7 Game-Changing Growth Mindset Exercises to Help You Live a Positive L

7 Game-Changing Growth Mindset Exercises to Help You Live a Positive Life

Mar 27 , 2025

As a woman who’s been through her fair share of highs, lows, pivots, and power moves—and as someone with a background in psychology—let me tell you: a good mindset is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, learning how to embrace a growth mindset will change your life. I’ve seen it time and time again—when we shift how we think, we shift how we live. And with just a few intentional growth mindset exercises, you can create a life filled with positive thoughts, empowering habits, and real joy.

In this post, I’m sharing seven game-changing exercises to help you nurture your growth mindset. These are the kind of activities I’d teach my own daughter, niece, or best friend. So grab a notebook, light your favorite candle, and let’s do the inner work.

1. Rewire Your Morning with Empowering Reminder Quotes

The way you begin your day sets the tone for everything else. A cluttered, reactive morning often leads to a reactive life. But when you start intentionally—with a few carefully chosen growth mindset reminders—you realign yourself with your goals.

Exercise: The Morning Mirror Method

Write three reminder quotes on sticky notes.
Place them on your mirror, your coffee machine, or even your phone background.
Read them out loud each morning with conviction. (Yes, out loud. Don’t just skim—embody.)

Powerful Reminder Quotes:

"You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be."
"This moment is your fresh start."
"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck."
"Every challenge is an invitation to rise."
"Talk to yourself like someone you love."

These simple affirmations will shift you from “survival mode” to “intentional living.”

Let me recommend you someone, that I think lives by these principles:

Mel Robbins

Why: Mel’s morning practices—especially her High 5 Habit—are all about using self-talk and mirror work to shift your emotional state and confidence. Her energy is raw and relatable, perfect for anyone needing to reset their mornings.

Her IG reels, podcast episodes on mindset, or her book The High 5 Habit are absolute fuel to help you embrace your new morning routine habits.

2. Create a Growth Mindset Bulletin Board That Sparks Action

Visual cues are powerful tools for mindset work. When you’re surrounded by words and images that represent your higher self, you start living like her. That’s where the Growth Mindset Bulletin Board comes in.

Exercise: The Inner Power Pinboard

Gather aesthetic quotes, empowering photos, and bold words that inspire you.
Mix in a few personal development goals or bucket list dreams.
Hang the board somewhere you’ll see every day.

Inspirational Quotes Positive Wise Words:

"You were never meant to shrink to fit the mold. You were born to stand out."
"Don’t just survive—thrive with intention."
"You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress."
"Stop waiting. Start becoming."
"Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing you can handle anything."

A beautiful growth mindset display in your space acts as a daily nudge to stay on track.

Let me recommend you someone, that I think lives by these principles:

Marie Forleo

Why: Marie is a master at combining visual motivation with practical mindset strategies. Her mantra “Everything is figureoutable” is practically made for bulletin boards. Her YouTube channel also has a strong aesthetic and personal growth vibe. Her YouTube videos or downloadable affirmations are pure fire.

3. Practice Journaling with Self Motivation Quotes to Train Resilience

Journaling is not just about venting—it’s about reprogramming your thoughts and building your mindset muscles.

Exercise: The 3Q Self-Coaching Practice

Each morning or evening, answer these three prompts:

What am I proud of today?
What challenged me and what did I learn?
What will I do tomorrow to grow?

Add one motivational quote each day to anchor your mindset.

Self Motivation Quotes:

"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most."
"You don’t need motivation. You need a commitment."
"It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up."
"Small steps still move you forward."
"You become what you believe."

This daily practice builds self-awareness and emotional endurance—both vital for long-term success.

Let me recommend you someone, that I think lives by these principles:

Brianna Wiest

Why: If your readers are drawn to introspection and deep emotional breakthroughs, Brianna’s writing is gold. Her journaling prompts from The Mountain Is You are poetic but practical, and her quotes are incredibly reprogrammable for the subconscious. Her books or quotes on or journaling prompts are just magic.

4. Use Aesthetic Quotes to Curate Your Growth Mindset Aesthetic

It’s not shallow to care about aesthetics—it’s psychological. When your environment reflects your goals and values, you feel more aligned, more focused, and yes, more powerful.

Exercise: Aesthetic Anchoring

Choose one space in your home—your desk, your vision board, or even your phone lock screen.
Decorate it with aesthetic positive quotes, growth mindset posters, and colors that calm or energize you.
Refresh it monthly to match your evolving vision.

Aesthetic Quotes to help you heal:

"Your vibe attracts your tribe."
"Grace, grit, and a little bit of glitter."
"Romanticize your life—it’s yours to design."
"Stay soft. Stay fierce."
"Being radiant is a choice."

This small but mighty exercise connects mindset with motivation.

Let me recommend you someone, that I think lives by these principles:

Allie Casazza

Why: Allie helps women declutter not just their homes but their mental space. She speaks about creating calming, intentional environments that support growth and healing—especially for moms and creatives. Her approach is minimalist but emotionally rich. Her podcast The Purpose Show or IG content on lifestyle design is incredibly good.

5. Build Your Mental Strength with Discipline Quotes

Let’s get honest—discipline isn’t sexy, but it’s freedom. A growth mindset thrives in structure, in consistency, and in challenge.

Exercise: The Weekly Non-Negotiables List

Choose three habits you commit to this week—no matter what.
These could be workouts, morning journaling, or tech-free evenings.
Stick with them for 7 days. Track your progress.

Discipline Quotes:

"Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally—it comes from what you do consistently."
"Discipline is the highest form of self-love."
"Fall in love with the process, not the outcome."
"Your future is built in your daily decisions."
"The life you want is on the other side of your excuses."

This builds trust with yourself—an essential pillar of personal development.

Let me recommend you someone, that I think lives by these principles:

Jenna Kutcher

Why: Jenna’s brand is about showing up consistently—with grace. She talks a lot about “done is better than perfect,” long-game strategies, and building discipline around purpose. She’s an excellent mentor for women juggling life, family, and big dreams. Her podcast Goal Digger, or her IG for behind-the-scenes routines and her mommy life has inspired many.

Bonus: The Power of Empowering Quotes in Every Room

Want to go deeper? Scatter empowering quotes in unexpected places. Inside your pantry. On your bathroom shelf. On your laptop background.

Empowering Quotes:

"You are more capable than you’ve been told."
"Power is not something you’re given—it’s something you claim."
"Your voice is your superpower."
"You don’t need permission to be bold."
"She remembered who she was and the game changed."

Let your whole life be a canvas for growth.

Growth Mindset Displays, Posters & Art That Inspire

You can also reinforce these exercises with visual tools:

Growth Mindset Posters with quotes like “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.”
Growth Mindset Art featuring watercolor words, botanical vibes, and soft-toned affirmations.
Growth Mindset Display corners with candles, affirmations, and quote cards for moments of grounding.

Visual aesthetics + intentional quotes = mindset elevation.

Expert-Recommended Books to Deepen Your Growth Mindset Journey

If you're loving this journey of rewiring your mind, building habits, and leveling up your self-talk, I’ve got something else for you: books that go beyond surface-level advice and get to the root of what it takes to truly grow.

These aren’t your average “rah-rah” motivational books. These are written by psychologists, neuroscientists, coaches, and real-world success stories—people who’ve studied, lived, and taught the power of the growth mindset.

Here are 7 transformative reads that I highly recommend:

1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Why it’s a must-read: This is the book that started it all. Dr. Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, coined the term "growth mindset" and breaks down how our beliefs about intelligence, success, and failure shape every part of our lives.

You’ll learn: The difference between fixed vs. growth mindsets, how to shift your internal narrative, and why embracing challenge is the key to long-term success.

Perfect for: Anyone new to mindset work or struggling with perfectionism, fear of failure, or people-pleasing.

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Why it’s a game-changer: James Clear blends behavioral psychology with practical tools for making small changes that lead to massive results. His writing is simple but profound.

You’ll learn: How to rewire your identity through habits, the power of small wins, and how to design your environment for success.

Perfect for: Women ready to stop “trying harder” and start creating systems that work. Especially great if you feel stuck in cycles of burnout.

3. The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins

Why it’s empowering: Mel Robbins brings her bold, unapologetic voice and science-backed insights to help you reconnect with your self-worth. This book is all about rebuilding the most important relationship in your life—the one with yourself.

You’ll learn: Why small self-affirmations (like high-fiving your reflection) can create huge mental shifts, and how to overcome negative self-talk.

Perfect for: Anyone struggling with self-doubt, low energy, or imposter syndrome. It’s like having a cheerleader in book form.

4. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Why it’s powerful: Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and former teacher, explores how grit—not just talent—is the secret to long-term achievement.

You’ll learn: The science behind perseverance, how to stick with long-term goals, and how to cultivate grit even if you don’t think you have it yet.

Perfect for: Women building a business, changing careers, or chasing a dream that feels “too big.”

5. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

Why it’s healing: This book is pure poetry meets psychology. Brianna Wiest dives deep into self-sabotage, healing trauma, and the emotional side of personal development.

You’ll learn: How to identify and break patterns that keep you stuck, and how to become the version of yourself you’ve always envisioned.

Perfect for: Women doing deep emotional healing or those who feel like their mindset blocks are tied to past wounds or subconscious beliefs.

6. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

Why it’s unique: Jay Shetty, former monk turned life coach, blends ancient wisdom with modern psychology to help you find purpose, calm, and clarity.

You’ll learn: Techniques for overcoming negativity, finding your dharma (purpose), and living with intention in a fast-paced world.

Perfect for: Women craving more spiritual or values-based personal development without it feeling too “woo-woo.”

7. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Why it’s insightful: Brené Brown is a research professor and vulnerability expert whose work has changed how we talk about courage, leadership, and shame. In this book, she focuses on how mindset impacts leadership.

You’ll learn: Why vulnerability is strength, how to lead with empathy, and how emotional intelligence fuels personal and professional growth.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, team leaders, moms, or anyone who wants to lead themselves and others with authenticity and resilience.

Final Note: Growth Mindset Is a Daily Practice

These books aren’t just educational—they’re transformational. Pairing them with the exercises in this post will create a powerhouse of personal development in your daily life. Think of this article as the foundation and these books as the bricks that help you build the house you want to live in—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

So, go ahead. Pick one that resonates, and start reading. Highlight. Journal. Reflect. Grow.

And remember: it’s not about becoming someone else—it’s about coming home to the most powerful version of yourself.

You’ve got this. Always have.

Why These Growth Mindset Activities Work

Here’s the thing: when you combine visual cues, journaling, self-reflection, and consistency, you start rewiring your brain. You stop chasing motivation and start living from intention.

These growth mindset activities don’t just change how you think—they change how you show up. And once you show up differently, the world can’t help but respond.

Final Thoughts: This Is the Work That Pays Off

If I could give you one message today, it’s this:

You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to be willing.

These seven exercises are simple—but they are not small. They are the inner game-changers. Practice them with self-compassion and honesty. That’s how you build a life you’re proud of—one habit, one quote, one brave thought at a time.

So go ahead. Write that quote on the mirror. Start that journal. Reclaim your mornings. And most of all—believe in your own becoming.

You’ve got this.