Have a Growth midset and build mental Resilience 

We all know that life brings its fair share of challenges—whether it’s managing daily stress, facing unexpected setbacks, or dealing with emotional ups and downs. But what if you had the tools to navigate those challenges with greater ease and resilience? What if you could approach each day with the mindset that no matter what happens, you have the power to move forward?

This is the journey we’re embarking on together throughout October, guided by the wisdom of Dr. Julie Smith’s powerful book, Why Has No One Told Me This Before?. In this book, Dr. Smith—a clinical psychologist—shares practical, everyday strategies for improving mental wellbeing, managing stress, and building emotional resilience. Her insights are designed to be simple yet impactful, providing you with tools that you can start using immediately to improve your mindset and approach to life’s challenges.

Each week, we’ll focus on key takeaways from the book that will help you create positive shifts in your thinking, strengthen your emotional health, and build resilience. These aren’t abstract concepts—they are actionable techniques you can apply to your daily life, helping you stay grounded, focused, and mentally strong.

Why It Matters: Mental Wellbeing is a Daily Practice

The reality is, mental wellbeing isn’t something we can take for granted—it requires consistent effort and care, just like physical health. Dr. Julie Smith reminds us that mental resilience isn’t a trait reserved for the few—it’s a skill that can be developed, no matter where you are starting from.

In her book, she shares insights that will help you:

• Manage Anxiety and Stress: By using practical mindfulness techniques and reframing negative thoughts, you can regain control over your emotional responses and reduce overwhelming feelings.
• Build Emotional Resilience: Small, daily actions—such as practising gratitude, setting boundaries, and reflecting on your progress—help you bounce back from life’s challenges and develop a stronger sense of self.
• Cultivate Self-Compassion: Often, we are our own harshest critics. Learning to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others is crucial for maintaining confidence and a healthy mindset.

These strategies aren’t meant to be quick fixes, but rather ongoing practices that contribute to a balanced and resilient mind. Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore these techniques and more, empowering you to take control of your mental wellbeing and approach each day with greater confidence.

How to Make the Most of This Month

To truly benefit from these lessons, it’s important to take a proactive approach. If your not a subscriber to the journal you should subscribe to our Monday Mindset email. Each week I will give you a focus for the week, based on the key takeaways from the book of the month, in this case – Why Has No One Told Me This Before?. These bite-sized lessons are designed to fit seamlessly into your day, making it easier for you to stay engaged with your growth without feeling overwhelmed.

But, as with any journey, reflection is key to deepening your understanding and solidifying your progress. This is where the Lion State journal becomes an invaluable tool. By documenting your thoughts, challenges, and small victories in the journal, you give yourself the space to reflect on how these techniques are working for you and where you can make adjustments. Journaling is a powerful way to make mental wellbeing a daily habit, rather than something you turn to only in times of stress.

Think of it as a companion that helps you track your growth, measure your progress, and remind you of how far you’ve come. As you start applying these lessons from Dr. Julie Smith’s book, your journal will become a record of your journey toward greater resilience, balance, and self-awareness.

Try it Now: Start with Reflection

To get started, let’s take a moment to reflect on where you are right now. Ask yourself:

1. What is one area of my life where I feel emotionally challenged or mentally stuck?
2. What do I hope to gain from focusing on my mental well-being this month?
3. What small, actionable steps can I take to make this month a success?

Write these reflections down in your journal to set your intention for the month ahead. This practice will help clarify your goals and set the tone for your journey.

Looking Forward: What’s Next

In the weeks to come, we’ll dive into the practical strategies shared in Why Has No One Told Me This Before?, focusing on topics like reframing negative thoughts, building emotional resilience, and practising self-compassion. Each week will bring new insights and tools you can use to strengthen your mental health and create a more positive, empowered mindset.

So as you begin this journey, remember—every small step you take toward improving your mindset matters. Mental wellbeing is a journey, not a destination, and with each new week, you’ll be building the habits and resilience that will support your long-term growth.

Let’s start this month with an open mind and a commitment to taking care of our mental and emotional health. With the right tools and consistent effort, you’ll discover that you have the power to create lasting positive change in your life.