The Power Of Intention – How Red Lipstick On A Mirror Transformed My Life
- Aug 7, 2024
- 5 min read
Written by Tatiane Garcia, Personal Development Coach
Tatiane is an Accredited Personal, Leadership, and Executive Coach with a wealth of experience spanning two continents. With over two decades of invaluable career insights in business management, she has seamlessly transitioned into a trusted Coach and Mentor.
Personal development is essentially about transforming life’s struggles into sources of strength. A growth mindset is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle. Growth can be challenging and uncomfortable when you compare where you are today to where you want to be. However, it becomes more manageable when you reflect on how far you’ve come.
Comparison is a trap and a form of envy that diminishes your achievements and makes them seem less valuable. Envy is the enemy of contentment. Your pace is your own. It's not about being fast or slow, but about finding what works for you. You might feel pressured to rush or worry that you're not moving fast enough. But true growth happens when you embrace your rhythm.
When I first embraced a positive mindset, it often felt like I was faking every aspect of my daily actions and decisions. However, I eventually realized that everything I do—from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed—is a choice I make to become the person I aspire to be. With this understanding, I began to change my choices. I choose what is truly important to me: I choose to learn, to create, to inspire, to share, to laugh, and to live with intention.
Of course, I have my challenges, and to overcome them, I've developed my own tools and techniques, which include essential life skills. These are not secret weapons but simple strategies that anyone can use, such as journaling, therapy, reading, exercise, making connections, and solitude. Solitude is a chosen state where one can enjoy their own company and engage in self-reflection, creativity, and personal growth.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that we often only accept our flaws when they are tied to a diagnosis. In my coaching experience, I’ve witnessed many "aha" moments when people realize that they are simply human, each with their own unique set of challenges. We tend to gravitate toward diagnoses, such as impostor syndrome, choleric or phlegmatic personality, ADHD, and self-sabotaging behaviors, because they offer explanations for our perceived shortcomings. For me, scarcity was always my diagnosis.
Understanding these labels can be empowering, providing a sense of relief and clarity. They help us frame our experiences in a way that feels manageable and allows us to connect with others facing similar issues. However, it’s essential to remember that a diagnosis is just one part of the story. We are more than our labels. Embracing our imperfections without allowing them to define us entirely can lead to personal growth and greater self-acceptance.
Please note: Coaches don't make diagnoses; instead, we help coachees understand how and why they function the way they do.
How to turn your perceived flaws into strengths?
The key is to use these insights as a starting point for change rather than a justification for stagnation. Recognizing that a scarcity mindset has been my diagnosis has prompted me to actively work on cultivating abundance and gratitude in my life. This path requires continuous self-reflection and a commitment to growth, but it is through this process that we transform our perceived flaws into strengths.
Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset began with challenging my beliefs. My scarcity mindset was rooted in limitations and the belief that resources are finite. Here are the ten biggest obstacles related to a scarcity mindset that you might be experiencing too:
Fear of loss: Worrying about losing what one has, leading to risk-averse behavior.
Comparison with others: Feeling envious and believing others’ success diminishes one's own.
Focus on limitations: Concentrating on what is lacking instead of recognizing opportunities.
Short-term thinking: Prioritizing immediate needs over long-term planning.
Reluctance to Share: Unwillingness to share resources or ideas, fearing a personal loss.
Resistance to change: Hesitance to embrace new ideas or adapt due to fear of the unknown.
Stress and overwhelm: Worrying about insufficiency, impacting well-being.
Self-doubt and negative self-talk: Lacking confidence and focusing on inadequacies.
Hoarding behavior: Holding onto resources due to fear of future scarcity.
Fear of spending money: Hesitance to spend money on even essential or valuable things due to fear of running out.
A scarcity mindset can affect various aspects of life beyond finances. In relationships, it may cause feelings of jealousy and possessiveness, driven by the belief that love and attention are limited resources. Professionally, it can lead to reluctance to collaborate and a fear of competition, stemming from the notion that success is finite. This mindset can also stifle personal growth and creativity by fostering a sense of hopelessness about change or improvement. Additionally, it can lead to constant stress over time management and a feeling of perpetual insufficiency. Overcoming these limitations involves recognizing the abundance of opportunities for love, success, and personal development in all areas of life.
Recognizing these traits took me some time, but it has been the most important step in my ongoing path of learning and growth. This awareness has helped me shift toward a prosperous mindset, which emphasizes possibilities, gratitude, and the belief that there are enough resources and opportunities for everyone. I am continually working on expanding my perspective and embracing the abundance around me.
In particular, developing a positive money mindset begins with identifying and addressing limiting beliefs about money, which often stem from childhood experiences, societal influences, and past financial mistakes. Common limiting beliefs include thoughts like "I'll never be good with money," "Money doesn’t grow on trees," or "I don't deserve wealth." Research suggests that holding beliefs such as “Money is the root of all evil” correlates with lower income levels.
The shift from scarcity to abundance thinking involves focusing less on lack and fear and more on opportunities, gratitude, and the belief that there is enough for everyone. Cultivate an abundance mindset by celebrating even small financial victories. This change in perspective reduces stress and opens your mind to creative solutions and opportunities for growth.
Personally, I find writing my goals with red lipstick on the mirror to be a powerful reminder of what I’m working toward. This lipstick was my very first expensive purchase in Ireland, and I didn’t buy it for this specific purpose. However, this simple act has transformed my life by keeping me mindful and motivated on my path to personal success. While fantasizing can lead to impulsive attitudes, intentional visualization encourages discipline and clarity in achieving your goals.
Thoughts are both your problem and your solution. You create your thoughts, and you become what you think because your beliefs shape your reality. Make a choice.
Work with me
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my story as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. If you're looking to bring your project to life or need expert assistance, let’s connect! Schedule a consultation today to explore how we can work together, or reach out to me directly here. I look forward to hearing from you!
Tatiane Garcia, Personal Development Coach
Tatiane is an Accredited Personal, Leadership, and Executive Coach with a wealth of experience spanning two continents. With over two decades of invaluable career insights in business management, she has seamlessly transitioned into a trusted Coach and Mentor. She is a visionary in personal development and the cultivation of meaningful relationships. Tatiane is unwaveringly committed to assisting individuals in broadening their perspectives, leading them to lives characterized by strength and limitless possibilities. Her journey of continuous personal growth has inspired others to embrace their unique experiences, cultivating essential soft skills and self-leadership.
