Break Through Barriers: Mindsets for Success
Whether you're navigating a creative block or striving toward a health and wellness goal, it’s common to occasionally hit a proverbial wall. We’ve all been there—feeling stuck, frustrated, and unsure of how to get around it. It can be a miserable feeling—sometimes it makes us wonder if we’ve gone backwards in our journey or if all our hard work to this point has been in vain.
We might feel like giving up—or at the very least, changing what we are doing to try to get better results. That’s logical, and sometimes it can indeed help to try a new approach.
But what if the key to overcoming some of these barriers lies not in changing what we are doing, but in shifting how we think?
Strategies like “yes, and” and having a growth mindset are powerful tools that can help you break through limitations, spark creativity, and move forward with greater resilience and clarity.
Let’s explore how these strategies can empower you to unlock your full potential.
1. “Yes, And” – A Tool for Creative Expansion
If you’ve ever participated in improv comedy or creative brainstorming sessions, you’ve likely encountered the “yes, and” principle. The idea is to embrace new ideas without judgment, then add your own spin to keep the creative energy flowing.
What it means: Instead of rejecting an idea or getting stuck in “no, but,” the “yes, and” mindset encourages you to accept whatever comes your way and build on it.
How it helps with creativity: When you say “yes” to every idea, you give yourself the freedom to explore without the pressure of perfection. You might find that one seemingly small idea leads to another, and suddenly you’re on a creative journey full of unexpected connections.
How it helps with wellness goals: “Yes, and” can also apply to your wellness practices. If you’re starting a new workout routine or dietary habit, embrace each small step rather than criticizing yourself for not doing it perfectly. Accept where you are and build on it, trusting that progress will come with consistency.
For example, if you’re trying a new type of exercise and feel like you’re struggling, you can use “yes, and” to accept the difficulty and add something positive: “Yes, this is hard, and I’m proud of myself for trying something new.” This helps create a mindset where setbacks feel like part of the process rather than roadblocks.
2. Growth Mindset – Embracing Challenges as Opportunities
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, the concept of growth mindset revolves around the belief that our abilities are not fixed. With effort, learning, and persistence, we can grow and improve over time. This mindset is particularly useful when we are facing creative or wellness challenges because it helps us see obstacles as opportunities to learn, rather than signs of failure.
What it means: A growth mindset is rooted in the belief that your intelligence and skills can be developed through dedication and hard work. When faced with challenges, you’re more likely to approach them with curiosity and a desire to grow.
How it helps with creativity: For creatives, a growth mindset removes the fear of failure that often holds us back. Instead of seeing mistakes as evidence of lack of talent, we see them as part of the creative process. If your writing, artwork, or project doesn’t go as planned, it’s not a reflection of your ability, but an opportunity to refine and improve.
How it helps with wellness goals: In the context of wellness, a growth mindset encourages persistence. You may not see immediate results from a new habit, whether it's exercise, nutrition, or stress management, but you trust that each small action is contributing to long-term growth. Each step is a chance to learn about yourself and how you can improve.
For instance, if you’re working toward a fitness goal and you don’t see immediate results, a growth mindset helps you to stay focused on the process, not just the outcome. You may think, “This is tough, but I know every step forward builds strength.”
3. Overcoming Fear with Positive Reframing
Fear is often at the root of both creative and wellness barriers. The fear of failure, judgment, or not being good enough can keep us stuck in place. By combining “yes, and” and growth mindset, you can reframe fear and shift your perspective.
How it works: Reframing is about changing your thought patterns. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough to do this,” try, “This is challenging, but I can learn from it.”
Why it helps: Reframing allows you to see fear as a natural part of growth. By viewing challenges as learning opportunities, you can break through the mental barriers that hold you back. The “yes, and” approach lets you accept fear and build upon it with positive action.
For example, if you’re experiencing creative burnout and feel like you’ll never have a fresh idea again, you can use “yes, and” to acknowledge that feeling: “Yes, I’m feeling stuck, and this is a chance for me to explore new sources of inspiration.” This helps you move from a place of fear to one of possibility.
4. Consistency Over Perfection
Both creative projects and wellness goals often stumble when we become obsessed with perfection. The “yes, and” and growth mindset strategies remind us that progress is the goal, not perfection.
What it means: Instead of focusing on whether each step is flawless, focus on taking consistent, positive action. Celebrate the small wins along the way, whether it’s a paragraph written, a workout completed, or a healthier meal prepared.
How it helps with creativity: Creativity thrives when you allow yourself to experiment, explore, and make mistakes. The “yes, and” mindset lets you keep building, even if things don’t go according to plan. With a growth mindset, you recognize that each attempt, no matter how imperfect, moves you closer to your goal.
How it helps with wellness goals: In wellness, progress looks different for everyone, and it’s often not linear. By focusing on consistency rather than perfection, you’ll be more likely to keep going even when setbacks occur. With both mindsets, you embrace the journey of learning and growth.
5. Build Resilience Through Reflection
The combination of these strategies helps us build resilience, which is key to overcoming any barrier. Taking the time to reflect on your progress—no matter how small—can help reinforce a positive mindset.
How to do it: Reflect regularly on how far you’ve come, what you’ve learned, and how challenges have made you stronger. This reflection helps you recognize that setbacks are just part of the process, and they don’t define your potential. It helps if you have someone in your life to remind you of this, too. For instance, I recently commented to my husband that I hit a writing milestone of 30,000 words in my novel (mini celebration!). I also noted that I ultimately want to get to 80,000, so I still have a long way to go. He reminded me that a few months ago I started over, incorporating some changes that I knew would make the story much stronger. So really, I’ve written far more than 30,000 words. That made me feel capable and gave me a little boost of motivation. The goal still feels big and daunting, but thanks to some reflection, it feels more doable.
Why it helps: Resilience is built through overcoming difficulties and reflecting on your growth. By embracing “yes, and” and maintaining a growth mindset, you develop the ability to bounce back stronger after each challenge.
Mindset Matters
Whether you’re aiming to break through a creative block or achieve a wellness goal, shifting your mindset is a powerful way to overcome barriers. The “yes, and” approach opens you to possibilities, while a growth mindset helps you embrace challenges with curiosity and perseverance. Together, these strategies give you the tools to trust your ability to grow, explore new possibilities, and keep moving forward toward your goals.
If you’d like coaching support in this process, let’s chat!