Mindset Mastery
Cultivating a growth mentality for unstoppable success through continuous self-discovery
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.
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:
- Embrace your failures as a necessary step towards success
- See obstacles as opportunities for growth
- Challenge yourself in new ways
- 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)
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.