Stop wasting your time and efforts, Rewire your Brain!
Working Harder is not the answer and it never will be!
Hey there!
I hope everything is falling into place for you!
So, today, Let’s talk about something real.
Let’s have a honest moment here. If you’re anything like me—a writer, a thinker, and someone who’s constantly curious about how to make life more meaningful—then you know what it’s like to overthink your way into a corner.
I used to believe that if I just worked harder, planned better, or found that one “secret strategy,” things would magically fall into place, as it is the typical mindset instilled in us by our parents, society and educational institutions.
The concept is so simple that people rarely question it throughout their lives. It is:
If you work hard, you’ll be rewarded!
Sure, that’s true!
But what if it isn’t? What if you give it everything you’ve got, and it still doesn’t work out the way you hoped?
These are uncomfortable questions to ask, but this is how life is?
In such situations, people often wonder if it’s their fault or if they lacked effort!
So, if you have ever thought this way, I want to tell you that, It’s not that you’re not trying hard enough. It’s that the way you’re thinking about things—the mental frameworks you’re using—might need a major upgrade.
So today, let’s talk about five mindset shifts that have the power to completely change the way you approach life, your goals, and even how you see yourself.
1. Stop Thinking in Straight Lines and Start Thinking in Systems
Stop thinking: “If I do X, I will get Y.”
Start thinking: “How does every action I take impact the larger system I’m part of?”
Let me ask you this: When you set a goal, do you think, “If I do this one thing, then I’ll get what I want”? That’s what’s called linear thinking. It’s the classic “work hard, get rewarded” approach. And yeah, sometimes it works...until it doesn’t.
The truth is, life isn’t linear. Success isn’t linear, I should say that nothing in life is linear. Everything is connected.
The way you eat impacts your energy, which impacts your focus, which then impacts how you show up in your relationships and work. It’s all part of a bigger system ,a bigger picture.
Instead of obsessing over one specific action, start looking at the bigger picture. How are the small decisions you make every day creating a ripple effect? Are they moving you closer to your goals or quietly pulling you further away?
You can simply start by identifying your Major Goal
Map your systems. Take a major goal (e.g., financial independence) and identify the interconnected elements—skills, habits, networks, and emotional resilience—that influence it. Work on improving the system, not just the outcome.
2. Stop Reacting and Start Reframing
Stop thinking: “This situation is unfair, and I can’t change it.”
Start thinking: “What alternative perspectives can help me reinterpret this situation?”
Ever been in a situation where something doesn’t go your way, and you immediately think, “Why does this always happen to me?” Trust me, I’ve been there too, many times. It’s so easy to spiral into frustration or self-pity.
But here’s the game-changer: Instead of reacting emotionally, pause and ask yourself, “What else could this mean?” This is called cognitive reframing. It’s about choosing to see things from a different angle.
For example, let’s say a job opportunity falls through. Instead of focusing on the rejection, you could reframe it as a chance to prepare for something even better—or as a sign that you’re meant to carve your own path.
Some go-to trick? You can use three lenses to reframe challenges:
What’s the best that could come out of this?
What’s the most practical next step I can take?
What’s the lesson here?
It doesn’t make the problem disappear, but it does shift your energy from “stuck” to “empowered.”
3. Stop Consuming Everything and Start Being Picky
Stop thinking: “I need to absorb as much information as possible to stay ahead.”
Start thinking: “What specific knowledge or experiences will provide the highest leverage?”
Let’s talk about the endless cycle of consuming information. You know, scrolling through social media, binge-watching tutorials, reading every self-help books, articles (kind of like this one). It feels productive, right? But more often than not, it’s just mental clutter.
Consuming less but applying more is where the magic happens. It’s also because the information you are consuming is useless, if you are not gonna apply it. Instead of chasing every piece of advice out there, focus on a handful of ideas that truly matter to you—and put them into action.
You should ask yourself, “Does this actually solve a problem I’m facing right now? Or is it just noise?” If it doesn’t pass that test, you should skip it.
And honestly, life feels so much lighter when you stop trying to keep up with everything.
4. Stop Labeling Yourself and Start Redefining Who You Are
Stop thinking: “This is who I am, and these are my limits.”
Start thinking: “I am a dynamic being capable of evolving beyond my current identity.”
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just not that type of person”? Like, “I’m not good at public speaking” or “I’m not a creative person.” I have been like this, my whole life.
That kind of thinking might feel true( it often feels true), but it’s actually just a story you’re telling yourself.
The reality? You’re not a fixed identity. You’re a work in progress, and you get to decide who you’re becoming.
The question isn’t who am I?—it’s who am I becoming?
You should use identity-based habits. Instead of setting goals like “I want to earn $10,000,” focus on becoming the type of person who achieves that. Ask:
What habits does this version of me have?
What does this person prioritize?
How do they respond to setbacks?
It’s not about faking it; it’s about practicing it until it becomes second nature.
5. Stop Chasing Goals and Start Loving the Process
Stop thinking: “When I achieve this, I’ll be happy.”
Start thinking: “The process itself is the reward.”
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll be happy when I achieve X,” let me save you some time: You won’t. Sure, you might feel a brief high, but the excitement fades, and then you’re on to the next thing.
The trick isn’t to obsess over the outcome. It’s to fall in love with the process—the daily grind, the small wins, the tiny improvements. When you focus on the process, the results take care of themselves.
For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” focus on becoming someone who enjoys eating healthy and moving their body. The weight loss will happen naturally because you’re building habits that stick.
There are three things you should consider and you should celebrate progress on three levels:
1. Daily wins (Did I stick to my habit today?)
2. Milestones (How far have I come this month?)
3. Long-term impact (How is this shaping the person I’m becoming?)
The Compound Effect of Mindset
Basically, It’s All About Small, Intentional Shifts!
Here’s the truth: Changing your mindset doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a daily practice of catching yourself when you’re falling into old patterns and gently steering yourself in a new direction.
But the beauty of these shifts is that they compound. The more you practice systems thinking, reframing, curation, identity-building, and process mastery, the more you’ll notice your life moving in a direction that feels aligned, fulfilling, and truly your own.
So, what’s one mindset shift you’re ready to embrace today?
Or have you experienced a mindset shift that completely changed the way you approach life or work?
Let’s talk about it. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sending all the good vibes from my corner of internet to yours!
See you, soon!
Aiza
I like the article. I will need to read through it some more. It almost sounds minimalist in a way --like Makashi
You've begun a fascinating process yourself--and in this season of gratitude, you are well thanked!!