Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life

Have you ever felt stuck, unfulfilled, or as though you’re constantly hitting a wall when trying to reach your goals? The key to breaking free isn’t just about working harder or longer; it’s about transforming the way you think. Your mindset is your mental operating system—it drives your thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, your actions and results. Shifting your mindset can be the game-changer that propels you toward the success you’ve been striving for.

What is Mindset?

Mindset is more than just a buzzword; it’s a deeply ingrained way of thinking shaped by your beliefs and attitudes. These beliefs form the foundation of your self-concept, influencing how you perceive yourself, others, and the world around you. Think of mindset as the software that runs your brain—when it’s programmed well, everything operates smoothly. But if your mindset is outdated or flawed, it can sabotage your efforts and keep you stuck in unproductive patterns.

Why Mindset Matters: The Chain Reaction of Your Thoughts

“Your mindset influences 95 percent of the decisions you make and the actions you take.” -Dr. Lauretta Justin

Mindset → Feelings → Actions → Results

In James Justin’s best-selling book, Mindset: How to Transform Your Life from Ordinary to Extraordinary, he highlights how our mindset influences how we feel, and how our feelings drive our actions. This sequence—Mindset → Feelings → Actions → Results—creates a cycle that can either propel you forward or hold you back.

The thoughts you believe about yourself and your capabilities dictate what you’re willing to try, how you approach challenges, and whether you see setbacks as roadblocks or opportunities for growth.

Story of Transformation: Breaking Free from a Limiting Mindset

Meet Dr. Emily, an optometrist who struggled with self-doubt despite her years of experience. She constantly questioned her decisions, second-guessed her worth, and feared that her patients wouldn’t take her seriously. Her mindset was holding her back, affecting her practice’s growth and her confidence as a leader.

One day, Emily decided to confront her beliefs. She wrote down her most persistent thoughts: “I’m not worth it,” “I don’t deserve recognition,” and “People won’t take me seriously because I’m too young.” These thoughts, she realized, were not reflections of reality but distorted stories she had told herself. By changing her mental narrative, Emily began to show up differently in her practice, exuding confidence and attracting opportunities she had never thought possible.

Quote to Remember:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” — Henry Ford

Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life: 3 Steps to Master Your Mental Operating System

Changing your mindset is not an overnight process, but it is entirely possible with intentional effort. Here are three steps to help you shift your mindset and unlock your full potential:

1. Identify the Beliefs Holding You Back

The first step is awareness. Take a close look at your recurring thoughts, especially those that feel limiting or disempowering. Ask yourself, “What do I believe about myself, my abilities, and my potential?” Write these down. It’s important to confront these beliefs head-on because what you believe shapes how you feel and act.

Common Limiting Beliefs Include:

• “I’m not worth it.”
• “I don’t deserve money, recognition, or success.”
• “People won’t take me seriously because I’m [female, young, old, overweight, etc.].”

2. Create a Strategy to Outsmart Your Beliefs

Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, it’s time to challenge them. Replace negative thoughts with empowering affirmations that reflect your true potential. For example, if you believe, “I’m not worth it,” reframe it to, “I am valuable, and my contributions matter.” Practice repeating these affirmations daily, especially when doubts start to creep in.

Develop practical strategies that align with your new mindset. If you’ve always avoided taking risks because you fear failure, commit to taking small, manageable steps outside your comfort zone. The goal is to prove to yourself that your new mindset is rooted in reality.

3. Develop a Support Squad

Changing your mindset isn’t something you have to do alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth, challenge your thinking, and hold you accountable. This could be a mentor, a coach, or a community of like-minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations.

For optometrists, joining a supportive community like Optometry Divas can be a transformative experience. You’ll connect with other women ODs who are committed to personal and professional growth, creating a network that empowers you to elevate your mindset and your practice.

Quote to Inspire:

“You are the only person who can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

The Mindset That Got You Here Won’t Get You There

Your current mindset has brought you to where you are today, but it may not be the one that will get you to where you want to be tomorrow. As your goals evolve, so must your mindset. By identifying limiting beliefs preventing your success, creating strategies to outsmart them, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community, you can redefine your mental operating system and pave the way for greater success, joy, and fulfillment.

Call to Action: Join the Optometry Divas Community

Are you ready to elevate your mindset and transform your practice? Join the Optometry Divas community and gain access to resources, inspiration, and a network of empowering women ODs who are dedicated to becoming the CEOs of their lives. Visit optometrydivas.com/join today, and take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future. Remember, when you change your mindset, you change your life!