How a Growth Mindset Helped Me Pivot My Business During the Pandemic—and How You Can Start Building Yours Today

As women, we often face challenges that test our resilience and adaptability. The pandemic was one such challenge for me, bringing my business and my wellbeing to a critical crossroads. But it wasn’t my first time navigating through tough times. Years ago, I faced homelessness—a life-altering experience that forced me to tap into my inner strength and resilience.

When the pandemic hit, I relied on the lessons I learned from that difficult time. The support I needed wasn’t available, so I focused on what I could control: providing the services people needed most. This time around, I took a similar approach. I assessed my fears, set clear challenges, and focused on turning obstacles into opportunities. By embracing a growth mindset, I could pivot my business and continue serving my community while planning to build myself back up.

Three Key Lessons on Growth Mindset

Here are three key lessons I learned that helped me navigate these challenges:

1. Continuous Learning is Essential: Even in the most challenging times, there’s always something new to learn. A growth mindset means embracing these learning opportunities, no matter how they come.

2. Resilience is Built Through Action: Setbacks are inevitable, but how we respond is crucial. I built the resilience needed to overcome adversity by taking deliberate action to face my fears.

3. Self-Awareness is a Superpower: Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is key to growth. Combining self-awareness with a growth mindset can help you navigate challenges and reach your goals.

How You Can Start Building a Growth Mindset Today

If you’re wondering how to start cultivating a growth mindset, here are a few actionable steps you can take right now:

1. Embrace Challenges Instead of Avoiding Them: The next time you’re faced with a challenge, resist the urge to avoid it. Instead, see it as an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s a new project at work, learning a new skill, or tackling a difficult conversation, approach it with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

2. Seek Feedback and Act on It: Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growth. Ask for feedback regularly from peers, mentors, or even friends, and use it to improve. Instead of taking feedback personally, view it as valuable information that can help you grow.

3. Set Learning Goals, Not Just Achievement Goals: While it’s important to set goals related to outcomes, such as getting a promotion or hitting a sales target, also set goals focused on learning and development. For example, commit to reading a certain number of books on a topic you’re interested in or take a course that will help you develop a new skill.

4. Reflect on Your Experiences: Take time regularly to reflect on your experiences—both successes and failures. What did you learn? What could you do differently next time? This reflection enhances your self-awareness and helps you apply a growth mindset to future challenges. I see it as a step-by-step guide you could pass on to others to learn with you.

5. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People: The people you spend time with can significantly influence your mindset. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage growth, challenge you, and support your learning journey. Engage in discussions that push your thinking and expose you to new ideas.

6. Practice Resilience: Resilience doesn’t just happen; it’s something you build. Start by setting small challenges for yourself that push you out of your comfort zone. Each time you overcome one, your resilience grows. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, trying something new, or handling a setback, each experience strengthens your ability to bounce back.

Looking Ahead: Join Me at the Limitless Women Summit

I’m excited to share more about these experiences and insights at the upcoming Limitless Women Summit. There’s so much power within each of us, and by working on your mindset and self-awareness, you can unlock the superpower you need to charge yourself up and achieve your full potential.

At the summit, we’ll explore how embracing a growth mindset can help you overcome obstacles, seize new opportunities, and thrive in all areas of life. I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can all embrace our limitless potential.

Remember, the journey to a growth mindset starts with a single step. Take that step today, and watch how it transforms your life and business.

See you at the summit!

Viana Maya