April 17, 2025

Mindset matters more than motivation. As a parent and someone striving to live a more fulfilled life, I have had my fair share of moments where motivation felt like a fleeting spark, exciting but short-lived. Like many, I have depended on that surge of motivation to initiate something new—whether it was a fitness goal, a personal project, or the big dreams I held for my children. What I have learnt over time is that it’s not motivation that keeps us going, but the mindset we choose to nurture each day.   A Story of perseverance and growth A few months ago, I set out to improve my health. I was determined to lose weight and get fit. The first week was easy; I had all the motivation I needed. I woke up early, exercised, and felt unstoppable. But by week two, life got busy. The kids were demanding more of my time, and I felt drained. My motivation was gone, and it felt like I was back at square one. I could have easily given up, but that was when I remembered something important: mindset matters more than motivation. Instead of focusing on how motivated I was (or wasn’t), I shifted my focus to my mindset. I realised it wasn’t just about feeling motivated daily; rather, it was about showing up and trusting that progress would come from consistent effort. Carol Dweck, the psychologist behind the growth mindset theory, teaches us that our abilities are not set in stone. She says: ‘The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life’. — Carol Dweck This quote resonated with me on a deeper level. I realised that I had to view myself as someone capable of growth, even on days when my motivation was low. I chose to show up, even when it was challenging; that was the true victory. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about making progress.   Why Mindset Beats Motivation Motivation can be exciting, but it is not reliable. Some days, we are filled with energy and enthusiasm. But other days, it is hard to muster the strength to get out of bed or tackle our goals. This is where mindset comes in. A growth mindset is about believing in your ability to improve, regardless of the obstacles. It is the belief that every step, no matter how small, moves you closer to your goal. Carol Dweck emphasises it beautifully in another quote: ‘Becoming is better than being.’ — Carol Dweck This quote reminds us that growth isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It is not about achieving the perfect result—it is about evolving and learning along the way. This mindset shift helped me continue my health journey even when I didn’t feel motivated. I learnt to value the process of becoming, not just the result.   How to Shift from Motivation to Mindset If you are feeling stuck or discouraged, it might be time to shift from relying on motivation to cultivating a growth mindset. Here is how: Focus on Effort, Not Just Results: Celebrate the small steps you take, even when motivation isn’t there. Consistency is the key to growth Embrace Setbacks as Lessons: Challenges are inevitable. Instead of viewing them as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and improve. Trust the Process: Understand that growth takes time. Be patient with yourself, knowing that every effort counts—even when it feels hard. Conclusion: Mindset Leads to Lasting Success What I have learnt through my health journey (and many others) is that mindset matters more than motivation. Motivation may get you started, but it’s your mindset that will keep you going when things get tough. Whether you are navigating the challenges of parenting, pursuing your dreams, or simply trying to improve your daily habits, your mindset will ultimately determine your success. So, the next time you find your motivation waning, remember this: growth is a journey, not a destination. With a growth mindset, you will keep moving forward, one step at a time. Call to Action: What small step can you take today to nurture a growth mindset? I would love to hear how you stay focused and consistent in your journey. Share your thoughts below.