Embrace the Climb · Episode 8
Mindset

Mindset Mastery

Cultivating a growth mentality for unstoppable success through continuous self-discovery

4 min read
Irene Machu (Guest)

Hello, my name is Irene Machu, and I am an e-resource reference librarian with a passion for information and knowledge.

Growing up, I was terrified of technology and computers, but my dad encouraged me to enroll in a computer school. Little did I know that this decision would ignite my passion for turning data into useful information.

With a certificate program in DBMS, my love for searching for and turning data into useful information started.


Finding My Calling

When I went to university, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to become, so I took sociology as it was the course I was offered. Although I enjoyed learning about the diversity of cultures and how to interact better with people, I was still searching for my true calling.

After my father passed away, I took any advice without evaluating it properly, and I did many internships in different fields, but none of them felt right.

However, after my national service in a library, I found my calling. I started to enjoy finding ways to improve my library knowledge, and I enrolled in a master’s degree program.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, I made it to the end of my master’s and landed a job as the head of the e-resource unit.

After a while, I began enjoying finding better ways of improving my library knowledge through webinars, YouTube videos, and seminars.

Irene graduated from her Masters Program

Graduated from my Masters Program

But cultivating a growth mentality is not just about professional success. It’s about challenging yourself in all areas of your life.

That’s why I started to take up new hobbies like:

  • Photography
  • Painting

These experiences gave me a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that I never knew existed.

Through my journey, I learned that mindset mastery is a continuous process of self-discovery, learning, and growth. Embracing failure as a necessary step towards success and seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth helped me achieve my goals.


The Growth Mindset in Action

I now hope to inspire others to cultivate a growth mentality and discover the endless possibilities that come with it.

In my personal life, I have learned to see the benefits of a growth mindset in my:

  • Relationships
  • Health
  • Finances

Trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone not only helps me grow but also gives me a sense of accomplishment.

One of the most exciting things about cultivating a growth mentality is the constant challenge of learning and pushing oneself beyond limits.

I have found that the following have helped me shape my idea of self:

  • Prayer
  • Exercise
  • Adding new knowledge through audiobooks and podcasts
  • Seeking guidance from autobiographies and memoirs

Cultivating a growth mentality is not a one-time achievement, but a continuous process of self-discovery, learning, and growth.

I encourage you to:

  1. Embrace your failures as a necessary step towards success
  2. See obstacles as opportunities for growth
  3. Challenge yourself in new ways
  4. Step out of your comfort zone

Discover the limitless possibilities that come with a growth mindset.

Quick Fire Q&A

Worst Advice

“Don’t start what you can’t finish”

Best Advice

  • “Slow motion is better than no motion”
  • “Keep being you — people will adjust”

Favourite Books

  • Finding Me by Viola Davis
  • Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra

Dream Walking Partners

  • Jesus — I definitely have questions
  • My Dad — I miss him

Daily Rituals

  • Prayer
  • Workout
  • Adding new knowledge (audiobooks and podcasts)
IM
Guest Author

Irene Machu

Irene Machu is the Head of E-Resources at a leading library, transforming how people access and use information in the digital age.

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