Settings of the Mind

I've recently heard an interpretation of mindset by Dr. Alia Crum, mindset expert. I think sometimes "mindset" gets a bad rap. Like its the assumption that we are being told to "just think positive" and everything will be alright. This isn't helpful. Dr. Crum teaches that mindsets are not who we are, they’re simply settings of the mind.

Like the settings on your phone or laptop.

Helpful… until they’re not.

Most of us are walking around operating from settings we never consciously chose. Settings that were installed years ago. At one point, they probably served a purpose. They kept us safe, productive, or loved.

But here’s the thing: Just because a setting once made sense doesn’t mean it still does.

An outdated setting might sound like:

• Stress is bad and should be avoided.

• Rest has to be earned.

• If I can’t do it perfectly, it doesn’t count.

• I’m just not someone who follows through.

  
  

Nothing is “wrong” with you when these messages pop into your head. You’re just running on an old setting.

And this is the part I love most about Dr. Crum’s work—and about life drafting in general: settings can be changed.

Not overnight. Not by force. But through awareness, intention, and small, steady revisions.

This week, I invite you to simply notice: What setting seems to be running in the background of your days?

Then, gently ask:

Is this still the setting I want to be running my life?

You don’t have to uninstall it yet. Just notice it.

If you want to play with a small shift, try this: When you catch the old setting, imagine toggling it just one notch—not to its opposite, just toward something more supportive.

For example:

• “Stress is harmful” → “Stress can be a signal—and I can work with it.”

• “Rest must be earned” → “Rest supports the draft I’m writing.”

• “I’m bad at follow-through” → “I’m practicing follow-through in ways that work for me.”

That’s it. That’s the work this week.

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Journal Prompts:

How does this setting support me today—and how does it limit me?

If I were to adjust this setting by just one notch, what might that look like in real life this week?

What would it feel like to draft my days from a setting rooted in trust rather than protection?

What new setting do I want to experiment with—not commit to forever, just try on?

Where in my life am I reacting automatically instead of responding intentionally?

What part of me benefits from keeping this setting—and what part of me is ready to grow beyond it?

Affirmations:

• I have permission to revise the way I respond to my world.

• Small setting shifts create meaningful change.

• I am drafting my life from intention, not autopilot.

• I can choose settings that support who I am becoming.

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Save the Date!

It's here!!! I'm so excited to announce our first annual planning retreat - Draft Your Year with Pencil and Purpose! This is the perfect opportunity for you to get away to the beach, spend time in reflection and planning, and do the personal work necessary to make your 2026 the best year yet! Dates are January 22-25, with a Thursday evening arrival and departure Sunday morning. This will be for members and other guests. Click HERE for details and the link to sign up!

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Office Hours:  Office Hours in January will be on Wednesday, January 14. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE

The Reflection Room: We will take a break from this until the new year, at which time we will switch to an evening session. The new day and time will be Tuesdays @ 7:30pm starting January 6.

Join me HERE