Why Believing in Yourself Actually Works

Aug 15
3 min read

Published: August 15, 2025

Written By: Abigail Ellis

Let’s talk about something that can seriously level up your life—your mindset. Yep, we’re going there. And no, this isn’t just another “stay positive!” talk. This is about how the way you think about yourself can change how you handle challenges, bounce back from failures, and grow into the person you really want to be.

It’s called a growth mindset, and trust me—once you get it, everything hits different.

So...What Is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset means you believe that your abilities and intelligence can improve with effort, learning, and time.Basically: you're not stuck where you are.

On the flip side, a fixed mindset is when you believe you're either good at something or you're not—end of story. And when that happens, one failure can make you want to quit altogether.

But here's the thing: nobody wakes up good at everything. Even the most talented people you know started as beginners.

Why Does This Matter for YOU?

Because real life is not about being perfect. It’s about learning, growing, and getting stronger with every experience.

Got a bad grade?Didn’t make the team?Lost motivation halfway through a project?

You’re not failing—you’re learning. And how you respond makes all the difference.

3 Growth Mindset Hacks Every Teen Needs

1. Let’s Ditch the Word “Can’t”

“Can’t” isn’t just a word—it’s a mindset.And once you get used to saying it, it becomes a habit that keeps you stuck.

So let’s switch it up. Instead of:

“I can’t figure this out.” Try: “I’m going to keep working at this until I understand.”
“I can’t do public speaking.” Try: “I’m learning to get more confident speaking in front of people.”
“I can’t draw/write/do math/run/etc.” Try: “I’m improving every time I try.”

You’re not denying the challenge—you’re just refusing to let it define you. That’s a boss move.

2. Stop Seeing Mistakes as Fails

Newsflash: messing up does not mean you’re a failure. It means you’re trying.And trying is where all the good stuff happens.

Think of mistakes like reps at the gym for your brain. Every time you fail, you build strength.Next time you mess up, ask yourself:

What did I learn?
What can I do differently next time?

Mistakes = free lessons. Take them and grow.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results

We all love winning—but the grind to get there deserves just as much hype.

Did you study more this time? High five.
Did you step out of your comfort zone? That’s bold.
Did you try even when it was scary? That’s growth.

Start cheering yourself on for the effort you put in, even if the outcome isn’t perfect yet.

Real Talk: Your Mindset is Like an App—You Can Update It

You don’t have to get it right all the time. You just have to keep learning.Changing how you think takes practice, but it pays off big time in school, sports, relationships—everything.

And remember: