip: After every setback, write down three lessons you’ve learned and one way you’ll apply them.

3. Adopt a “Yet” Mentality

When you think, “I can’t do this,” add the word “yet.” This simple shift transforms your mindset from one of limitation to one of possibility.

During my coaching session, I told the coach I wasn’t sure I could speak on big stages or reach larger audiences. She reminded me: “Not yet, but you will.”

4. Seek Out Constructive Feedback

Feedback is not criticism—it’s a gift. By being open to others’ perspectives, you allow yourself to see blind spots and grow in ways you couldn’t alone.

• Actionable Tip: Ask someone you trust for feedback on a skill or project and commit to one actionable step based on their input.

5. Celebrate Progress Over Perfection

This article? It’s a celebration of progress, not perfection. Writing it has been a step toward my larger goals, and I’m reminding myself to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

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Lessons in Growth

This experience taught me something important: growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a series of small steps, moments of faith, and decisions to try, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Meeting those women at the coffee shop showed me the power of community. Scheduling that coaching session reminded me to listen to the voice inside that’s been pushing me to dream bigger. Writing this article is another small step in expanding my reach and impact.

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A Message for You

If you’ve been feeling stuck, let me remind you: where you are is not the end. It’s not even the beginning. You’re on a continuous journey, and each interaction, each decision, and each small step contributes to your growth.

Take your interactions seriously. Treat every person you meet as though they have something to offer you—because they do. And don’t forget, you have something to offer them too.

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Actionable Steps for Cultivating Your Growth Mindset

1. Show Up: Attend that meeting, join that group, or accept that invite—even if you feel uncertain.

2. Ask Yourself the Big Question: What’s holding you back from pursuing what you’re truly passionate about?

3. Take Small Steps: Whether it’s writing an article, scheduling a coaching session, or brainstorming your next move—every step matters. 🚶🏽‍♀️‍➡️🚶🏽‍♂️‍➡️🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♂️

4. Reframe Failure: Write down what you’ve learned from setbacks and how you’ll apply those lessons. ✍🏽📝

5. Celebrate Progress 🎉: Acknowledge your wins, no matter how small they seem.

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Final Thoughts

Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It’s about showing up, listening to yourself, and trusting that every step you take matters. Like me, you might start with something simple—an invitation to a coffee shop meetup—and discover that it leads to a whole new perspective.

This is my journey, and I’m so glad you’re here with me. Now, what’s your next step?

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