5 Mindset Shifts That Helped Me Heal + Hustle

If you’ve ever tried to build a dream while healing from burnout, heartbreak, betrayal, or just... life in general, this post is for YOU.

Healing and hustling can coexist. You don’t have to choose between working on yourself and working on your goals. I’m sharing 5 Mindset Shifts That Helped Me Heal + Hustle without losing my sanity, my sense of humor, or my ambition.

These aren’t fluffy Instagram quotes. These are real shifts that helped me run a business, stay creative, and keep showing up, even when life threw a few bricks my way. So grab your favorite drink, maybe a notebook, and let’s get into it.

Shift #1: Progress over perfection isn’t a cliché—it’s a strategy.

I know, I know. You’ve heard this before. But hear me out. For years, I was paralyzed by perfection. It wasn't just a fleeting feeling; it became a significant barrier in my life. I wouldn’t launch anything until every single detail was pixel-perfect. The process of creation morphed into an endless cycle of anxiety and self-doubt, where I found myself writing and rewriting and rewriting again, only to ultimately scrap everything in frustration.

Sound familiar? This constant battle with my own expectations turned into a vicious cycle that stifled my creativity and stunted my growth. I often found myself staring at a blank page, overwhelmed by the pressure to produce something flawless. The fear of judgment loomed large, and the thought of releasing anything less than perfect felt like an insurmountable risk.

But through a journey of personal healing, I learned that perfectionism is often a defense mechanism. It serves as a shield against vulnerability and rejection. When you’ve been hurt or let down in the past, you try to control everything around you in an attempt to avoid further pain. However, the truth is that real hustle and progress don’t happen in a state of control; they happen in motion.

I discovered that it is in the act of creating, sharing, and engaging with the world that we truly find our voice and our purpose. By allowing myself to move forward, even when I felt less than prepared, I began to experience a sense of liberation that was previously foreign to me.

What helped:

• I gave myself permission to launch before I felt ready. This was a pivotal moment for me. I realized that waiting for the perfect moment often meant waiting indefinitely. Embracing the idea that I could still make an impact, even if I wasn’t fully prepared, was incredibly empowering.

• I adopted the 80% rule: If it’s 80% there, it goes out. This principle became my guiding light. It taught me to recognize that perfection is an illusion and that progress is what truly matters. By focusing on completion rather than perfection, I was able to share my work with the world and receive valuable feedback that helped me grow.

• I celebrated done, not just perfect. Shifting my mindset to value completion over flawlessness allowed me to appreciate the journey of creation. I began to acknowledge and celebrate my achievements, no matter how small, which fueled my motivation to keep going.

  
  

So, ask yourself: What project are you sitting on because it’s not “ready”? Think about the ideas, the dreams, or the goals you’ve been holding back on. Are you waiting for the perfect conditions or the right moment to take action?

Perhaps it’s time to break free from the chains of perfectionism and take that first step. The world is waiting for your unique contribution, and the only way to make it happen is to embrace the journey, imperfections and all. Don’t let fear dictate your pace; instead, let your passion drive you forward.

Shift #2: Healing is not a retreat, it’s a revolution.

Yes, you can take a break. Rest is essential. But let’s not confuse healing with hiding.

There was a time when I thought I had to pause everything until I felt 100% better. But guess what? If I waited for full clarity, confidence, or certainty, I’d never create a damn thing. Healing is not a destination. It’s a daily practice. And sometimes, showing up is the therapy.

What helped:

• I scheduled my work around my energy, not someone else’s calendar. This approach allowed me to tap into my natural rhythms and energy levels, which varied throughout the day. By identifying the times when I felt most alert and productive, I could allocate my most challenging tasks for those peak periods. Conversely, during the times when I felt less energetic, I shifted my focus to lighter tasks or activities that required less mental strain. This strategy not only enhanced my overall productivity but also contributed to a greater sense of well-being, as I was no longer fighting against my own body’s signals. Instead, I adopted my unique work style, creating a schedule tailored to my needs rather than conforming to a rigid framework dictated by others.

• I stopped apologizing for working more slowly or softly. In a world that often glorifies hustle and relentless output, I found that I had been internalizing the belief that I needed to justify my pace or style of working. By letting go of the habit of apologizing for not meeting conventional expectations, I liberated myself from unnecessary guilt and self-doubt. I recognized that my approach, which may be perceived as slower or softer, actually allowed for a deeper engagement with my work and a more thoughtful, creative output. This shift in mindset not only boosted my confidence but also encouraged me to embrace my unique contributions without fear of judgment, fostering a more authentic and fulfilling work experience.

• I replaced “I’m broken” with “I’m building.” This transformative change in language and perspective was pivotal in reshaping how I viewed myself and my journey. Rather than seeing my struggles or challenges as indicators of failure or brokenness, I began to frame them as integral parts of a constructive process. Each difficulty became a stepping stone toward growth, resilience, and self-improvement. By adopting the mindset of “I’m building,” I focused on the progress I was making, no matter how small, and celebrated each achievement along the way. This positive affirmation not only helped to cultivate a sense of hope and purpose but also reinforced the idea that personal development is a continuous journey, rich with opportunities for learning and evolution.

So if you’re in a season where you’re holding grief in one hand and ambition in the other? You’re not doing it wrong—you’re just healing and hustling.

Shift #3: Self-worth is not tied to productivity or profit. Period.

This one took me a minute—okay, years—to fully grasp and internalize. I used to feel an incredible rush of satisfaction and euphoria when I achieved significant goals, whether they were personal milestones or professional accomplishments.

Conversely, whenever I fell short of these aspirations, I would spiral into feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt. It was a rollercoaster of emotions that left me exhausted and frustrated. However, through the process of healing and self-discovery, I came to understand a profound truth your value isn’t determined by external metrics, the number of followers you have on social media, or the figure reflected in your bank account.

Your worth is inherent and unchangeable, a fundamental aspect of who you are, even during those challenging times when your business might be experiencing a lull or when you find yourself in between jobs, searching for new opportunities.

What helped me in this transformative journey:

• I started celebrating effort, not just outcomes. This shift in perspective allowed me to appreciate the hard work, dedication, and resilience I put into my endeavors, regardless of the end result. Every step I took, every attempt I made, became a reason for celebration in its own right.

• I began to talk to myself in a manner that mirrored how I would speak to a close friend. This meant replacing self-criticism with compassion and understanding. I learned to acknowledge my struggles and setbacks without harsh judgment, fostering a more supportive internal dialogue that nurtured my self-esteem.

• I constantly reminded myself: “Resting isn’t lazy. It’s leadership.” This mantra became a guiding principle, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the necessity of taking breaks to recharge. I recognized that true leadership involves knowing when to step back, reflect, and rejuvenate, rather than pushing through at the expense of my well-being.

When you stop outsourcing your value to external factors and begin to recognize your inherent worth, everything changes. You find the courage to take risks that you might have previously shied away from. You become more open to trying new things, exploring uncharted territories, and embracing opportunities that come your way.

You may stumble and face failures along the journey, but instead of viewing these setbacks as indicators of your worth, you learn to see them as stepping stones. You fail forward, using each experience to grow and evolve.

That’s where the real hustle begins—not just in the pursuit of goals, but in the journey of self-acceptance and resilience. This shift in mindset is transformative, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life where your value is anchored in who you are, not what you achieve.

Shift #4: Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re scalable.

Let me say this louder for the people-pleasers in the back, if you don’t protect your energy, your hustle will eat you alive. It’s a harsh reality that many of us face, especially in today’s fast-paced world where the pressure to perform and deliver is incessant.

Before I had learned the importance of setting boundaries in my life and work, I found myself saying yes to everything. This included every client who reached out, every project that seemed interesting, and every meeting that was scheduled, even when I was running on empty and felt utterly exhausted. It’s easy to fall into the trap of overcommitting, thinking that saying yes would lead to more opportunities or to being perceived as reliable and hardworking.

However, you can guess how that ended (spoiler alert: burnout, breakdown, Netflix coma). I reached a point where I was so drained that I could barely function, let alone produce anything of quality. It was a wake-up call that forced me to reevaluate how I approached my work and my personal life. Now? Boundaries are no longer an afterthought; they are an integral part of my business plan.

What helped:

• I time-blocked white space on my calendar. This means intentionally creating blocks of time where I have no obligations, allowing myself to recharge, think creatively, or simply breathe. By scheduling these moments of rest amidst my busy days, I ensure that I have the mental clarity and energy needed to tackle my responsibilities effectively.

• I learned to say “no” without guilt. This was perhaps one of the most liberating lessons I’ve ever embraced. Understanding that my time and energy are valuable resources allowed me to decline opportunities that did not align with my goals or that would overextend me. Saying no is not a rejection of others; it is a powerful affirmation of my own priorities and well-being.

• I made “rest” and “revenue” both non-negotiable goals. This dual focus has transformed my approach to work. I realized that in order to generate revenue and sustain my business, I must first take care of myself. By prioritizing rest, I am able to come back to my work rejuvenated and more productive, ultimately leading to better results and a healthier work-life balance.

A well-rested, well-respected version of yourself produces better results—period. It’s essential to recognize that the quality of our work is directly tied to our mental and physical state. When we take the time to recharge and set clear boundaries, we not only enhance our productivity but also foster a more positive and sustainable work environment.

This shift in mindset not only benefits us individually but also positively impacts our clients and colleagues, creating a culture of respect and balance. So, if you find yourself in a cycle of overcommitment and exhaustion, take a step back and reassess. Your energy is precious, and protecting it is key to your long-term success and happiness.

Shift #5: Achievement without alignment is just stress in designer shoes.

You can hit every external goal and still feel empty. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. There have been moments in my life where I stood at the pinnacle of success, achieving accolades and reaching milestones that many would envy. Yet, amidst the applause and recognition, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of emptiness.

The disconnect between my external achievements and internal fulfillment was stark and unsettling. It became increasingly clear that mere accomplishments, no matter how impressive they appeared, did not equate to a sense of true happiness or satisfaction. The turning point came when I started asking myself a pivotal question: “Does this feel good to me?”

This inquiry was not just a fleeting thought; it became a guiding principle in my life. I realized that I had often prioritized external validation over my own emotional and psychological well-being. The shift from a focus on how things looked on paper to how they resonated within me was transformative. It prompted me to reevaluate my priorities and to consider what truly brought joy and meaning to my life.

What helped:

• I defined what “enough” looks like—for me. This was a deeply personal journey of self-discovery. I took the time to reflect on my values, desires, and what fulfillment genuinely meant to me. It involved setting aside societal expectations and the incessant pressure to achieve more. I began to understand that “enough” is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it varies from person to person and is shaped by individual experiences and aspirations.

• I built goals around how I want to feel, not just what I want to have. This approach shifted my focus from a materialistic perspective to an emotional one. Instead of merely chasing promotions, financial milestones, or accolades, I started to prioritize feelings of joy, peace, and fulfillment. I crafted goals that would enhance my well-being, such as nurturing relationships, pursuing passions, and engaging in activities that sparked my creativity and brought me happiness.

• I checked in weekly “Is my hustle still in harmony with my life?” This practice of regular self-assessment became crucial. I carved out time each week to reflect on my actions and their alignment with my core values and emotional needs. This not only kept me accountable but also allowed me to make necessary adjustments to my path. If I found that my hustle was leading to burnout or dissatisfaction, I learned to pivot and realign my efforts with what truly mattered.

When your hustle is aligned with your values, healing happens as a byproduct. This alignment fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, creating a harmonious balance between striving for goals and nurturing one's inner self. You don’t have to choose you just have to listen.

Listening to your inner voice, your intuition, and your feelings can guide you toward a more fulfilling life. It’s about embracing the journey and recognizing that fulfillment comes not from the relentless pursuit of external validation, but from cultivating a life that resonates with who you truly are.

So here’s the big truth, my friend, You can heal and hustle. You can rest and rise. You can slow down without falling behind.

These 5 mindset shifts didn’t just help me make more money or get more done. They helped me feel more me clearer, calmer, and more creative than ever before.

Quick recap:

1. Progress over perfection

2. Healing is an action

3. Your worth ≠ your work

4. Boundaries are business strategy

5. Alignment over achievement

If this resonated with you, let me know in the comments which mindset shift are you working on right now? And if you want more tools, tips, and truth bombs to build a business and life you love subscribe to The Comeback Crew weekly newsletter.

Remember, the world needs that special gift only you have. So keep healing. Keep hustling. And as always, keep going.