Written by Monique Jordan-Cave

Your Career Bestie

Without Losing Your Spark

Hello, friend,

Ever felt like everyone else got the memo on “how to be great” while you’re stuck overthinking that one time you messed up a pitch… three years ago?

Yeah, we’ve all been there.

But here’s the truth bomb: your mindset isn’t set in stone.

It’s not tattooed on your soul.

It’s a habit—and habits can change.

Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset isn’t just about feeling good.

It’s how you start leading, learning, and living at your next level—without burning out or playing small.

Let’s flip that mental script and walk into your full power.

You in?

1. Understand the Real Difference Between Fixed and Growth Mindsets

Let’s break it down like we're chatting over coffee.

A fixed mindset whispers, “You either got it, or you don’t.”

A growth mindset shouts, “You don’t have it yet, but damn, you will.”

The fixed mindset is terrified of failure.

The growth mindset?

It high-fives failure for being the best teacher in the room.

Here’s what a fixed mindset sounds like:

❌ “I’m just not good at public speaking.”

❌ “This is too hard—I must not be cut out for it.”

❌ “If I try and fail, I’ll look stupid.”

Now flip that to a growth mindset:

✅ “I can improve with practice.”

✅ “This challenge is here to teach me.”

✅ “Mistakes mean I’m growing.”

This switch isn’t fluffy. It’s foundational.

Your brain is wired for learning. Use it.

2. Catch Your Inner Critic in the Act

You can’t change what you’re not aware of.

Next time your inner critic starts yapping about how you “always mess things up” or “will never get it right,” pause. Then, get curious.

Ask:

“Is this thought helpful, true, or just fear in a fancy dress?”

Then reframe it. Instead of, “I suck at managing teams,” say, “I’m learning how to be a better leader every day.”

Boom.

Mindset shift in motion.

Try this:

📝 Journal three negative thoughts you have daily.

📝 Rewrite them as growth-focused statements.

📝 Repeat ‘em like mantras. Say them like you mean it.

Because friend—your words build your world.

3. Make Friends with Failure (It’s Part of the Process)

Nobody likes to fail. But guess what?

Every soul leader who’s ever done anything worthwhile has faceplanted more times than they’ve won.

The difference? They got up with more self-belief, not less.

Start seeing failure as:

🤔 Feedback, not a final grade.

🤔 A redirection, not a rejection.

🤔 Evidence that you're in the arena, not on the side-lines.

When things go sideways, don’t beat yourself up.

Ask:

👉 “What did I learn?”

👉 “What would I do differently next time?”

👉 “What would future-me thank me for doing now?”

Growth mindset isn’t about never falling. It’s about bouncing forward.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection

Listen, perfection is a myth. And chasing it? Exhausting.

Instead, celebrate the small wins. Your brain loves a little reward.

So give it some joy fuel.

Notice when you:

👍 Spoke up in a meeting (even if your voice shook).

👍 Took one messy step toward a big scary goal.

👍 Asked for help (which takes real courage, by the way).

These moments might seem tiny.

But string enough of them together?

You’ve got a whole transformation.

Growth mindset lives in the everyday effort. Not the grand arrival.

5. Surround Yourself with People Who Grow You

You can’t grow in an environment that keeps you small.

That means it’s time to curate your circle.

Spend more time with people who:

🤝 Challenge you with love.

🤝 Celebrate your evolution, not just your achievements.

🤝 Normalise growth, grit, and getting back up.

And if your current environment feels like a fixed-mindset echo chamber?

Be the one who breaks the pattern. Others will follow.

You don’t need permission to rise.

You Get to Choose Your Mindset Every Day

Shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset isn’t a one-time epiphany.

It’s a choice. A commitment.

A conscious unlearning of all the “not enough” you were ever taught—and a re-learning of your power.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be fearless.

You just have to be willing.

Start small. Start today. Just start.

💡 What’s one fixed belief you’ve been holding onto that you’re ready to release?

Let me know in the comments below.

Over to you!

MJx

Please feel free to share this article with a loved one, friend or colleague.

Ready to Grow Even Bigger?

If you’re loving this mindset magic and you’re ready to shift your vibe, your habits, and your whole damn life.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, for weekly coaching pep talks, tools, and real talk.

Because growth mindset?

It’s not just a concept. It’s a lifestyle.

Let’s rise together, fellow soul leader.

How To Shift From A Fixed To A Growth Mindset

Fixed Vs Growth Mindset Examples For Professionals

Mindset Change For Managers And Leaders

Overcoming Self-Doubt At Work

Building A Growth Mindset As A Creative Professional

How to Shift from a Fixed to a Growth Mindset

Without Losing Your Spark