The Power of the Growth Mindset: How I Built a Life I Once Thought Impossible

Carlos Martinez
3 days ago
3 min read

If I had waited until I felt ready, Simplified365 wouldn’t exist. I wouldn’t be trading stocks successfully. I wouldn’t be tackling the hardest projects at work or building systems I once thought were impossible. What changed everything? One thing: adopting a growth mindset.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s the opposite of a fixed mindset, which assumes our talents are static and unchangeable.

But for me, the growth mindset became more than a concept—it became a way of life.

Mel Robbins: Start Before You’re Ready

Mel Robbins, author of The 5 Second Rule, says:

“Start before you’re ready. Don’t prepare, begin.” [succeedfeed.com ]

This quote hit me hard when I was hesitating to launch Simplified365. I had no roadmap, no perfect plan—just a vision to simplify tech for small businesses. I used her 5-second rule to push past hesitation and take action. That mindset helped me build SimplifiedSites, SimplifiedSecurity, and even host my first Bites of 365 training session.

Robbins also reminds us:

“You are one decision away from a completely different life.” [lifesucces...ournal.com ]

That decision for me was to stop waiting and start building.

Jen Sincero: Excuses or Success—Pick One

In You Are a Badass at Making Money, Jen Sincero writes:

“You can have excuses, or you can have success; you can't have both.” [goodreads.com ]

This quote became my mantra when I decided to take on the hardest projects at work. I stopped telling myself I wasn’t ready or qualified and started saying, “I’ll figure it out.” That shift led me to build automations, design training programs, and even draft complex legal documents—things I never imagined I could do.

Sincero also says:

“Time wasted rationalizing the mediocre could be time spent creating the magnificent.” [goodreads.com ]

That’s exactly what I did when I taught myself how to trade stocks. I didn’t wait for a finance degree—I studied, practiced, failed, learned, and eventually succeeded.

Lewis Howes: Learn More to Earn More

In Make Money Easy, Lewis Howes emphasizes:

“If you want to EARN more, you need to LEARN more.” [amazon.com ]

This quote perfectly captures my journey into stock trading and tech entrepreneurship. I didn’t have a background in finance or web development. But I committed to learning—through books, podcasts, trial and error—and that learning turned into earning.

Howes also teaches:

“Money is energy, and money amplifies who you are.” [lewishowes.com ]

With a growth mindset, I’ve learned that money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. It’s about building something that helps others, like my fiancé’s salon or the small businesses I support through Simplified365.

What the Growth Mindset Has Done for Me

Created Simplified365 from scratch to help small businesses thrive with tech.
Tackled the hardest projects at work, even when I felt unqualified.
Built systems and solutions I once thought were impossible.
Taught myself to trade stocks efficiently and successfully.

None of this came from being “ready.” It came from believing I could grow.

Final Thoughts: Your Growth Starts Now

If you’re waiting for permission, stop. If you’re doubting your ability, challenge that thought. The growth mindset isn’t just motivational fluff—it’s a tool that can transform your life.

As Mel Robbins says:

“You don’t give yourself enough credit. You are a lot stronger than you think.” [yourpositi...eoasis.com ]

So go ahead—start before you’re ready. Build what you’ve been dreaming about. Learn what you need to learn. And remember: you’re one decision away from a completely different life.