From Stuck to Free: The 3-Step Mindset Shift That Changed My Life

For years, I felt trapped in my own mind—stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, overthinking, and an obsession with perfection. No matter what I achieved, it never felt like enough. I struggled with body dysmorphia, constantly critiquing my reflection, picking apart every perceived flaw. Anxiety was my constant companion, whispering worst-case scenarios into my ear. My thoughts weren’t just unkind; they were destructive.

I thought this was just who I was—someone who would always be at war with herself. Until I wasn’t.

With the help of a professional, I discovered a simple yet life-changing 3-step mindset shift that turned my entire world around. This wasn’t about wishful thinking or forcing positivity. It was about rewiring my mind, changing my relationship with myself, and finally stepping into freedom. If you feel stuck in your own negative thought loops, I promise these steps can help you too.

Step 1: Recognise the Lies Your Mind Tells You

For years, I believed my thoughts were facts. If my mind said I wasn’t good enough, that must be true. If I felt anxious about a situation, it meant something terrible was going to happen. My thoughts ruled my reality, and that reality was exhausting.

The first breakthrough came when I learned that thoughts are not truths. They are just thoughts. Some helpful, some harmful, and many completely irrational.

I started questioning my inner dialogue. When my mind told me I was ugly, I asked, “Who decided that?” When it told me I wasn’t doing enough, I challenged it with, “Says who?” This small act of questioning gave me distance from my thoughts. It allowed me to see them as just mental noise—not absolute reality.

Step 2: Reframe & Rewrite the Narrative

Once I stopped treating my thoughts as undeniable facts, I learned I could rewrite them. Instead of letting my inner critic run the show, I started replacing those toxic narratives with empowering ones.

Instead of: “I’m failing because I haven’t figured everything out yet.” I began telling myself: “I am growing, learning, and making progress every single day.”

Instead of: “I’ll never feel comfortable in my own skin.” I told myself: “My body is not an object to be criticised—it’s my home, and it deserves kindness.”

This wasn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything was fine. It was about choosing a perspective that served me rather than one that destroyed me.

Step 3: Take Action from a Place of Self-Compassion

Mindset shifts are powerful, but without action, they remain just thoughts. The final step was learning to act in alignment with the person I wanted to become. That meant treating myself with the same kindness I would give to a friend.

Instead of punishing myself with extreme dieting and exercise, I started moving my body in ways that felt good. Instead of overworking myself in pursuit of perfection, I set boundaries and prioritised rest. Instead of avoiding situations that triggered my anxiety, I took small, courageous steps forward—knowing that growth happens outside my comfort zone.

The more I acted from a place of self-love instead of self-hatred, the more my reality changed. I stopped being a prisoner to my thoughts and started becoming the creator of my own life.

Freedom Begins With Your Mind

Looking back, I realise I wasn’t broken—I was just trapped in a fixed mindset. I was drowning in limiting beliefs, self-criticism, and perfectionism. But by shifting my mindset with these three steps, I found a new way to exist—one filled with self-acceptance, growth, and inner peace.

If you feel stuck right now, know this: you are not alone, and you are not beyond change. Freedom is possible, and it starts with the way you think about yourself.

Start questioning. Start rewriting. Start acting with love.

Your future self will thank you.

Lisa Marie