Finding Satisfaction in a GROWTH Mindset

One of the most exciting ways to squeeze the greatest value out of our time is to choose ways to spend it that offer JOY and meaning – think fun, adventure, novelty and perhaps challenge. As we enter the second month of 2026 (Can you believe it?!), reflection action comes to mind.

So, I learned a few years back about growth mindset from listening to Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset*, that explains not only the concept of growth mindset, but how we get stuck in fixed mindsets.

As we approach retirement or are in retirement, we get a little anxious about the unknown, the unkown 30-ish years of retirement. When we get anxious, we tend to get rigid, worried, unbending, and inflexible. Rigidity, resistance and inflexibility affect your outlook and physical well-being too. We see options as singular, either/or choices. Or we tell ourselves that we/re too old, too weak, too tired, alone, stuck in a rut or routine that is not bringing us joy, but is familiar! We are scared to try something new, or new again. Why do we twist ourselves into believing that we no longer possess the capacity to GROW?

So, I am here to tell you that the path may not be smooth and it takes effort, intention and discipline (not punishment, mind you). The biggest element in making the shift to Growth Mindset is belief that this approach serves your pursuit of satisfaction in many aspects of your life. You will survive!

Trying new things is not the same as trying to land a spot in Ripley’s Believe it or Not! A simple strategy to say, Yes!, to try something – a restaurant, nature walk, new genre of literature, a bus trip, ziplining if you want!  Believe, yes, believe that you have capacity to try new things! Do something with one of your more adventurous friends! Don’t have an adventurous friend? Find one or become one! It might be or probably will be a little daunting to start, just start!

As your Life-Launch-Navigation Pre-Tirement Coach, I am here to support you in your GROWTH mindset adventure! Book your ½ hour Sample Session when you’re almost ready!

See you soon!

*If you want to know more about Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset, you can find copies at your public library or purchase online.