Rewire Your Mindset & Thrive ✨
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Midlife Journey
Is your mindset helping or holding you back? Learn how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can open new doors to confidence, wellness, and purpose—no matter how old or set in your ways you are.
The Power of Mindset
We’ve all experienced moments where we remind ourselves to believe that change is possible. Whether it’s in our health, relationships, or career, we instinctively know that mindset plays a powerful role in shaping our experiences.
Yet, “mindset” has become one of those overused words in the self-help world—often tossed around as a quick fix. But in reality, it’s much deeper. Our mindset influences not only how we see ourselves but also how we navigate challenges, setbacks, and growth opportunities.
You’ve probably met people who seem to move through life with unwavering confidence. They believe in themselves, and that belief alone propels them forward. Sometimes, even without exceptional skills, they achieve success simply because they trust that they can.
This is why mindset matters. It isn’t just a cliché—it’s a fundamental part of how we experience midlife and beyond.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Two Different Approaches
Research highlights two distinct mindsets that influence how we engage with life: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. Let’s explore what each one looks like and how they might be showing up in your life.
The Fixed Mindset: Stuck in Limitation
A fixed mindset operates from a place of limitation. It’s the belief that our abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone—unchangeable, no matter what we do.
For example, if you’ve ever said, “I’m just not good at technology” or “I’ll never be flexible enough for yoga” and never tried to improve because of that belief, you’re experiencing a fixed mindset.
This mindset keeps us in our comfort zone, focusing only on what we already know we’re good at. It makes us resistant to trying new things, especially when failure is a possibility. And let’s be honest—midlife can already feel like a vulnerable time, making it tempting to stick with what feels safe.
If you recognize this pattern in yourself, pause and ask: Where did this belief come from? Was it something I was told growing up? Have I internalized limitations that aren’t actually true?
The good news? Your mindset isn’t permanent. You can shift it.
The Growth Mindset: Embracing Possibility
A growth mindset thrives on learning, curiosity, and resilience. It embraces mistakes—not as failures, but as feedback.
When you have a growth mindset, you understand that your abilities are not fixed; they can evolve with effort and persistence. You see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than threats to avoid.
Instead of saying, “I’m bad at this,” a growth mindset says, “I’m still learning this.”
Midlife is an ideal time to embrace this way of thinking. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try strength training, start a meditation practice, or change careers—but fear of “not being good enough” has held you back. The truth is, growth happens in the small, consistent steps we take outside our comfort zones.
Finding the Balance
It’s important to remember that having a fixed mindset in some areas isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on what you already excel at. The key is to avoid letting limiting beliefs hold you back from trying new things.
At this stage of life, you get to decide how you show up. You can embrace new challenges without fear of failure defining you. You can reframe setbacks as part of the learning process. You can choose a mindset that supports the life you want to create.
Your Mindset, Your Choice
So, where do you see yourself? Do you tend to stay in the comfort of a fixed mindset, or are you leaning into growth?
A great way to explore this is by seeking feedback. Ask yourself:
What stories am I telling myself about what I can and can’t do?
Where am I limiting myself unnecessarily?
How can I reframe failure as part of my growth process?
The most important takeaway? Mindset is a choice. And at midlife, you have the wisdom and experience to make powerful choices that align with your well-being, growth, and fulfillment.
So go ahead—choose growth. Your future self will thank you.
Gnome-aste,
Spring Hempsey, MA, CHC, CNC, RYT-200
Mindfulness-Based Coach for Women 40+
