Cultivating a healing mindset
Establishing and cultivating the right mindset on a healing journey — and not only for healing, but for life itself — can completely change the trajectory of how our recovery unfolds. One quote expresses it beautifully: "Sometimes it is not about what and how much we do, but about how we do it and how we feel while doing it."
When motivation comes from a wrong place
There was a time in my life when exercise had nothing to do with health. I didn’t see it as a way to support my body. I saw it as something I had to do in order to look better. I was unhappy with how my body looked, and movement became a tool to punish it and force a change. My motivation was rooted in shame and dislike, so of course I didn’t enjoy exercising. It felt heavy, and my body sensed all that negativity.
I see this pattern in many women in the PCOS community. When weight loss is the only intention behind exercising, the body often does not respond well. Mentally, this leads to frustration, helplessness, and even deeper disconnection from the body.
Motivation and mindset on the PCOS journey are rarely talked about, even though they influence everything. We often focus on all the practices and lifestyle changes we “must” do, but if our intention comes from shame, comparison, or painful comments from others, we miss the real benefits. We may not see results at all and we are more likely to give up.
When the Mindset Becomes Too Extreme
Similar principles apply in the opposite direction as well. Some women don’t struggle to start; they struggle to stop. They push themselves too hard, compare their performance, and never feel satisfied with the results. This constant pressure makes them ignore the signals their bodies send when rest or less intensity is needed. This is also a form of imbalance, and it can be just as harmful. That is why balance and a truly healthy mindset are so crucial.
Speaking From Experience
I’m sharing this because I’ve been caught in motivations and mindsets that did not serve me. Over time, I learned that when our actions come from a place of care, respect, and love, our bodies respond differently. The results become more sustainable, and the journey feels lighter.
That is why I want to introduce you to the approaches and insights that helped me build a healthier mindset and motivation — so your healing journey can unfold in a more empowering and supportive way.
Finding Your True Why
Healthy motivation comes from a place of love, not shame. When your actions are driven by pressure, comparison, or self-criticism, your body senses the negativity and healing becomes harder. When you act from genuine care for yourself, you stay consistent, feel more at peace, and create real transformation.
Let’s uncover what motivation truly is and how to establish the kind that will support your healing in a long-term and sustainable way. Motivation is the emotional and mental reason you decide to start showing up for yourself. If your motivation comes from a negative place such as pressure, shame, comparison, or dislike, your body will feel that intention in every action you take. In that state, you might not see many results from the daily steps you try to follow. Instead, you may feel annoyed, helpless, discouraged, or emotionally drained. This is why it is so important to be radically honest with yourself and identify your true why. It might surprise you how many people are unaware that their actions are driven by someone else’s opinion, expectation, or judgement. Sometimes the harshest judge is our own inner critic, and uncovering this truth is not always easy. Healthy motivation comes from a place of love and peace, even if your current situation does not look or feel peaceful from the outside. When you approach your healing actions out of genuine care for your body, you will notice a powerful shift. You start doing things because you want to nurture yourself, not because you want to punish or force yourself. This creates remarkable transformation not only in the body but also in how you feel internally. Your motivation becomes an anchor for the days when you do not feel your best or when progress feels slow. By reminding yourself of your true why, you can move through those moments without losing your inner peace or slipping back into patterns of self-judgement.
Shaping Your Mindset
Motivation is the reason you start, while mindset shapes how the journey feels and how you experience it. A healthy mindset allows you to enjoy the process of change, respond gently to challenges, and stay connected to your body and yourself.
Mindset influences how you experience your actions, respond to discomfort, and relate to yourself and your body along the way. Having the right mindset is especially important for dietary and exercise changes. As the saying goes, sometimes it is not about what we do or how much, but how we do it. Let me illustrate this with examples from my journey. I completely transformed how I experienced exercise and eating. Mindfulness, combined with a positive approach, allows you to enjoy the process rather than feeling punished or restricted. Choosing the right foods can lose its benefit if you feel forced, resentful, or focused on what you “should” be eating instead. Approaching meals with curiosity, savoring flavors, and being grateful for the nourishment in front of you turns eating into a supportive and enjoyable practice. The same principle applies to exercise. If your mind is focused solely on discomfort, pain, or wishing to be elsewhere, the benefits are reduced. Real progress comes when you connect with your body—notice your breath, your heartbeat, and even mild discomfort—while staying present and finding enjoyment in the movement itself. The key is to cultivate a mindset that supports your actions. When your mindset is healthy, it enhances motivation, makes daily practices enjoyable, and ensures that your choices truly serve your body and long-term healing.