The Biggest Mindset Mistakes I See

When it comes to managing chronic illness, most of the advice out there focuses on the physical: medication, treatments, and endless doctor appointments. And while these are essential, I’ve learned the hard way that they’re only half of the equation. What’s often missing is the conversation about the mental toll that chronic illness takes—a toll that can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms.

For anyone navigating life with a chronic condition, you’ve probably felt the emotional rollercoaster: exhaustion, frustration, isolation, and sometimes, the creeping urge to give up. I’m here to share what I wish I’d known years ago about managing the mental side of chronic illness, starting with three common mindset mistakes that many people (myself included) fall into—and what you can do instead.

Mindset Mistake #1: Believing You Can “Power Through”

The mantra of “pushing through” is celebrated in our society, often viewed as a sign of strength. But when you’re living with chronic illness, pushing through can do more harm than good. Yes, there are times when we have to dig deep and keep going, but it’s vital to listen to what your body is telling you.

Powering through might work in the short term, but in the long term, it leaves you drained, physically and emotionally. It’s a recipe for burnout, and it often means you’re left with even fewer resources to manage your health when you really need them. Instead of pushing through, try a mindset of “meeting yourself where you are.” This means accepting that some days will be slower, some goals might take longer, and rest isn’t a weakness; it’s a necessity.

Mindset Mistake #2: Looking for Quick Fixes

Who wouldn’t love a magic pill or a quick solution that makes everything feel better? While apps, therapies, and treatments can offer relief, they’re often just pieces of the puzzle. One mindfulness session or an afternoon spent reading inspirational quotes is unlikely to create lasting change. When we rely on these quick fixes, we end up disappointed and even more frustrated when they don’t deliver the transformation we hoped for.

What actually makes a difference is developing a toolkit of strategies that support your well-being over the long haul. This toolkit isn’t a one-and-done fix; it’s something that evolves with you. It includes a mix of practices, resources, and habits that address not just your body but your mind as well. And most importantly, it’s built around your unique needs and preferences.

Mindset Mistake #3: Ignoring the Mind-Body Connection

Chronic illness isn’t just something that happens in your body—it affects every aspect of your life, including your mental and emotional health. Ignoring the mind-body connection is like trying to steer a ship with half of the controls turned off. When you only focus on physical symptoms, you miss out on a huge part of what could help you feel better overall.

Recognising the mind-body connection means understanding that your thoughts, emotions, and stress levels directly impact how your body feels. Acknowledging this connection gives you greater control because you’re no longer just reacting to symptoms; you’re proactively managing the bigger picture.

The Solution: Building a Mindset Toolkit

So, what’s the alternative? For me, the answer has been creating a mindset toolkit—a set of practices and strategies designed to support both my mental and physical well-being. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. It Helps You Navigate Emotional Highs and Lows Chronic illness brings emotional waves that can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, you’ll be able to weather these waves with more resilience. A mindset toolkit gives you access to coping strategies for those hard days, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking every time a rough patch hits.
2. It Teaches You How to Respond Instead of Reacting Often, when symptoms flare up, our first instinct is to react from a place of fear or frustration. A mindset toolkit helps you recognise your body’s signals and respond thoughtfully. Instead of reacting impulsively, you’ll learn to slow down, observe, and choose the best course of action for your health and peace of mind.
3. It’s Customised to You One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work well for people with chronic illness. A toolkit lets you build a personalised approach that fits your specific needs and lifestyle. You’ll find tools that work for you, allowing you to manage symptoms more effectively and regain a sense of control over your life.
4. It Builds Resilience Over Time Resilience isn’t built overnight, but a mindset toolkit equips you with resources that strengthen your resilience bit by bit. Over time, you’ll find that the challenges you face feel a bit more manageable, and your capacity to handle tough situations grows.

Ready to Create Your Own Toolkit? I’d Love Your Help!

If you’re ready to stop just “getting by” and start feeling more in control, a personalised mindset toolkit could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. I’m currently building a course specifically designed to guide people with chronic illness in creating their own mindset toolkit. But here’s where I need your help—I want to make sure this course truly hits the mark and serves your needs.

Would you take two minutes to fill out a quick survey?

This survey will help me shape the course to be as practical and impactful as possible, covering everything from resilience-building to reconnecting with your body in a way that respects your unique challenges. Your insights are invaluable, and it’s a straightforward survey that should only take a couple of minutes.

As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey will go into the draw for a chance to receive free access to the finished course! Click the link below to share your thoughts and help me create a resource that really makes a difference.

Fill out the survey here.