168 | The Power of Yet: How One Word Can Change Everything

In this episode, I break down one of the simplest but most transformative concepts in personal development: The Power of Yet. Inspired by Dr. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset, “yet” is the tiny word that shifts you from feeling stuck to seeing possibility.

Whether you’re struggling with money, burnout, confidence, career direction, or new skills, adding “yet” rewires your brain to believe you’re capable of change- because you are.

You’re not good at budgeting... yet.
You don’t feel confident at work... yet.
You’re not financially independent... yet.
You don’t have work–life boundaries... yet.

Not “no.” Not “never.” Just not yet.

This episode gives practical examples, stories, and tools to help you adopt the “yet” mindset so you can grow in any area of your life.

What is covered in this episode: 

• What the “Power of Yet” actually means

A simple mindset shift backed by decades of psychology and neuroscience.

• A quick overview of Dr. Carol Dweck’s research

How growth mindset vs. fixed mindset impacts confidence, learning, resilience, and even burnout.

• How “yet” reframes failure

Turning mistakes into information, not identity.

• Real-life examples of “yet” in action

Money, relationships, boundaries, investing, career development, and personal habits.

• Why 'yet' is crucial for financial independence

If you don’t believe you can learn to budget, invest, or build wealth… you won’t.

• The neuroscience behind “yet”

Why this tiny word activates motivation pathways instead of threat pathways in the brain.

• How the Power of Yet protects against burnout

When you see yourself as someone who can grow, setbacks feel temporary- not personal.

• Easy ways to integrate the “yet” mindset into daily life

Microhabits, affirmations, self-reflection prompts, and language shifts.

By the end of this episode, you will learn:

• How to spot fixed-mindset thoughts

• How to rewrite them using “yet” statements

• How to create microhabits that support growth

• How to build confidence through incremental wins

• How “yet” can change the trajectory of your financial life

• How to use this mindset shift to reduce burnout and self-doubt

• How to apply “yet” in relationships, career, money, and personal goals

Resources Mentioned: 

• Wealthfront HYSA referral link: https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFA-NGE2-ZDDZ-K8BK

• Dr. Carol Dweck’s TED Talk – “The Power of Yet”

   

If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way. 

Thanks to Caleb Pepperday, CFP, CHFC, founder of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC, for sponsoring this episode! If you're interested, visit advancedpracticeplanning.com/FI to grab your free consultation.

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

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