Have you ever thought, "I've tried recovery before and failed—why try again?" or "This is just who I am"? These beliefs might be the biggest barrier to lasting recovery.
In this solo episode, licensed therapist Duane Osterlind shares how a growth mindset can transform your recovery journey. Drawing from Dr. Carol Dweck's research, Duane explains how viewing your abilities and capacity for recovery as things that can grow and change (rather than fixed traits) makes all the difference.
Recovery is rarely a straight path. For many, it's a series of hopeful starts followed by setbacks. Each relapse can make doubt grow louder: "Maybe I'm not strong enough," or "Maybe I'll always be this way." These thoughts aren't just discouraging—they actively harm recovery.
When we believe change isn’t possible, we avoid challenges, give up easily, and see effort as pointless. This mindset isn’t just psychological—it impacts physical health, increases stress, and perpetuates addiction.
But there is another way. A growth mindset recognizes that your brain is neuroplastic—able to form new pathways throughout life. The same neuroplasticity that allowed addiction to take hold can help you build healthier habits. Through this lens, relapse becomes valuable data, not failure, offering insights about triggers and strategies for meaningful change.
Duane shares practical steps to build this mindset, like becoming aware of your self-talk, reframing challenges, embracing "the power of yet," and celebrating effort over outcomes. Recovery becomes about resilience and growth, not perfection.
Ready to change your approach?
Download the free growth mindset worksheet in the show notes.
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Key Topics:
- The difference between fixed mindset and growth mindset in recovery
- How neuroplasticity makes lasting change possible in addiction
- Viewing relapses as learning opportunities rather than failures
- Practical techniques to develop a growth mindset in recovery
- The importance of celebrating effort over perfect outcomes
- How seeking feedback strengthens your recovery journey
- Finding inspiration in others who have successfully changed
Episode Timestamps:
[00:00:54] Introduction to growth mindset in addiction recovery
[00:04:21] The research behind mindset theory and Dr. Carol Dweck's work
[00:07:00] Understanding brain neuroplasticity in addiction and recovery
[00:09:39] Actionable steps to develop a growth mindset in recovery
[00:12:31] The power of adding "yet" to negative self-statements
[00:14:05] The importance of seeking constructive feedback
[00:16:00] Closing thoughts: "Becoming is better than being"
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