In this society that celebrates productivity and fosters incessant comparison, it is quite easy to feel that you are underachieving, or worse, feel inadequate. While we navigate through social media, we observe other people living seemingly perfect lives, achieving success at a shocking pace, leading us to an internal self-reproach. The reality is that the belief we have in ourselves and our motivation are not rewards that we suddenly have access to — they are earned through purposeful, and often, small shifts in mindset that transform how we perceive ourselves, and the world we exist in.
Let me share with you 7 powerful changes in mindset that not only transformed my own journey, but I believe can also help you reignite the fire within you, not just for a while, but for a lifetime.
1. Substitute “I’ll do it when I’m ready” with “My growth lies in doing it.”
A vast majority of us tend to put things on hold until we feel ‘ready,’ confident, or skilled enough- waiting for the perfect moment. That moment seldom comes. In reality, confidence is built in action, and something done while moving towards.
Mistaking opportunity for preparation used to be my modus operandi. My life fundamentally transformed when I adopted the mindset that “preparing” is best done in action. From public speaking and project initiation to job applications—embrace the “start before you’re ready” mantra. You will develop along the way.
2. Reframe Failure as Feedback
We are socialized to view failure as an end, and shameful for one as well. But what if failure was nothing more than data?
Every writer has been where I was; writing blog posts with little to no engagement and subsequently giving up. It dawned on me; lack of engagement was not a verdict, it was feedback. Perhaps my topics were not useful, perhaps my headlines were worse. The moment I let go of taking it personally, I started to improve—and improved quickly.
Every fall should be treated as a signal instead of a sentence, and every setback as an opportunity containing valuable lessons. The task at hand is to learn, not to shrink.
3. Converse with yourself like you would with someone dear to you
Self-talk is a profound yet often cruel narrative. We tell ourselves things that we would never say to our closest friend: “You’re so dumb.” “Why are you like this?” “No one’s going to care.”
Take this suggestion. The next time doubt surfaces, picture someone you love deeply saying such things about themselves. You would sprint to reassure them of their value, wouldn’t you? Now extend that same courtesy to yourself. Replace criticism with compassion. Confidence strengthens when you feel secure in your mind.
4. Concentrate on effort, not outcomes
Burnout and disappointment always follow when we obsess over the outcome, be it grades, followers, or revenue. This is especially true when one’s worth is anchored to these externally definable outcomes.
Focus on effort instead. Did you show up today? Did you try hard? Did you persevere during difficult times? These are achievements and true wins.
As a high schooler, I sustained an unhealthy obsession with scoring top marks. Any dip in grades, no matter how minor, devastated me. However, when I shifted my focus from performance to learning, both my grades and self-esteem improved substantially.
5. Stop shrinking to make others comfortable
Both ourselves and other people around us fear confidence. This is why many of us tend to downplay our efforts, settle for beaten paths, or even take a backseat when it comes to shining simply to avoid standing out.
The action of playing small does not, in any way, serve the world or our future. Same applies to my situation when I decided to refrain from celebrating my wins publicly. Because in my world, celebrating success meant coming across to others as arrogant and narcissistic. Little did I know, sharing a journey, with humility, can foster inspiration.
So, let your light shine and remember, the right people will not be blinded by it — rather, they will drawn to it.
6. Remind yourself: I’ve done hard things before
Past is often forgotten by the majority of people as soon as they hit a wall. But as humans, we have an instinct to persevere through heartbreaks, exams, illnesses, and even rejections.
My personal belief has always been that one of the most powerful mindset shifts, stems from a really low moment. In my case, I chose to write down motivational pieces identifying every time I had overcome something which, at that time, I thought was impossible. Over time this list became my best friend, a constant reminder of how resilient I am by nature.
So every time you feel stuck, remember it’s not the first storm and definitely not the last. It’s just about weathered moments you’ve experienced alongside.
7. Redefine achievement on your personal terms
Emotional detachment is a consistent problem with modern-day perception of success defined by external factors such as salary, lifestyle, or a job title. People chasing a particular path only discover their efforts remain unappreciated and feel an immense sense of emptiness devoid of any internal value. Pursuing a path aligned with one’s values and passions gives them the best authentic form of motivation.
Success meant receiving appreciation for me in the past, but is most definitely waking up with the thought of what I am currently creating during the day and the knowledge it is helping someone, even in a small manner.
When aligned with the purpose, goals transform into something far greater than just forcing them to achieve, thus the companionship of motivation on a daily basis becomes a norm.
Final Thoughts
Confidence and motivation are not static traits of a specific personality. They can and should be viewed as muscles developed through intentional action, disciplined repetition, and refined mindset.
This is a direct invitation to those who’ve been waiting to start boldly showing up for themselves: now is the time.
For those who are doubting their worth: this is your reminder. You are more than enough as you are while constantly evolving. You are, and effortlessly becoming, extraordinary.
Momentum awaits you the moment you take that initial step followed by the next.