Testimony: Mindfulness Routines Are Saving My Life
Look. Sometimes life is just going to knock you down. And sometimes it might even sneak in a dirty kick while you’re down there.
I can’t help with that.
But I do know what can?
And no, it can’t protect you from life doing what life does - but what it CAN do is make sure that you definitely get back up.
It can make sure that when you do get back up, you have your dignity and you’re ready to elevate with lessons in hand.
My secret weapon?
A growth mindset - but backed with routines to support it.
Understanding the Growth Mindset
What is a Growth Mindset? A growth mindset, a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed over time. Unlike a fixed mindset, which assumes that our capabilities are static, a growth mindset thrives on challenges and sees failures not as evidence of unintelligence but as experiences that give us hte opportunity for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.
The Role of Growth Mindset in Overcoming Challenges Adopting a growth mindset transforms our approach to life's challenges. It encourages a focus on learning and improvement, rather than on fearing failure. Or feeling like we are one simply becaus things just don’t go our way.
This mindset sharpens our resilience, giving us a chance to persevere in the face of setbacks, learn from criticism, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
The Significance of Routines
Building Effective Routines for Success Routines are powerful tools for personal development. They create structure, build efficiency, and reduce stress. By establishing regular patterns, particularly during turbulent times, we can create a sense of normalcy and control.
Fun Fact: Successful people often attribute part of their achievements to strict routines, as these daily habits ensure they are consistently working towards their goals.
The importance of routines when you’re going through a dark time is the muscle memory.
Life has been royally kicking my rear lately, and even though I’m deep in the grief of too many things I have my routines to keep me moving.
My body knows when we get up we:
Read our bible and contemplate the message
Write 3 things I’m grateful for in my journal and any lingering thoughts from dreams
Meditate
Stretch
Skincare
Read a daily mindset focus
Ice roll my face (sound so silly, but trust me)
And my body knows before bed we:
Drink tea
Read at least 10 pages
Stretch
Meditate
Skincare
Mood lighting
Gratitude journal and brain dump for the day
Lotion & affirmations
Vitamins & Magnesium on the feet (again, trust)
So even when grief has me in a complete brain fog, my body moves through these routines.
And in each of them are elemnts of self care and validation.
Simply going throught the motions means I never abandon myself in times of hardship. And isn’t the the key to getting through without losing yourself?
Navigating Difficult Times with a Growth Mindset
Strategies for Maintaining Focus and Positivity In challenging times, maintaining a growth mindset and adhering to routines can help preserve focus and positivity. Strategies like setting small, achievable goals and practicing gratitude can recalibrate our mindset to remain optimistic and proactive.
Adapting Routines to Changing Circumstances Flexibility is key in adapting our routines to life’s ever-changing circumstances. The goal is to maintain the essence of our routines, even if the specifics have to be altered. For instance, if you can't go to the gym, a home workout can serve the same purpose of keeping you physically active.
And you absolutely can rest. Sometimes that might look like pairing your routine down to 2-3 things. Still do them.
Self-Compassion: An Integral Component of Growth
Understanding Self-Compassion Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and grace. And I mean real, out loud “I love you” kindness.
It’s about recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacy are part of the shared human experience.
Practical Tips for Practicing Self-Compassion Practicing self-compassion can include journaling to process emotions, speaking to yourself with kindness and understanding, and practicing mindfulness to stay present and non-judgmental. These practices help to soothe and comfort us in moments of distress, reinforcing the growth mindset.
Integrating Growth Mindset and Routines into Daily Life
Actionable Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset
Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn.
View failures as a normal part of the learning process.
Celebrate efforts, not just outcomes.
Creating and Maintaining Empowering Routines
Start with small, manageable habits and gradually build your routine.
Be consistent but flexible – adapt as needed.
Incorporate activities that boost mental and emotional health.
The Role of Mindfulness in Enhancing Self-Compassion
Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged with the here and now, complements the growth mindset and routines. It encourages an attitude of curiosity and openness, essential for self-compassion.
Begin your journey toward a resilient, compassionate, and growth-oriented life today. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.