Episode Details

A cracked coffee mug, an unexpected trigger, and a simple exercise to shift your growth mindset — plus 3 things to try this week.

This episode teaches a growth mindset practice for when an unexpected word or memory triggers you: naming it, remembering you're not walking through it alone, and using your "value words" to turn frustration into gratitude. Rachael shares three things listeners can do this week — choose value words, pick a word for the year, and put a date on one choice.

In This Episode, You'll Learn

• What to do when a word or phrase unexpectedly triggers a memory you thought you'd moved past
• Why "perfectly imperfect" is a growth mindset shift, not just a phrase
• How to use value words to reframe frustration into gratitude (with a real example)
• Why picking one "word for the year" strengthens your 90-day value word practice
• Three simple, doable action steps for this week

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "perfectly imperfect" mean? It means something can still be fully yours, still functional, still loved — crack and all. Rachael uses her cracked coffee mug as the picture: still her favorite, still in use. It's a reminder that God isn't disposing of us for being imperfect. 

Why do I get triggered by a word or phrase out of nowhere? A word or phrase can unexpectedly connect to a moment from your past — recent or years old — even when you thought you were completely fine. This episode reframes that moment: you're not meant to carry it alone. It's an invitation to lean on God and community, not a sign something is wrong with you.

What are "value words" and how do I choose mine? Value words are the 2-3 words you return to every 90 days to guide your choices — Rachael's current three are family, communication, and improvement. Write them somewhere visible (she uses Post-it notes), and when you face a decision or an unexpected frustration, ask which value word it connects to.

What is a "word for the year"? It's one guiding word you come back to all year, layered on top of your 90-day value words. Rachael's word this year is abundance — and she uses it to track how God is providing across health, mindset, and faith, not just finances.

Why does putting a date on something matter for growth mindset? Without a specific date, a needed choice — a hard phone call, a habit change — quietly slides from "tomorrow" to "this weekend" to "next week" indefinitely. Attaching a real date to a value-based choice is what actually moves it from intention to action.

3 Things to Try This Week

1. Choose your value words and put them somewhere you'll see them daily.
2. Pick your word for the year — the one word you'll keep circling back to.
3. Put a date on one choice tied to a value word — not "someday."

📞 Text Rachael a "Grammy phrase" — a saying from someone close to you that still makes you smile — at 970-279-1818. She may read it (with your first name!) on a future episode.

☕ Feeling stuck in survival mode? Book the Survival Mode Breakthrough Call — one hour, $47 — 970.279.1818~  Start with what's actually important to you right now.

⭐ Loved this episode? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts — Rachael reads every one and shares them on the show.

#growth mindset, #perfectly imperfect, #value words for midlife women, #midlife christian woman podcast, #letting go and moving forward

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