In this episode, Alveena reflects on the mindset stories we absorb as children and the quiet ways they shape our adult lives. Through her own experience struggling with maths in school and later facing a statistics module as a parent with no time to spiral, she explores how old narratives can sneak back in and limit what we believe we are capable of.

Using Carol Dweck’s research on fixed and growth mindsets, along with reflections from parenting, faith and personal growth, she unpacks how mindset is less about ability and more about the stories we repeat to ourselves. She shares how witnessing her mother navigate life with blindness reshaped her understanding of resilience, and how shifting her mindset allowed her to step into opportunities she once saw as out of reach.

This episode is for anyone who feels held back by old beliefs, self doubt or the idea that they are just not good at something.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Fixed mindset stories often form in childhood and quietly shape our adult decisions.
  
  
• Growth mindset is built through action, persistence and reframing, not confidence.
  
  
• Breaking tasks into small steps can override panic and old narratives.
  
  
• Witnessing the resilience of others can expand what we believe is possible for ourselves.
  
  
• Parenting language influences how children internalise ability, effort and failure.
  
  
• Reframing limiting thoughts builds long term emotional and cognitive flexibility.

BEST MOMENTS

“I internalised a story that I was not wired for maths.”

“That old panic came rushing back decades later.”

“My mum was living with real limitations and still refused to stop figuring things out.”

“I kept repeating my fixed mindset story to myself.”

“That course taught me how to pray bigger, dream bigger and believe I could grow.”

“The only thing holding me back before was my mindset.”

LINKS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alveena-salim-a98abb49/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withalveena/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@withAlveena

ABOUT THE HOST

Alveena is a psychology MSc student, writer and seeker exploring the intersection of mental health, psychology and Islamic spirituality. Her work blends academic insight with lived experience to explore identity, belonging and healing. Through her writing and podcast, she shares personal reflections that bridge science and spirituality, encouraging honest self inquiry and wholehearted living. Grounded yet introspective, she invites others to slow down, reflect and reconnect with who they truly are.

Thank you for listening. If something in an episode touched you, made you think, or just hit different… I’d love to hear it. Alveena