The Two Mindsets That Define Your Path

Not everyone succeeds with hard work. And not everyone fails because of lack of effort. The difference often comes down to mindset—how we interpret struggle, challenge, and potential. In my life, I’ve encountered two distinct ways of thinking. One shuts doors. The other opens them. The one I chose changed everything.

Fixed Mindset

This is the voice that says, “I’m not a math person,” “I’m not cut out for leadership,” or “I’m not naturally talented.” I could’ve listened to it. I wasn’t the smartest in the room. I wasn’t born with rhythm or a gift for algorithms. I was never the obvious choice for anything I pursued. A fixed mindset would’ve told me to stop before I started—to play it safe, to stay small, to avoid risks that could end in failure. And if I had listened, I would have missed every opportunity that came from simply trying.

Growth Mindset

Instead, I chose to believe I could learn. That belief let me attempt things I had no qualifications for—apply to Waterloo, teach dance, lead teams, manage leaders. I didn’t know the answers, but I was willing to figure them out. I approached challenges with curiosity instead of fear. I treated mistakes as tuition, not a verdict on my potential. I found that when you view your abilities as flexible instead of fixed, the path ahead stays open. It's not "I can't"—it's "I can't yet."

The mindset you choose becomes the future you live in. Fixed mindset says “stay safe.” Growth mindset says “try anyway.” Every major achievement I can point to came from trying when I wasn’t ready, believing growth was possible, and showing up even when doubt lingered. Choosing a growth mindset isn't a one-time event—it's a daily practice that reshapes your life.