What Kind of Headspace Are You Operating In?

Let’s be honest, the word mindset gets thrown around more than a rookie with clean boots.

Every podcast, book, and social media guru talks about it like it’s some magic trick. "Just change your mindset, and everything else will fall into place." Cool. But when you’re 16 hours into a shift with a frozen gas station burrito for dinner and three hours of sleep under your belt, mindset isn’t exactly the first thing on your radar.

Still… mindset matters. A lot.

Especially in this line of work, where stress is constant, routines are chaotic, and doubt creeps in when the noise dies down. Whether you're on the front lines or off-duty trying to rebuild your life, the way you think is either keeping you stuck or helping you rise.

So let’s break it down.

What Is a Fixed Mindset?

A fixed mindset says, “This is just who I am. I suck at this. I’ll never be good at that. I’ve always been this way.”

It’s the mental equivalent of a couch with a permanent ass dent in it.

Here’s how it shows up:

• “I’m just not good with nutrition.”

• “I’ve never been a gym person.”

• “I could never do that.”

• “I don’t talk about my feelings, it’s not me.”

Sound familiar?

The fixed mindset hides in the comfort zone. It avoids failure like we avoid B shifts station chili. It keeps you doing what feels safe, even if what feels safe is slowly wrecking your body and your confidence.

This mindset often comes from how we were raised, what we were told we were good or bad at, or past failures we’ve dragged around like a weighted vest ever since.

Here’s the kicker: A fixed mindset isn’t wrong. It’s just limiting. And it’s probably costing you more than you think.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset says, “I may not be good at this — yet. But I can learn. I can improve. I can try.”

It’s less about being perfect and more about being coachable.

It shows up like this:

• “I’ve never lifted weights, but I’m willing to learn.”

• “Yeah, I used to avoid tough conversations. Now I lean into them.”

• “I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m doing better than I was last year.”

People with a growth mindset aren’t superheroes. They just "fail", learn, and try again. They treat mistakes as feedback, not proof that they’re not capable. They’re not interested in looking perfect; they’re committed to showing up and improving.  Yes, they fall, but they get up stronger, smarter, and more self-aware.

They know real growth feels like crap sometimes. And they still do it anyway.

Which Mindset Do You Have?

Spoiler alert: we all have both. You’re probably growth-minded in some areas and fixed in others.

You might be confident as hell on a call, but shut down when it comes to your personal life. Or maybe you're a leader at work but believe you’ll never get in shape because "you’ve always struggled with food."

This isn’t about labeling yourself. It’s about getting honest.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I still believe I can’t change?

• What’s one thing I’ve written off as “just the way I am”?

• What am I avoiding because I don’t want to look like a beginner?

The mindset you bring to those areas is the one running the show.

Final Thoughts: Change the Story, Change the Outcome

Here’s the truth: you can rewire your mindset. Not overnight. Not without discomfort. But absolutely, 100 percent, yes you can.

It starts with awareness. Then comes action. Small, repeatable, unsexy action.

The same way we train our bodies, we train our minds. Reps. Sets. Failure. Recovery. Progress.

You are not stuck unless you decide to stay stuck. And sometimes, all it takes is a shift in the story you’ve been telling yourself.

So, whether you're trying to get back in shape, rebuild after a divorce, fix your sleep, or finally confront your own mental health challenges, remember this:

You can change. You just have to stop arguing for your limitations.

Now let’s go.

Stay Healthy