Growth mindset describes a set of beliefs and behaviours that allow people to increase their likelihood of success and achieving their goals by making them seek opportunities to learn, gain new skills, improve existing skills, become more resilient and enhance their character and willpower.
During recovery from an eating disorder it can be challenging to stay positive and believe that things will ever get better and that is why developing a growth mindset can be so useful. When I was able to change my mindset, which was always negative while in the grips of anorexia, I was able to open myself up to the possibility that recovery was possible.
To develop my growth mindset I followed three steps:
Questioning and changing what I valued
Being aware of any negative language, either in my words or thoughts
Reflecting and journalling every day.
It can feel overwhelming to start something new, especially since there are a lot of new things when it comes to the recovery journey, which is why I’m offering the below “cheat sheet”. Like most of the exercises and practices I’ve made available through this website, this is another which won’t result in immediate results. It takes time, consistency and effort to rewire the brain, but if you are curious as to whether this can work for you then give it a go? If it doesn’t work you won’t be any worse off than you are!